Salmon Library Volunteer Policy

Purpose

The M. Louis Salmon Library values volunteers and their contributions to the Library’s mission, which states, “In support of the University’s mission and shared values, the Salmon Library contributes to and supports the discovery, creation and communication of knowledge in an innovative environment, and to support self-sufficient learners who can discover, access and use information effectively for academic success.” This policy establishes clear guidelines for the recruitment, training, and supervision of Library volunteers.

Definition of a Volunteer

Volunteers are faculty, staff, students, or members of the general public who have an interest in supporting the mission of the Salmon Library and serve in an unpaid role. Student volunteers differ from interns in that they are not awarded academic credit for their service. 

Roles and Activities

Volunteer projects include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting with special events, programs, and exhibits;
  • Participating in digitization, oral history, or archival processing projects;
  • Supporting community outreach and Library promotional activities.

Recruitment and Selection

Volunteers should contact the appropriate Unit Head, who will determine whether the interests of the University and those of the volunteer are a suitable match. 

Volunteers must complete a volunteer application form and a background check. Background checks will meet the scope and frequency requirements of relevant university policies.

Orientation and Training 

All volunteers will receive orientation covering the Library’s policies and procedures. The volunteer’s direct supervisor will provide specific training for their role.  

Supervision and Accountability

The Unit Head is responsible for the supervision of all volunteers working in a Library unit. The Library Director has oversight of all Library volunteers.

Volunteers are expected to adhere to all Library policies and procedures as well as the UA System Office Code of Conduct. 

Library volunteers who use UAH information technology (IT) resources are required to comply with all applicable university policies governing IT use. Volunteers must use IT resources responsibly, safeguard their login credentials, report suspicious activity, and refrain from any unauthorized or excessive use.

Volunteers should adhere to the agreed-upon schedule and notify their direct supervisor in the event of absences or changes in availability. 

Library volunteers are expected to avoid situations where personal, financial, or other interests could improperly influence—or appear to influence—their volunteer service. Volunteers must not use their role in the Library for personal gain or to benefit outside organizations. They should promptly disclose to Library administration any potential conflicts of interest or commitment that may arise in the course of their service.

Supervisors will monitor volunteers’ performance to ensure that their work continues to align with the Library's goals and the volunteers' objectives.  

Termination of Volunteer Service

A volunteer’s service may be ended by either the volunteer or the Library at any time, with or without cause. Grounds for immediate termination include:

  • Violation of the UA System Office Code of Conduct outlined in Board Rule 106.2;
  • Failure to follow policies and procedures outlined by the Library or the volunteer’s direct supervisor.

 

Updated September 04, 2025