Libraries Live Journal - Journal - Page 1
Challenge Three
Volunteer Engagement
At the beginning, some volunteers were
apprehensive over their own willingness
to engage in creative activities and
the impact upon the library in order to
accommodate displays of artworks.
Problem Solving
Michaela involved volunteers in the
process from the beginning as much as
possible. She showed the impact of the
activities to volunteers to reassure them
of their own potential and what people
are capable of producing if they engaged.
Michaela provided clear guidelines about
what the workshops would involve in
advance and worked with the volunteers
to co-ordinate the displays.
‘I explained to those uncertain of my
display how long it would be up for, and
that I would put everything back in the
right place.’
Outcome
By working on the displays together with
Michaela, the volunteers took ownership
of their work and helped to instil a sense
of pride of what was being produced in
their library.
Those participants who felt ‘It’s not for
me’ were gently encouraged by showing
them the results first so they could see
that tasks weren’t beyond anyone’s
capabilities.
‘The portrait drawing on copper foil was
an unknown task, and there was a lot
of laughter and comparisons of results
going on (with over 16 participants) - but
this chatter was focussed around the
actual task... as well as selfies, filters and
wrinkles!’
Artist Michaela McMillan
Artist Michaela McMillan
46