Volunteer Guidelines
Bentonville Public Library values our partnership with our volunteers. Our goal is to provide a positive environment for teamwork and engaged public service. In addition to the policies, procedures and agreements outlined in Bentonville Library Volunteer Application, the following policies guide BPL’s volunteer programs. Additionally, library volunteers are expected to follow BPL’s patron code of conduct and internet/computer policies.
Attendance
Once a volunteer has chosen a work schedule, it is expected that he/she will be available at the agreed-upon time. If you must miss a volunteer session, please notify the program coordinator as soon as possible.
Teens, if 3 absences occur without notification, the benefit of written reference letters may be revoked. Hours served will be reported on a form letter.
Confidential Information
We have an obligation to our patrons to maintain their confidentiality and respect their privacy. As volunteers work with staff members, you may be exposed to information of
a confidential nature. Such information is not to be shared with anyone else including family, friends or acquaintances. No one is permitted to remove or make copies of any records, reports or documents from the Library.
Dependability
Please be prompt and consistent, and in your assigned area when expected. We rely on you to do the tasks prepared for you, and if you cannot be here, we need to make other arrangements.
Dress Code
Casual clothing is fine, but we ask that your attire be neat and conservative. Teen volunteers should follow the public school dress code.
Emergency Procedures
Volunteers are to immediately report every job-related injury, regardless of severity, to their staff contact. Volunteer coordinators will maintain personal information to be used in case of emergency. In case of a fire alarm, all persons should proceed to the nearest exit. In case of a tornado alarm, all persons should proceed to the nearest tornado shelter.
Facilities
Volunteers are expected to enter and exit through the front door of the Library. Volunteers are welcome to use staff break rooms and rest room facilities. Volunteers will be issued name tags which should be worn at all times when representing Bentonville Public Library.
Parking
Volunteers are expected to park in the back of the large lot adjacent to the Library to allow patrons visiting the library easier access to the entrance of the building.
Inclement Weather
The Mayor of Bentonville decides if City offices are open or closed during inclement weather and the Library will follow City policies accordingly. If the Library is closed, the City posts on the local media TV/internet channels (KNWA, 40/29, Channel 5) and will be listed as Government / “City of Bentonville Offices.” As long as electricity and internet work, closures will also be posted on the library’s website.
Children’s programming is cancelled when Bentonville Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.
Telephone Calls
Please avoid personal telephone calls, visits or other interruptions while volunteering. No volunteer shall make a long distance personal call that would be billed to the Library.
Recording Hours
It is important for volunteers to sign in and out each time they report for work. Accurate and up-to-date records are important.
This information is used for volunteer recognition, budget purposes and program promotion. Volunteer hours accumulated in training will be included in your service hours. Volunteers working in the Library should sign in and out at the volunteer station.
Please note, Bentonville Public Library does not accept court ordered community service applicants.
Use of Equipment
Library-owned equipment, including copy machines, fax machines, computers, puppets, supplies, and other materials are for Library use only and may not be used for personal business. No equipment or material is to be removed from the Library.
Customer Service
Many volunteers come into contact with Library patrons and may well be the first official contact a patron has with the Library. It is important, therefore, that volunteers maintain a professional, friendly demeanor at all times. All patron questions other than directional are to be referred to a staff member who is trained to provide informational services for patrons.
