Volunteer Position Description

Book Nook Specialist

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Purpose: The purpose of the Book Nook specialist role is to help dispose of discarded, donated and unwanted materials.  You many choose to volunteer on an ongoing basis during designated work sessions, opt to work during regular library hours or both.

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Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities: Upon successful completion of the volunteer screening process and adequate training Book Nook volunteers will assist with: 

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• Discarding: Stamp discarded library materials with official discard stamp.

• Sorting: Sort stacks of miscellaneous books by subject, print type and popularity.

• Shelving/Displaying: Shelve materials by category.  The Dewey Decimal system is not used in this setting, except as a loose guide.

• Discarding: If materials are in the Book Nook longer than seasonally appropriate or more than 4 months items need to be boxed up to give to local donation groups.

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Time Commitment & Scheduling:  The number of days and amount of time you work is up to you.  Adding or eliminating Book Nook stock ​takes more time than freshening and/or tidy existing stock.

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Volunteer Qualifications, Skills & Abilities: Book Nook volunteers need to possess the skills and physical ability to perform the tasks listed. Upon completion of training and a reasonable time on task, volunteers must be able to retain procedures and perform tasks independently with limited supervision.

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While on duty, volunteers serve as representatives of the Rushville Public Library and, to this end, must present and conduct themselves in a positive, friendly, and helpful manner to the general public, fellow volunteers, and library staff.

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This role has occasional exposure to dirt, dust and mold.  Visual and physical abilities are necessary to retrieve materials from tables, to lift, carry, push, and pull carts.  Heavy items are to be handled by library staff only.  

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Volunteer Screening Process: In addition to meeting the qualifications listed above, volunteers must agree to abide by library and program guidelines as outlined in the Volunteer Handbook and successfully complete a volunteer screening process which includes: 

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• Volunteer application

• Volunteer interview

• Criminal background check (for volunteers ages 18+)

• Parental permission form (for volunteers under 18)

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Volunteer Supervision: The RPL director is the volunteer coordinator and is responsible for screening and scheduling volunteers, initiating and monitoring the volunteer training process, and problem-solving any issues or concerns volunteers may have.  All library staff members are available to answer questions or provide volunteer support on a day-to-day basis.

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Volunteer Training: Volunteers will be provided orientation and on-the-job training for the tasks involved.

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Personal Appearance/Dress Code: As a representative of the Rushville Public Library, we request volunteers report for the volunteer shift appropriately groomed and attired.

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Volunteer Badges: Volunteers are requested to wear the provided 'volunteer' badge while on duty.

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Fill out this form if you'd like to volunteer at RPL