Training Materials

Learn more about best practices in volunteer recruitment and engagement, and how to get the results you need.

NOTE: These are examples from public libraries and should be reviewed and modified to ensure fit with local policies and culture.

Title Keyword Tags Year
Build a Better Volunteer Engagement Program
Brush off the cobwebs, clean out the closets, and check for cracks. Have you ever wondered if your volunteer engagement program is using all of the… more
Volunteer HandbooksEngaging High Impact VolunteersOn-line Volunteer RecruitmentVolunteerMatch Tools and Resources Recruitment, management 2010
VolunteerMatch Learning Center
This is the link to VolunteerMatch's online learning center. Check here for free webinars and other learning resources.
VolunteerMatchVolunteerMatch Tools and Resources Recruitment, online recruitment 2012
Putting Corporate Volunteers to Work
This one-hour webinar (2012) presents evaluation points to help volunteer managers determine if their program is ready to engage, or expand the use… more
Volunteer RecruitmentVolunteerMatchEngaging High Impact VolunteersVolunteerMatch Tools and Resources business partnerships, group volunteering, corporate relations 2012
"Applying for a Job Online" Powerpoint Training - Huntington Beach
This powerpoint presentation was created for a high skilled volunteer to deliver training to library patrons on "Applying for Job Online."
Job / Employment CoachEngaging High Impact VolunteersJob Specific Volunteer Training job coach, Training 2012
Reimagining Service in California- Karen Baker
Karen Brown, Secretary of Service and Volunteering in California, discusses trends in skilled volunteering at the Get Involved: Powered By Your… more
Capacity BuildingEngaging High Impact VolunteersStaff Training Video, trends 2010
Volunteer Assessment and Selection- Jennifer Rackow
As part of a day-long training, Jennifer Rackow helps you assess and select the best candidates to become volunteers in your program. Search for… more
Capacity BuildingEngaging High Impact VolunteersInterviewing VolunteersStaff Training Video, volunteer selection 2009
"E-mail Basics" Powerpoint Training - Huntington Beach
This powerpoint presentation was created for a high skilled volunteer to deliver training to library patrons on "E-Mail Basics."
Engaging High Impact VolunteersJob Specific Volunteer Training tech coach, Training 2012
Engaging Volunteers in Leadership Positions- St. Helena Public Library- TLA50 Video
St. Helena Public Library presentation on using boomer and older adult volunteers in leadership roles to expand adult programming and build library… more
Baby BoomersCapacity BuildingStaff Training Video, adult volunteers, adult programming 2010
Book to Action Project- Santa Barbara Public Library
Book-to-Action Programs 2012: Bringing programs about the environment to Santa Barbara Public Library libraries (Green @ Your Library), in… more
Capacity BuildingEngaging High Impact VolunteersStaff Training Book to action, community service, teen volunteers, environment 2012
Until Tuesday - Book to Action Project- Lodi, CA
As part of an LSTA grant, Lodi Public Library designed a Book to Action project around the book "Until Tuesday" based on the true story of… more
Capacity BuildingEngaging High Impact Volunteers Book to action, Video, book discussion, community service 2012
ESL Conversation Circles - Training Overview
This Prezi slide presentation was developed to help train volunteer ESL Conversation group facilitators. (I found it easier to view on FIrefox than… more
Job Specific Volunteer Training ESL conversation circle, ESL 2013
Volunteer Sustainability vs. Retention -- Carla Lehn
I often get asked – how do we retain volunteers – meaning how to we keep them longer. Here’s the news about baby boomers and the generations that… more
Baby BoomersStaff Training Confidentiality Forms, Recruitment 2012
Getting Management Buy In for Volunteers
Volunteerism consultant Susan Ellis gives tips for staff on steps to take to get management on board with and supportive of the volunteer program.
Engaging Staff and Unions 2011
What Leaders of Volunteers Can Do to Gain Executive Attention
A list of steps to take when trying to engage senior management in understanding the importance of the volunteer program by Susan J. Ellis of… more
Engaging Staff and Unions staff buy-in, Staff Resistance 2011
Rural Volunteer Toolkit
This toolkit was researched and written VISTA volunteers serving in Appalachian Coal Country, and in rural Colorado. They have included some of… more
Capacity Building rural, Volunteer Recruitment, partnerships 2012
The Importance of Using and Understanding Background Check Screening
This archived webinar was produced by "AL!VE" -- the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement.
Volunteer Screening / InterviewingCapacity Building background checks, screening volunteers 2013
How to Design Volunteer Training that Helps (Not Hurts) Learning
A brief article that provides principles of learning theory in usable form to the design of volunteer training.
Capacity BuildingJob Specific Volunteer TrainingStaff TrainingVolunteer Orientation Training, orientation 2013
VolunteerMatch Recruitment Tool - Volunteer Recommendations
Did you know that VolunteerMatch has a cool new feature that recommends volunteer opportunities to the thousands of potential volunteers with… more
Volunteer RecruitmentVolunteerMatchVolunteerMatch Tools and Resources Recruitment, VolunteerMatch, Volunteer Recommendations 2014
Library Tour Guide Manual - Paso Robles, CA
Guidelines and instructions for volunteers leading tours, primarily of school children, through the library.
Job Specific Volunteer Training docent, tour guide, Tour Leader 2007
Volunteer Satisfaction Surveys: 10 Ways to Get it Right
Gathering candid opinions from your volunteers will help you gain insights around what you need to improve. Despite our best efforts, however,… more
Staff Training 2012