There are many aspects of managing an elementary school library. Volunteers are essential to the daily operation of the media center that includes clerical and maintenance work. Volunteers can be students or parents. The librarian will choose the volunteers for each school year. All volunteers are expected to keep the privacy of its patrons. Tasks will be directed by the librarian, and volunteers will be trained in their responsibilities by the librarian.
Student Volunteers
Student volunteers consist of fourth and fifth grade students. Student volunteers will need to fill out an application. Responsibilities of student volunteers include but are not limited to:
- Shelving books
- Straightening and dusting shelves
- Helping to create book displays
- Putting up seasonal or themed decorations
- Delivering books to teachers
- Cleaning the library - wipe tables and counters, pick up trash, etc.
Parent Volunteers
Parent volunteers must fill out the district's volunteer application and complete the online training module. Responsibilities of parent volunteers include but are not limited to:
- Creating bulletin board displays
- Repairing books
- Delivering equipment to teachers
- Aiding in the processing of new books: adding labels and stamps, etc.
- Helping with inventory
- Organizing the shelves
- Pull books for teachers requests
- Working with a small group of students
See more information about the volunteer application and training.
Information on this page was taken and/or adapted from Caroline County's Library Media Center Procedural Handbook and Baltimore County Public School's volunteer website.
Works Cited
"Role of Support Staff in the School Library Media Center." Library Media Center Procedural Handbook, Caroline County Public Schools, Sept. 2013.
"Welcome Volunteers." Team BCPS, Baltimore County Public Schools, 2018, www.bcps.org/community/volunteer_info/.
"Welcome Volunteers." Team BCPS, Baltimore County Public Schools, 2018, www.bcps.org/community/volunteer_info/.