Hunterdon County Historical Society

BUILDING A VOLUNTEER PROGRAM AT A SMALL

REPOSITORY

BacklogLack of access

Institutional ControlSmall budgets

Low funding opportunitiesCommunity interest

WHY VOLUNTEERS?

Objections to volunteer work at Archives:

Devaluation of archival educationMishandling of historically important materials

Perpetuation of unprofessional practicesUnpaid internships

Diminishing availability of archival jobs

VOLUNTEERS – HELPFUL SOULS, OR FREE LABOR?

Retirees Interested Members

StudentsNew Professionals

WHO VOLUNTEERS?

Volunteer duties Supervision

Special needs or educationOperations and logisticsEquipment and suppliesTraining requirements

CONSIDERATIONS OF A VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Be specificMatch volunteer with interestEnsure importance of project

Follow through

VOLUNTEER DUTIES

Unique volunteers for unique projectsProfessional volunteers

Integration Outsourcing

SPECIAL SKILLS VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers take timeVolunteers have questions

OversightDecision making

Problem volunteers

SUPERVISION

Size of volunteer program Physical space

SecurityTime Management of Supervisor

OPERATIONS/LOGISTICS

Computer hardware and softwareTools

Containers and FoldersBudget

EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES

Broad ContextRepository history, policies, and practices

EthicsBasics of arrangement and description

Specific Project ProtocolsHands on Required

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Decrease in backlog Increased access to collections

Higher level of institutional controlAwareness of best practices

Increased outreach opportunities

OUTCOMES - REPOSITORY

Personal growth and developmentSocial opportunity and community

Advancing institutional goalsEducation

Practical experienceCareer enhancement

OUTCOMES - VOLUNTEERS

The most successful volunteer program is one that simultaneously advances the goals of the repository

and satisfies the needs of the volunteers in the program.

When both are achieved, everyone wins.

SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM