Library volunteerism outcomes: what student volunteers expect

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the outcomes of the Library Volunteerism Program of student volunteers in a college library of Mumbai.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey and interview method was used to collate the achieved outcomes and expectations of 112 student volunteers who participated in the Library Volunteerism Program.

Findings

The Library Volunteerism Program strengthened the library‐student bond. Though the student volunteers felt satisfied about making an important contribution to the organisation, they rarely found it personally fulfilling. The volunteers expected more substantial outcomes and flexibility from the Library Volunteerism Program.

Practical implications

The study found that making the volunteerism experience more exciting, challenging and beneficial to the volunteers is essential for developing a long‐lasting and mutually beneficial relationship between the volunteers and the library. The suggested guidelines should allow similar libraries to design an effective library volunteerism program.

Originality/value

This is the first paper which discusses library volunteerism outcomes in the college libraries of India.

Citation

Tikam, M. (2011), "Library volunteerism outcomes: what student volunteers expect", Library Management, Vol. 32 No. 8/9, pp. 552-564. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435121111187914