We truly appreciate any extra help! While most volunteer roles do not involve interacting with the public, there are still plenty of meaningful ways you can support our work. Please review our Volunteer and Background Check policies, and email us using the link below to request a Volunteer Application.

A. It shall be the policy of the Deckerville Public Library to utilize the services of volunteers in any areas where they can assist the library in meeting its objectives of public service. Volunteers shall be utilized to supplement the duties and activities of paid staff and are not considered a replacement for paid staff. B. Volunteers will be at least 18 years of age. Individuals will need to authorize a criminal background check if they will be interacting with the public or confidential information. The Library will not allow individuals to volunteer who have been convicted of any felony or who have been convicted of a misdemeanor offense for assault; child abuse; criminal sexual conduct; use, possession, or sale of weapons. The Library Board will review all other convictions and pending criminal charges of a potential volunteers on an individual basis. Deckerville Public Library will provide a volunteer whose information found in a background check results in an adverse action, with the information as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. All results that are obtained by the background verification process will be proprietary and kept confidential, to the extent permitted by law. C. The Director reserves the right to accept, deny, or terminate the position of a volunteer with the understanding that such a decision is in keeping with the established guidelines concerning personnel and practice set out in this manual. D. Volunteers are a valuable resource for any public service organization. While the donation of their time and talents is greatly appreciated, each volunteer must recognize there is an obligation to provide service within the guidelines and policies of the Deckerville Public Library

I. Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to provide the public safe use of the Library. All employees and volunteers will interact directly with the public, including unaccompanied minors.

II. Included Information:

A. Social Security Number validity and alias check
B. County Criminal search for all counties in which the individual has resided.
C. National Criminal Index search

III. Authorizations and Disclosures: Prior to the initiation of any background check, individuals will be presented with and must sign the following documents:

A. Acknowledgement and Authorization for Background Check
B. Disclosure Regarding Background Investigation
C. A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act

IV. Screens and Individual Assessments:
A. Screens will consist of Included Information in section II of this policy.

B. Individual assessments will be conducted considering: i. The nature and gravity of the offense. Targeted exclusions include crimes of a violent or sexual nature. ii. The time that has passed since the offense or conduct and/or completion of the sentence. iii. The nature of the job held or sought.

C. In the event the individual assessment results in the individual being screened out:

i. Written notice will be given to the individual that they have been screened out because of a criminal conviction. This notice will include:
1. The Background Check Policy
2. A copy of the consumer report used in making the decision, including the issuing company’s name, address, and phone number.
3. Declaration that the company issuing the report is not responsible for hiring decisions and unable to provide reasons for the hiring decision.
4. An additional copy of “A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act”

ii. The individual will be given the opportunity to dispute the accuracy or completeness of the report. They will have the opportunity to get an additional free report from the reporting company within 60 days.

iii. The individual will be given the opportunity to demonstrate to the Board of Trustees that the exclusion should not be applied due to particular circumstances.

iv. Disputes of accuracy and/or completeness or requests for demonstration of exceptions to exclusions must be presented in writing to the Director within 14 days as to not place undue hardship on the Library.

v. The Board of Trustees will consider if the information provided by the individual warrants an exception to exclusion as it is not job related and/or a business necessity. Approved 5/3/2021