Volunteering

I was in charge of the volunteers for the children's area when I worked for the Athens library. Now that I am doing so much volunteering, I see how good volunteer management really makes a difference to the volunteers. Even something like being honest with a volunteer about when they are not needed. You might not want to turn down a volunteer, because they are free help. But there is a point of diminishing returns. Managing volunteers will take up part of your work time, so you have to balance how much time and effort is being expended on volunteers with what you are getting out of having them. Sure, a volunteer may be disappointed if you tell them there is nothing for them to do today, but they will appreciate the fact that you didn't waste their time. And, taking on a volunteer you don't have the time to work with could be frustrating for both of you.

Interestingly enough, Libby, from the Memorial Library, seems to spend a great deal of time working with me, and I am flattered that she values my contributions so highly.