3.2 General principles
The following principles apply to volunteers and volunteering across all Libraries Tasmania physical sites.
Diversity and recognition
- Libraries Tasmania values diversity and the unique contributions of all people. We are committed to providing an environment free of harassment and discrimination.
- Libraries Tasmania actively recognises and celebrates volunteer contributions and achievements.
Recruitment and eligibility
- Volunteers should hold Australian citizenship or an appropriate Visa which entitles them to volunteer in Australia.
- Volunteer operations, including suitability interview and assessment, recruitment, induction, coordination, communication and supervision are managed at the local level according to individual business unit needs.
- All volunteers will be recruited through transparent processes and be given a description of their role, rights and responsibilities before they commence.
- Volunteers will be provided with appropriate induction, training, supervision and a safe working environment.
Behaviour and conduct expectations
- Volunteers are not to be used as an alternative to paid employment or to displace paid staff.
- Volunteers are required to act in accordance with Libraries Tasmania’s volunteer and organisational policies, and the Libraries Tasmania Service Commitment.
- Volunteer selection will be based on merit and will include relevant experience and competencies that demonstrate the ability to achieve agreed outcomes, and capacity to attend at agreed times.
Commitment to child safety
- Volunteer behaviour which poses a risk to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people will not be tolerated. Illegal behaviour will be reported to Police.
- All applicants who interact with children and young people must be committed to child safety and wellbeing and respect and promote children’s rights. Reference checks may be conducted as part of determining suitability.
Volunteers under 18 years old
- Anyone under 18 years of age needs consent from a parent or guardian before they commence volunteering.
- Volunteers under 18 years of age must be supervised by another volunteer or staff member aged 18 years or over while undertaking assigned volunteering duties.
Administrative arrangements
- Strategic oversight of volunteer management is provided centrally through Libraries Tasmania’s Governance and Operations.
- Volunteer records, including local administrative records (personal information, training and development records, feedback, etc.) must be kept locally until seven years after separation.
- All works produced by volunteers as part of their voluntary services with Libraries Tasmania will remain the property of the Crown, except by prior agreement. Volunteers’ intellectual work will be acknowledged and attributed where appropriate.
- A business unit within Libraries Tasmania may at any time decide to discontinue a volunteer’s relationship or to make changes to their volunteer assignment.