Volunteer Policy
The Ferguson Library recognizes the need for, and welcomes, volunteers from the community to provide unpaid assistance to the library in various ways. Volunteers are essential to the library’s ability to fulfill its mission, enhance public service, and enrich the community.
When volunteers are providing assistance, they are acting as representatives of the library. It is important, therefore, that volunteers present and provide a positive image to the public and follow all library policies and procedures. Volunteers are expected to follow the same standards of dress and conduct as the library’s employees and are required to familiarize themselves and adhere to all rules, regulations and policies of the library.
Opportunities to volunteer at the library will vary based on the library’s need at any given time. Many volunteer opportunities at the library are available with the Friends of the Ferguson Library. Visit their webpage at https://www.fergusonlibrary.org/friends to see what they do and how they support the library.
Qualifications
• Applicants under 18 must have the written consent of their parents or guardian.
• Applicants must be reliable and be able to adhere to the schedule established by the library.
Application
Interested applicants should email volunteer@fergusonlibrary.org.
Applicants who meet the qualifications, abilities, and experience required for available volunteer opportunities will be referred to the relevant department or branch supervisor, or their designee, for an interview.
Volunteers shall be selected and assigned without regard to their age, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, physical appearance, socioeconomic level, education level or any other legally protected characteristic.
Assignments
Successful applicants for volunteer positions will be assigned work by department and branch supervisors in accordance with the needs of the library and the qualifications of the volunteer.
Volunteers will be assessed periodically, on a formal or informal basis, by the manager of the department or branch to which they are assigned to ensure that their work is satisfactory and fulfills current library needs.
The library reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to discontinue the volunteer’s services if, for any reason, the library determines that the volunteer’s services are no longer necessary or appropriate.
Volunteer Background Check Policy
Background checks are required for volunteers when the volunteer’s duties include having direct interaction with children, other sensitive responsibilities, or at any other time as the library, in its sole discretion, may deem appropriate. Background checks will be performed in accordance with applicable laws. All background checks will be performed at no cost to the volunteer. The library reserves the right to deny volunteer service based on the results of a background check.