Volunteer with us

OLA’s events and services are supported by hundreds of volunteers who are members of the OLA. Our volunteers have the unique opportunity to engage with other members from around the province while impacting trends, issues and services available for library professionals. From volunteering as a member of an OLA committee, assisting with OLA publications, or helping with OLA events on-site the possibilities are endless and ever-changing.

Volunteer With a Committee

Invest in your career development with unique learning and leadership opportunities that will impact trends, issues and services available for library professionals. For a full list of OLA Committees, please visit our Committee page.

I have learned more than I have given. OLA staff are amazing, and the opportunities they create for members to volunteer and learn together are invaluable. They provide experiences that we cannot have in our work environments. There are opportunities for all schedules, and with all the support from the OLA staff, you definitely learn new skills for your resume and professional growth.

Both OLA and the mentoring committee have contributed to the value and meaning of my career, profession and personal development. For those I mentor, I hope to support them in their path and foster the confidence to demonstrate their individual strengths and abilities. Professional associations are such important structures of advocacy and support for those in their community.

I can’t stress enough how valuable [volunteering for InsideOCULA] was: it allowed me to build my professional networks at a critical stage in my career and helped me improve the communications and leadership skills that have landed me a permanent job. My advice to folks interested in volunteering: don’t take the route I did and wait for someone to push you through the door! Take the initiative, contact your association, and ask where you can contribute.

I've gained an understanding of how vast the library field is and developed an appreciation for that complexity. All of the volunteers I've met dedicate so much time and energy to what they do because libraries are their lifeblood. My biggest takeaway: there needs to be more of us. Specifically, we need more people fighting for our associations. If you're someone who is interested in the big picture ... join!

Volunteer on a Board/Council

Make a difference in the broader library sector while learning new skills governing the matters of the association or individual divisions. OLA Board and Council Elections take place each November.

Volunteering is a great way to give back and better one’s self. I have been lucky enough to meet so many amazing people and discover a world filled with literature and learning. Even if you are from a remote library area like I was, you have something to give, opinions that matter, and so much to gain!

I volunteered because I am passionate about libraries, and the vital functions that they perform in our society. I have learned many things through volunteering, not the least of which being how wonderful it is to work alongside such dedicated and knowledgeable individuals – it has been and continues to be an amazing experience!

I joined OLITA initially because I was looking for ways to connect with others. I got to participate conference planning, article writing, webinar development, and so much more! I think that there are basically no downsides to volunteering with OLA - no matter your role, you will have a chance to grow professionally, while simultaneously advancing library projects, activities, and advocacy.

OLA Statement on Staff and Volunteer Participation