[Publib] Missionaries in the library

[Diedre Conkling]

I know of many libraries where Mormon missionaries have volunteered and they have been good volunteers.  They followed the same rules as other staff members and volunteers.  There are volunteers that don't follow library policies that have to be "fired" but most follow them.

The fact that they did ask about holding church services first is a different twist on this but I would probably tell them that we are happy to have them as volunteers, if volunteers are needed but reinforce library policy so that they are clear what the limits are.

These are young people who often are very inexperienced and need the same workplace guidance as others do who are new to the workforce.

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Diedre Conkling
     
  Lincoln County Library District
  P.O. Box 2027, Newport, OR  97365
  Phone & Fax:  541-265-3066
  http://lcld.library-blogs.net/
  Work:  diedre at beachbooks.org
  Home:  diedrec at charter.net
   

---- janet.griffing at wadsworthlibrary.com wrote: 

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Last week, two veryearnest Mormon missionaries came into my building, asking if they couldhold church services for staff. They claimed (in error, I am 100%certain) that they had been doing this “on Tuesdays and Fridays for awhile.” No way has this really been taking place. They were politelytold “no.”
Today, mymailbox included two volunteer applications. Guess who? About the onlyvolunteer task I have for adults is shelf reading, and I can always useshelf readers, especially with Summer Reading Club coming. But…not fora second do I think they will refrain from attempting conversions inthe stacks.
Thisisn’t quite the same as denying a religious group the use of a meetingroom – it’s a whole ‘nother thing entirely. Any thoughts? Do I trainthem and take the chance they’ll be disturbing patrons? I don’t havethe manpower to police my volunteers. Thanks for your comments.

Janet Griffing
Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator
Wadsworth Public Library
132 Broad Street
Wadsworth, OH 44281
Phone: 330-335-2604
Fax: 330-334-6605


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