Age-Related Differences in Public Library Volunteers' Motivations for Volunteering

This study employs a functional perspective in assessing the motives of volunteers for volunteering in public libraries. A 30-item survey instrument, the Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI), was completed by 28 volunteers at three branches of the Wake County Public Library system to determine whether motivations varied according to age. Although the intent of the study was to compare three age groups of volunteers (under 20 years old, 20 to 55 years old, and over 55 years old), too few surveys were returned to allow such a comparison. The most surveys were returned from the oldest age group and results from this group are consistent with past research in that older volunteers tended to be motivated heavily by their values and far less so by career concerns. Suggestions for improving future research with public library volunteers are given along with information on how to improve volunteer outreach and recruitment