May 2025 network meet-up: Digital inclusion libraries - volunteers

During this library's meet-up the main topic was Libraries and volunteers. At the beginning of the session we had a great presentation from Michelle Haigh & Tracey Tomlinson from Rochdale Libraries on how they use volunteers in digital inclusion delivery. They shared their story and how Starting Point’s Digital Champion programme has helped them get going.

We then moved into breakout rooms for a wider discussion about using volunteers in digital inclusion delivery. 

How volunteers are involved

• Primarily through delivering or supporting sessions.
• Some volunteers have dedicated roles, while others may have more fluid involvement.
• Corporate volunteering is also utilised.
• Some volunteers have different stages of involvement.

Greatest benefits

• Increased capacity & reach: Ability to cater to diverse needs and reach more people.
• Valuable knowledge & skills: Volunteers bring a lot of knowledge.
• Mutual benefit: Everyone involved gets something positive out of the arrangement.
• Service delivery: Volunteers enable services that couldn't be offered otherwise.

Greatest challenges

• Retention: Keeping volunteers engaged long-term.
• Honest intentions: Ensuring volunteers are upfront about their motivations.
• Over-reliance: Staff potentially can rely too heavily on volunteers.
• Balancing workloads: Some volunteers may take too much on their shoulders.
• Limited staff time & resources: Not enough time/tools to adequately support all volunteers.
• Communication issues: Lack of cohesion and communication between staff regarding volunteers.
• Crossover with library services: Potential overlap or confusion between volunteer and staff roles.

Top tips for working with volunteers

• Regular communication: Emailing regularly, providing updates.
• Identification: Providing ID for volunteers.
• Expense coverage: Paying for volunteer expenses.
• Involve their ideas: Taking volunteers' suggestions on board.
• Staff support: Having staff present during sessions to offer support and step in.
• Clear boundaries: Defining what volunteers can and should do.
• Seek feedback: Actively taking feedback from volunteers.
• Volunteer forums: Creating spaces for volunteers to exchange ideas.
• Recognition & celebration: Holding events to appreciate volunteers' contributions.
• Making them feel valued: Ensuring volunteers feel their work is important.