In February 1972, the Prince George's County Memorial Library
System (PGCMLS) received a federal grant from the Library Services
and Construction Act, Title I funds, to initiate a volunteer program
for one year. As stated in the original proposal, the objectives
of the project were to extend library services beyond the capabilities
of the library staff and develop better public relations and support
in the community. In July 1973, the Library took over the
responsibility for funding and maintaining the volunteer project
within its own budget. Valuable contributions are made by volunteers
to the Library's mission of promoting and making available resources
that fill the lifelong learning needs of the citizens and residents
of Prince George's County.
PGCMLS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry
or national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, disability
or perceived disability, occupation, political opinion, personal
appearance, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other prohibited basis
in employment or the provision of services.
To find out more about the availability of any volunteer
opportunities, contact the branch at which you would like to volunteer.
Applications for temporary and regular volunteer service are available
at the branches.
The minimum age requirement for volunteers at PGCMLS is 14.
There are two categories of volunteers at PGCMLS - temporary
and regular. Temporary volunteers are those who have an assignment
on a limited or intermittent basis, such as service learning and
court referred. Regular volunteers are enrolled for a specific,
continuing schedule for a period of at least six (6) months.
The number of hours volunteers contribute depends upon their assignments
but most regular volunteers average 2 - 6 hours per
week, with a maximum of 10 hours per week allowed. Regular volunteers
are scheduled a minimum of 3 hours per month. Temporary
volunteers may exceed more than 10 hours per week, although only
for a short period of time.
Adjustments in schedules and assignments may be made to provide the best possible public service.
Each volunteer is assigned to a Volunteer Advisor who provides
training and support and serves as a link between the volunteer
and the rest of the staff. Volunteers are expected to be familiar
with and follow the policies and procedures of the Library to
ensure a positive experience.
The following are examples of volunteer assignments. No volunteer, either regular or temporary, may be assigned to the Circulation or Information Desks at any time.
Bookstore Aide -
Opens and closes the bookstore; collects
and accounts for money, including sales tax, on items sold;
monitors, orders, processes, classifies and stocks items to
be sold; identifies items to be reduced in price or discarded.
Circulation Aide - Sorts and shelves Library materials;
straightens shelves; repairs materials; puts labels on books.
Computer Aide - Assists novice users in performing
basic commands; performs basic troubleshooting. Aides with extensive
computer experience may offer one-on-one tutoring or conduct
workshops for small groups on computer basics, word processing,
spreadsheets and other software available on Library computers.
Facility Aide - Assists with various facility duties
such as straightening up areas after use; dusting; picking up
and disposing of debris inside or outside the facility.
Library Aide - Assists with general library or office
work, types, files; uses computer terminal for routine tasks
such as checking in materials.
Program Aide - Assists with story times, puppet theaters
and other programs.
Visitor -
Visits and delivers materials to homebound
customers, nursing homes and senior citizen residence centers;
assists with special programs and in the selection of materials to be delivered;
maintains files on customers served.
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Prince
George's County Memorial Library System
