Adopt-A-Shelf Volunteer
Book Reviewer
Clerical Support
English Conversation Group Leader
Home Borrowers Service Volunteers
Volunteer Recognition Program

Adopt A Shelf Volunteer

Objective:  To assist library paid staff by “reading” a designated area of book shelves.

Responsibilities:

1.  To “read” (meaning to place items in correct Dewey Decimal order and check for out-of-order items) shelves.

2.  To pick up books and other materials left on tables and incorrectly shelved and place them on the shelving carts.

3.  To straighten books on shelves by bringing them to the front of shelves and tightening the book ends.

Qualifications:

1.  Must be patient and detail oriented.
2.  Must be able to stand and squat repeatedly.
3.  Must work well with staff.
4.  Must work well independently.

Training: Staff will provide a general tour of the library.  A thorough explanation of duties with regard to shelf reading, straightening and organizing materials will be given by the Volunteer Liaison as will general inhouse volunteer information.

Commitment:  A commitment of at least 6 months is requested.

Supervision:  Branch Volunteer Liaison

Location:  all locations

Book Reviewer

Objectives:

1. To give people a unique opportunity to volunteer.
2. To provide mini-reviews of Library materials.
3. To share opinions of Library materials with others.

Responsibilities:

1. To read and review Library materials
2. To recommend favorite books and other materials to friends.

Qualifications:

1. Enjoys reading and writing.
2. Must be able to work independently.
3. Reports hours worked to the Volunteer Liaison.

Training:

1. Tour of the library.
2. Basic information about word processing on the computer, if necessary, so reviewer can type the review directly into the computer.
3. The alternative is to use prepared outline review bookmark forms.

Time: Hours vary per review (reading book, writing review, etc.)

Commitment: A commitment of at least 10 hours is expected.

Supervision:  Volunteer Liaison or Librarian

Location:  Any branch library

Note:  Teens who wish to submit reviews for consideration of Asbury Park Press publication, should consult with a Teen Librarian for the proper form.

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Clerical Support

Objective: To enter information on the computer or aid copying and collation of materials.

Responsibilities:

1. Enters information pertaining to clubs and organizations into computer.
2. Helps copying and collation of materials for staff.
3. Directs all informational questions to library staff.
4. Should possess maturity and the ability to work independently.

Training:

1. Tour of the library facility.
2. Training will also be supplemented by assigning the volunteer to work closely with a paid staff member.

Time:
 Up to 10 hours per week.

Commitment:
 A commitment of at least 6 months is requested.

Supervision:
 Librarian

Location:  any library location

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English Conversation Group Leader

Objective:  To help a small group of immigrant adults develop English conversation skills and secondarily, to improve English literacy skills

Responsibilities: 

• Lead or colead a group of 6 to 12 participants who presently speak English at a rudimentary level but want to practice and improve their conversation skills
• Guides their group to choose topics of interest with support from Library staff and using Easy English News as a basic guide
• Work with Library staff to book meeting space, promote Library materials and refer participants to proper staff or to out-of-library resources

Qualifications:
          1.  Fluent in English (all sessions are conducted in English)
          2.  Willingness to help people of diverse backgrounds

• Commitment to meeting on a regular basis with group

Training:  basic information about volunteers, introduction to staff
                   3 hour training in leading English Conversation Groups

Time:  one to one and a half hour class with students, usually every week

Commitment:  at least six months

Supervisor:  Volunteer Liaison or designee

Location:  any branch, based on availability of tutors and needs of community

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Home Borrowers Service Volunteers

Objectives: To provide home delivery of library materials to customers who, due to disability, illness or lack of transportation, are unable to come to the library.  These customers may reside in private homes or life care centers.

Responsibilities:

1. Interview customer to determine area of interest.
2. Select materials appropriate for customer.
3. Check out library materials using homebound customer’s card.
4. Keep accurate records of materials borrowed by customer.
5. Deliver materials to homebound borrower.
6. Return materials to library on time.
7. Refer customer’s special needs to appropriate resources (library reference desk, Visiting Home Care, etc.)

Qualifications:

1. An interest in serving the needs of homebound customers.
2. A valid driver’s license and access to an insured car.
3. The ability to locate library materials.
4. The ability to keep accurate borrowing records.
5. Clearance by Ocean County Department of Insurance & Risk Management 

Training:

1. Home Borrowers Service (HBS) orientation by Home Borrower Coordinator.           
2. A review of HBS volunteer handbook.
3. Introduction to patron profile and time sheets for record keeping, reference resources available for special needs of customers.
4. General knowledge of OCL’s volunteer program.

Time:
 One to two hours each month or as arranged with home borrower customer.

Commitment:
 A commitment of at least 6 months is requested.

Supervision:
Volunteer Liaison at local branch, Home Borrowers Service Coordinator, and Volunteer Coordinator.

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Volunteer Recognition Program

Recognition is one way the Ocean County Library
Says “Thank You.”  We honor our Volunteers
In the following ways: 

*If Young Adult Volunteers reach 100 hours of Volunteer time,
they will receive a gift equivalent to the value of the luncheon.

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