While every district is different, many of us are lucky enough to have library technicians, clerks, volunteer parents, and student assistants.

​They can be a huge help when managed correctly! Learn to delegate some of the more cumbersome tasks, so that you have more time to collaborate, innovate, and mobilize! Ask your district helping teacher or admin what their policy is on various types of help in the library.

Here are some tips for managing student volunteers:

• Run the library volunteer group like a club. Don't make it all about work. Have them sharing book recommendations, creating art and displays for the library, and doing fun activities as a team. 
• Divide the library into sections and have each student (or small group of students in you're lucky) "adopt" a section. They will be responsible for shelving, organizing, and decorating that section. They will also become "experts" in that section's contents and will be able to help others find what they need. 
• Bring treats once in a while! Show the students you appreciate their help. 
• Don't give up every single lunch break you have. You need a break too. Have volunteers come in only 2-3 lunch hours per week. 
• If you train your volunteers well, they can train others. This takes the pressure off of you when it comes to showing new helpers the ropes.