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Statement on Voluntary WorkersLIANZA asserts that the provision of quality library and information services requires the employment of paid and appropriately trained library staff. Funding authorities will not gain the best returns on their expenditure, and the users will not get the best level of service, from unpaid workers. The accountability of a library to its funding authority can only be guaranteed by the employment of paid, trained staff. The standards of accountability now required for public and private expenditure, cannot be demanded or expected of volunteer workers.LIANZA is opposed to volunteer workers being substituted for paid and trained library workers, whether professional, paraprofessional, clerical, or other technical support. LIANZA is totally opposed to volunteer workers being placed in charge of any library or information service provided from public funds. LIANZA deplores the use of voluntary workers to compensate for the reduction or withdrawal of services caused by inadequate staffing establishments, failure to fill vacant posts, or reductions in library funding. Voluntary workers may be asked to provide additional support for outreach services, to give initial support for a new service being given a trial, or to give those seeking a career in library work, or the unemployed, a chance to gain experience and to demonstrate their commitment to library work. Members faced with a situation where voluntary labour is or is likely to be substituted for paid staff should inform LIANZA as soon as possible. GUIDELINES FOR VOLUNTEER WORKERS IN LIBRARIES RECOMMENDATION: That LIANZA adopt the ALIA statement in total.
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