Any library grad student knows that the day will come when his or her experience in libraries will be an important factor in their post-grad job search. Internships are obviously the primary vehicle of experience to showcase the skills of an entry-level librarian resume. But for someone who is starting out in grad school, like myself, an internship seems far-away (ok, so one year isn’t that far, but it still is several semesters away!). So what form of experience would work well now when schedules are being hammered out, time committments determined and rusty note-taking skills relearned?
Volunteerism!
Most local public libraries couldn’t survive without a healthy network of volunteers. Volunteers help with many repetitive duties that are no less important, especially those related to fundraising. In the local county library that I volunteer in once a week, volunteers are responsible for cleaning, repairing and shelving DVD’s that are rented to users. The rentals provide the bulk of funds that are used to buy stationary and other office products, as well as fund projects and events, such as the summer’s Sunday movie matinees for young adults.
Volunteers also help conduct book sales, which occur once a month to make room for new titles or to cull out any books that are worn out. Many donated copies of books, especially paperbacks, are sold directly to the public at these events instead of introduced into the library system, as they can be too worn or perhaps there are already enough copies in the library (among other reasons).
Most public libraries are allied with Friends of the Library (Friends) groups that are composed of volunteers from top to bottom, from the chairperson of the Friends to every volunteer. An example of a Friends group is “Friends of the Hesperia Library,” the one I am currently affiliated with.
Most Friends groups are composed of former Librarians and other information science professionals who love libraries and want to contribute. They are a diverse group, including students, community group members, book lovers and young adults in their membership. Most Friends charge a nominal membership fee to join – typically in the $5-$10 range – which helps further the goals of the group.
Becoming a Friend of the Library (or Friend) is not all about shelving books or DVD’s, or sorting donations… unless you make it that. You become a member of a team that makes decisions, and your input is valued. Once a month, the Friends meet to discuss budget, new projects, book club selections, community involvement, fundraising ideas, library science conferences and events… there are never enough topics to be discussed! Learning how to become a team member in library science couldn’t be easier as a new Friend of the Library.
How to get started? Visit your local public library main desk and ask if they have a Friend of the Library membership. They will typically have you complete a short application and collect a membership fee. You may also need to have a library card. Ask if there is an email contact for the group, or a calendar as the calendar will list the next Friends meeting. New members are welcome to meetings, so don’t be shy! Half of volunteering is showing up!
Some Friends of the Library may have schedules to work, others will have drop-in hours for you to volunteer whenever you choose. Be sure to ask and schedule accordingly. Don’t be scared to ask to try new duties. I asked about the DVD repair machine and learned how to use it the following day!
Oh, and did I forget to mention those lovely letters of recommendation that have been offered so far? 