LIBRARY VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK
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Welcome
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About The Library
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About the Volunteer Program
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First Day
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University and Library Policies
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Library Expectations
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Library Contact Information
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Benefits of Volunteering
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WELCOME
Welcome to the UC Berkeley Library Volunteer Program. You have joined a group of
library enthusiasts who generously contribute their time and talents to the Library.
This handbook will acquaint you with The Library, its mission, its various volunteer
activities and procedures, its expectations of volunteers and “what’s in it” for you. If you
have any questions, consult your immediate supervisor, unit/section head/ or the
Volunteer Coordinator.
ABOUT THE LIBRARY
The UC Berkeley Library is an internationally renowned research and
teaching facility at one of the nation’s premiere public universities. It
ranks in the top five research libraries annually, and is often ranked the
number 1 research library among public institutions.
In a highly-diverse and intellectually-rich environment, Berkeley serves a
campus community of 23,000 undergraduate students, 9,000 graduate
students, and 1,500 faculty. The Library is comprised of 20 libraries,
including the Doe/Moffitt Libraries, The Bancroft Library, and the East
Asian Library, collectively offering extensive collections in all formats and
robust services to connect users with those collections and build their
related research skills.
Mission:
The UC Berkeley Library
connects students and scholars
to the world of information and
ideas. With a daily commitment
to excellence and innovation,
we select and create, organize
and protect, provide and teach
access to resources that are
relevant to our campus
programs and pursuits.
The Library has a collection of more than 10 million volumes and a collections budget of
over $17 million. The Library has a current operations budget of over $48 million with
nearly 375 FTE employees and more than 600 part-time student employees.
The Library is an active participant in the California Digital Library (CDL). Through
participation in exciting initiatives such as the Google Digitization Project, UC System’s
WorldCat Local pilot, and New Directions Initiative, the Library continues to explore new
approaches and roles for research libraries. Discover more about the Library and our
initiatives via the following Web site http://www.lib.berkeley.edu.
ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
The Library’s ability to serve the campus, the state, and the world as a premiere memory
institution depends on the quality of all who work here – both paid and volunteer staff. It
is important that every volunteer feel that he or she is doing meaningful and productive
work, and we are eager to match each volunteer with a job that suits his or her schedule
and talent. Over time volunteers may become active in more than one area of
volunteering, while others are happier specializing in one kind of activity.
All volunteers are required to complete an application and an interview.
Each volunteer opportunity has a direct supervisor to assist with its operations and to
assure that Library policies are observed.
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Volunteer time commitments vary by an individual’s availability and by volunteer
opportunity. Each opportunity has its own time commitment requirements. For more
information, ask the volunteer Coordinator to put you in touch with the direct supervisor
for the opportunity that most interests you.
FIRST DAY
Check in with the Volunteer Coordinator on your first day. After you provide proper
identification and complete your volunteer paperwork, you receive this handbook, and
will be directed where to go to get your Cal1 card. Your card will be active during your
Volunteer assignment. When your assignment ends or you leave your position the card
will be deactivated. Your Cal1 card gives you library privileges as well as other discounts
available to Cal1 card holders. Card must be returned at the end of your appointment.
UNIVERSITY AND LIBRARY POLICIES
Volunteers must remember at all times that they are representing the University and are
subject to its policies and regulations as well as to those of The Library. Policies,
procedures and other information that are of special concern are communicated on a
regular basis.
Forms and Trainings
All volunteers must

Complete a Worker’s Compensation Volunteer Registration Form. By signing the
registration form you officially register as a volunteer with the University, and with the
University’s Workers’ Compensation Program. Volunteers may choose to complete
the Personal Physician Pre-Designation Form which gives you certain rights to use
your personal medical professionals in the event of a worker’s compensation claim.

Sign the State Oath of Allegiance Patent Policy and Patent Acknowledgment. All
individuals who work for the University, either paid or unpaid, are required to sign the
State Oath of Allegiance Patent Policy and Patent Acknowledgment. The State Oath
of Allegiance is a statement of loyalty to the United States of America and the State
of California. The Patent Policy and Acknowledgement protects your interests as well
as those of the Library and the University.

Complete a Library Volunteer Application.
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Complete a Confidential Library Personal Information Form.

Complete an online sexual harassment prevention training course. You must
complete the course, print the confirmation certificate and bring it to 110 Doe Library
within two weeks of being hired. Access the course at
training.newmedialearning.com/psh/ucberkeley/
For the complete University policy on Sexual Harassment, see
ccac.berkeley.edu/policies.shtml.
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Required Readings
New staff are required to read the following documents. Please read them in their
entirety.

Conflict of Interest for Public Officials:
hrweb.berkeley.edu/policy/newhire.doc

UC policy on substance abuse
http://students.berkeley.edu/uga/substance.stm

Library Statement of Values
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/AboutLibrary/values.html
Media Contact
Reporters and editors often call The Library seeking information for their publications.
Please refer these calls to the Volunteer Coordinator, who will refer them to the most
appropriate Library representative.
Release of Library Information
The Library does not release information concerning past and present volunteers,
employees, interns, students or vendors other than to verify employment. If someone
asks you for such information, please refer him or her to the Volunteer Coordinator.
LIBRARY EXPECTATIONS
Volunteers are an integral part of Library staffing and operations. Within that context,
volunteers are expected to conduct themselves in a businesslike and courteous manner,
consistent with the high quality public service goals of the Library. Please remember that
we are a service department, assisting faculty, students and the public with their
teaching, learning and research needs. The Library expects volunteers to display a
positive regard for the duties and obligations assigned to you throughout your work with
us. A willful disregard for or deliberate violation of University, Campus, Library or
department policies and expectations will result in termination.
Appearance
The Library expects all staff to maintain a neat and clean appearance and businesslike
demeanor. The way we appear is an important form of non-verbal communication which
creates in others an impression about the Library as a competent and professional
academic resource. When on duty, you represent the Library. Your appearance and
behavior directly affect our patrons’ experiences.
Food and Drink
In keeping with the policy for library users, consumption of food or drink of any kind is
not allowed in any public areas of the libraries. If you bring any food into the library, be
sure it is concealed in a bag. Staff areas may be used for breaks and lunches.
Library Equipment
Library equipment, including computers (internet, email, etc.), printers, photocopy and
fax machines are for library business use only.
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Audio Equipment
Radios, CD players, iPods, etc., are not permitted for personal use in public areas of the
Libraries. Use of these devices in public areas varies from one library to another. Please
consult your supervisor regarding the use of personal audio equipment in your unit.
Supervisors may deny use of personal audio devices if the work of the unit is negatively
impacted.
Phone Calls
Library telephones are intended for business use only. (In emergencies, calls may be
made from library phones with the permission of your supervisor.) Staff are discouraged
from receiving phone calls at work except in emergencies. Cell phones should not be
used at work except during break periods away from public areas.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in within 25 feet of campus buildings and within 15 feet of all
entrances and exits to campus buildings.
Changes of Address / Phone Number
Report any change in personal information, such as your address, email address or
telephone number to your supervisor FIRST and then to the Volunteer Coordinator.
Arranging and Maintaining Work Schedules
Your time is valuable to The Library in more ways than one! The work you do enables us
to succeed in our various programs, and the record of your time spent helping The
Library shows important community support. We total all the volunteer hours contributed
to The Library each year and use this information in annual reports to the campus
administration and when talking with donors and granting agencies.
Volunteers must sign in and sign out in the volunteer attendance book kept by your
direct supervisor. It is also important for us to know when you are on site, in case of an
emergency.
Do not agree to a work schedule unless you are able to maintain it throughout the
project. Please call your supervisor as soon as possible if you find you are not able to
make a scheduled shift.
Resignations
If you know that you will have a limited time to volunteer, please provide your expected
end date when filling out your application.
You are requested to notify the Volunteer Coordinator should you wish to end your
volunteer appointment at The Library.
Safety / Work-Related Injury
Familiarize yourself with Library Emergency Procedures and any procedures specific to
your unit. Follow all posted safety regulations and report any hazards to your supervisor.
If you should suffer a work-related injury or illness, or have questions, please notify your
supervisor immediately.
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CONTACT INFORMATION www.lib.berkeley.edu/LHRD
Library Volunteer Coordinators
Judy Deliramich
jdeliram@library.berkeley.edu
510 643-8479
Jitka Horavova
jhoravov@library.berkeley.edu
510 642-4817
Librarian’s Office
Zsuzsu Listro
510 642-3773
Volunteer direct supervisor
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING
Volunteers at The Library are entitled to a variety of benefits that are rewards in lieu of
money. Each Volunteer will be issued a Cal1 card at the Cal1 office. The card entitles
you to Library privileges as well as to discounts offered to Cal1 card holders.
In addition to being a volunteer member in a world-renowned research library, there are
other benefits such as the winter holiday party and the staff appreciation party. You are
also welcome to come to Library Events such as Lunch Poems and Story Hour.
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