General Policy

Purpose

The Needham Free Public Library supports opportunities for a community member
to volunteer at the Library. A volunteer provides support services to the Library
and/or works on special projects. A volunteer is not compensated. This includes an
individual who seeks to volunteer to meet a requirement set by a school or other
outside agency for the performance of community service. A volunteer is expected
to act in accordance with Library policies, its customer service standards, and is
subject to local, state, and federal regulations.
Selection of a Volunteer

If the Library has a need for a volunteer, they are selected based on their
qualifications and their ability to commit to a schedule. A volunteer is expected to
be reliable and fulfill their commitment to the Library. The Needham Free Public
Library submits a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) request for any
volunteer 18 years of age and older.

Training and Supervision

A volunteer receives specific training in their assigned duties from Library staff
and is supervised while volunteering. The Library does not allow a volunteer to
access patron data. All reasonable care is taken to ensure the safety of a volunteer.
Work Schedule

A volunteer works only during hours when adequate supervision is available.
Individual work schedules and specific time commitments are mutually arranged in
advance by the volunteer and Library staff.

Ending Volunteer Service

A volunteer’s service may be ended at the discretion of the Library Director.

Approved November 1993
Amended March 21, 2018
Amended August 11, 2026