This means that they can take on more duties as volunteers as well as feel more confident when making use of the library on their personal time. Library volunteers usually become strong library advocates, willing to lobby for funding and improvement. Younger volunteers can carry information gathering skills learned in their time at the library on to college and beyond. Library volunteers get the opportunity to meet people with similar interests. Likewise, they are exposed to a diversity of people.
Volunteers learn the value of contributing time without monetary compensation.
Library volunteers develop confidence and improved self-esteem as they acquire new skills and make meaningful contributions to the library. Library staff benefit from the contributions of volunteers by having more time to work on other projects. Library staff get the opportunity to hone their organizational and instructional skills as they work with volunteers. Volunteers diversify the library's human resources. They bring knowledge and skills that compliment those of library staff.