I. Purpose
The Schaumburg Township District Library (the “Library”) recognizes volunteers' contributions to the Library and the community.

II. Policy
The Library defines “volunteers” as persons who perform a service for, with the knowledge and consent of, and at the direction of the Library, without compensation or the expectation of compensation.

Volunteers are expected to cooperate with the Library staff's direction and comply with the same work rules, policies, and procedures applicable to Library employees.

The Library does not accept volunteer work for court-appointed community service fulfillment or school-mandated volunteers who need to complete their hours to meet a disciplinary requirement.

III. Application and Background Checks
Anyone interested in volunteering at the Library must fill out an application form. Applicants will be accepted based on their qualifications in relation to the needs of the Library at any given time. Applicants and volunteers understand that the Library may, at any time or for any reason, terminate the volunteer’s service with the Library. Due to the potentially large number of volunteer applications, the Library may be unable to accept all applications.

Volunteers will be recruited or selected without regard to any legally protected characteristics or classes.

Consistent use of appropriate application screening and background checks will help ensure that properly qualified individuals are selected for volunteer activities. Such techniques will also help screen out individuals whose background may render them unsuitable for particular activities. These are critical for volunteer positions that involve work or contact with children or other vulnerable groups.

As part of the screening process, obtaining the applicant’s authorization to conduct appropriate background checks may be necessary. The particular volunteer activities will determine the scope of these activities and may include:

  1. Contacting personal and employment references.

  2. Criminal background checks, including the use of information from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), state crime information center, and state/local sex offender registries, and any applicable municipal court(s).

  3. Motor vehicle records checks.

  4. Prior employment and military background checks.

  5. Verifying education, training, certification, and licenses.

  6. Personal, face-to-face interviews.

IV. Vehicle Operation
Volunteers who operate their own motor vehicle during the course of their volunteer work will need a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and authorization from the Library’s Volunteer Supervisor.

Volunteers are not authorized to drive Library-owned vehicles or operate motor vehicle equipment.

V. Safety Hazards
Volunteers must have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their tasks in a safe manner. The volunteer’s supervisor is responsible for determining whether the volunteer has the skills and ability to perform assigned tasks safely, or requires additional training, considering that:

  1. The extent of safety training depends upon the type(s) of activities assigned.

  2. The supervisor shall ensure that volunteers are appropriately trained to perform activities safely. The supervisor or another Library representative shall conduct training before the volunteer is assigned any potentially hazardous duty.

  3. Volunteers shall be provided with and trained to use personal protective equipment (PPE) where it is warranted. The PPE will depend on the specific activity. Supervisors will enforce the use of PPE when necessary.

VI. Volunteer Role
Volunteers are not employees of the Library and are prohibited from identifying themselves to patrons or the public as such.

VII. Compensation
A volunteer is a person recognized and authorized by the Library to perform services for the Library without promise, expectation, or receipt of compensation for services rendered. This premise guides the Library in managing and supervising the work of volunteers.

No volunteer will be eligible for medical, health, accident, workers’ compensation, or any other benefits. Volunteers must sign the Schaumburg Township District Library Volunteer Handbook.

Per the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) (29 CFR 553.103), Library employees are prohibited from volunteering without pay to perform the same type of services the individual is employed to perform.

VIII. Youth Volunteers
Schaumburg Township District Library volunteers must be at least 13 years old. No minor 17 years old or younger shall be permitted to perform activities in any occupation determined to be “particularly hazardous” under the FLSA. Outside of hazardous or potentially hazardous duties, the FLSA permits minors to perform most other types of work.

Volunteers under 18 must have documented parental consent to volunteer at the Library. The parent or legal guardian must sign the Schaumburg Township District Library Volunteer Waiver Form.

IX. Rights of Volunteers
1. To be respected and valued, and to know their rights and responsibilities.

2. To be provided with the necessary information to carry out their volunteer role and to know what is expected of them.

3. To be provided with orientation and training appropriate to their tasks.

4. To be given support and supervision from a designated person in their work group.

5. To be provided a safe working environment.

6. To be free from harassment or discrimination.

X. Volunteer Responsibilities
1. To carry out the agreed-upon duties to the best of their abilities.

2. To work with the mission, values, objectives, and goals of the Library.

3. To work under the Library rules, regulations, and policies.

4. To be professional, honest, and reliable.

5. To positively interact with patrons, Library staff, and other Library representatives.

XI. Responsibilities of the Volunteer Supervisor who Utilizes Volunteers
1. To provide orientation, training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and assistance to enable volunteers to meet the expectations of their volunteer positions.

2. To provide ongoing support and supervision.

To treat the volunteer as a key participant in achieving the goals of the Library.

To ensure compliance with all aspects of this policy and local, state, and federal laws.

No volunteer has a vested right in the position for which they have volunteered or to which the Library has assigned them. Volunteers can be released from their duties at any time at the discretion of the Library.

Approved by the Schaumburg Township District Library Board of Trustees, August 18, 2025.