The purpose of the Home Library Direct Volunteer role is to select, deliver and return library items on behalf of people who are unable to use their nearest library for many different reasons including age, illness, disability or caring responsibilities.
The role requires:
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- the ability to work without supervision
- being physically able to carry library books and items
- having access to a car and the ability to drive, subject to annual driving licence and insurance checks (useful, but not essential).
The ideal volunteer will:
- enjoy communicating and spending time with people, particularly older people and those with disabilities
- be interested in books and reading
- demonstrate patience and understanding
- be committed to the equality and diversity of the local community
- be aged 18 or above.
Your duties will be to provide a service to library customers by:
- selecting books and other library items to suit the requirements of the customer
- delivering books and other items to the customer and returning items to the library
- using the online catalogue to reserve specific items as required
- ensuring customers are aware of all services available from the library, including digital services such as eBooksÂ
- using the self-service kiosks to issue and return library items
- communicating queries or concerns to library staff
- agreeing frequency and timing of visits to customers.
Time required
The volunteer will need to have a degree of flexibility as the role depends upon:
- the needs of the service and individual customers
- the number of customers visited and the frequency of visits
- the amount of time the volunteer can give.
Guidance and support
You will have a named library contact who can provide support and information. Additional support will also be available from staff at your local library.
Training and equipment
Home Library Direct volunteers receive induction training. Additional training such as Dementia Friends training is organised periodically.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
This role requires a DBS check.
References
One reference will be required before you are accepted for the role. This must be someone who has known you in a personal, work or voluntary capacity for at least three years.
Other information
All volunteers must sign a volunteer agreement. You may be required to carry out a practical exercise relevant to the role before starting.
Volunteers are required to wear a lanyard and volunteer photo ID badge while in the library. You must also sign the attendance sheet on arrival and departure.
All volunteers are encouraged to become a member of West Sussex Library Service and subscribe to the Volunteer eNewsletter. This will help you to keep up to date with your role and the latest library news.