Success with Library Volunteers

Leslie Holt and Glen Holt, two library practitioners, create a clear and "ready to use" book on volunteers in the library. Success is the key to any program. The authors share practical examples from multiple libraries and instructions on how to make this happen in your library. Two of the specifically helpful sections are chapter four, "Planning" and chapter five, "Recruitment, Retention and Recognition." In each of these chapters you will find exact steps that tell you what you need to do or not to do at your library. Build on your own volunteer program with proven successes from this book. The authors include new volunteer areas such as technology volunteers and virtual volunteers. Through quotes and articles, readers will understand the basics of volunteering. Be ready to "make volunteers so happy about their…experience that they spread your positive message to friends and family members alike." Where past volunteer library books focus on managing or training, these authors offer essential new strategies on how to have a successful program and offer additional resources. Success with Library Volunteers is a must-read for any librarian who has volunteers or is thinking about adding a volunteer program.—Paige Bentley-Flannery, Deschutes Public Library, Bend, OR