The ideal Volunteer-staff relationship is characterized by mutual trust, respect, and recognition of the professionalism and competency of each person. Staff delegate meaningful work to volunteers and keep volunteers involved in work suited to the volunteer's skills and ability. In return, volunteers honor their commitment regarding their work and their schedule. Staff listen to volunteers' ideas and respect each volunteer as a person. Volunteers respect staff as people and accept training and supervision from staff.
Staff acknowledge the worth of the individual when assigning tasks.
Volunteers take their work seriously and understand that staff expertise incorporates not only technical skills but also managerial responsibility. Before beginning his or her service, volunteers are interviewed by the Volunteer Liaison at the library and accepted into the program. The Library matches volunteer interests and skills to positions available. A volunteer's availability is also taken into consideration. Branches may not always have positions available and conversely, there may not always be volunteers for needed tasks.