This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.
| - | Next revision |
| - | remote_volunteering [2021/08/31 16:27] mn1a created |
|---|---|
| + | Previous revision |
| + | remote_volunteering [2022/08/02 09:38] (current) mn1a [Accessibility-related considerations] |
| @@ Line -1,12 +1,97 @@ | |
| Remote volunteering can be | |
| = Preparations = | |
| In general, preparations for a remote volunteer program involve creating applicable documentation, | |
| == Documentation === | |
| === Volunteer application === | |
| * An onsite application form can be repurposed, but creation of a targeted application is recommended. | |
| === Volunteer assessment materials === | |
| * Assessments can be created easily for remote narrators, monitors/ | |
| * For more information, | |
| === Volunteer timesheet === | |
| * Excel/other spreadsheet with columns for volunteer name, date, book title, and start and end times. | |
| === Training resources === | |
| * Written or video documentation on completing core recording tasks ([[ https:// | |
| * Ideally, training resources should be available for completing tasks in more than one software application (i.e. Hindenburg and Audacity). | |
| * Links to helpful/ | |
| * Collecting feedback from volunteers able to achieve good quality recordings at home can be an effective way to identify new and effective strategies, and improve documentation. | |
| === NLS specifications === | |
| * [[ https:// | |
| * In addition to being a great resource for general considerations (especially '' | |
| == Equipment == | |
| === Computers/ | |
| * Depending on available resources, it may be desirable to provide volunteers with a computer/ | |
| * [[ https:// | |
| * [[ https:// | |
| * The use of personal equipment can also be set as a condition of remote volunteering. | |
| === Handheld recorders === | |
| * Handheld recorders can be a good way to enable volunteers without computers, or who are not comfortable with using computers, to participate. | |
| * Many handheld recorders are very simple to operate, and are able to record at levels that meet or exceed NLS-required specifications. | |
| * They are often much less expensive than computers or single-board computers (as computers usually require peripherals such as monitors and keyboards, and separate microphones). | |
| * [[ https:// | |
| * [[ https:// | |
| === USB microphones === | |
| * As many potential volunteers may have access to computers, the internet, and a quiet space to record, providing them with a computer may not be necessary. However, the microphones that volunteers have ready access to may cause sound quality issues. While many handheld recorders can work as external microphones/ | |
| * [[ https:// | |
| * [[ http:// | |
| === Volunteer server === | |
| * Microsoft SharePoint servers are very easy to use and can be set up and maintained by IT staff. However, as they are not designed to be used with larger files, they require some extra considerations. For more information, | |
| * For libraries with the necessary resources, setting up a designated server could allow for more customization, | |
| = Recruiting = | |
| There are two primary methods for recruiting: in-person and virtual. | |
| == In-person (On-site visits, Zoom meetings, etc.) == | |
| * Local organizations, | |
| == Virtual recruiting boards == | |
| * Many free/ | |
| * While virtual recruiting services allow a great deal of coverage, it may be advisable to speak with your HR department prior to creating a listing due to legal considerations. | |
| = Training = | |
| Making documentation on core processes (written, or video contents) available online can be a great way to enable potential and current volunteers to access tutorials easily. | |
| * [[ https:// | |
| As some volunteers may need additional support, quick, focused tutorial videos or documentation can also be created and uploaded to individual volunteer directories on the server. Once a resource has been created, it can be distributed to other volunteers who encounter the same issue, or used as the basis for creating new general tutorials. | |
| = File and data exchange = | |
| File and data exchange involve both physical and procedural considerations. | |
| == Physical considerations == | |
| === Internet access === | |
| * Clearly stating that the primary method of file exchange involves accessing servers in volunteer recruitment listings or presentations is recommended. | |
| * However, alternate methods of file exchange (i.e. exchanging USB flash drives through the postal service) can also be implemented for volunteers without internet access, or as a back-up to mitigate potential server issues. | |
| === Computer, supported smart device, etc. === | |
| * As with internet access, the need for computer access should be included in volunteer listings/ | |
| * For volunteers without computer, a library-supplied computer/ | |
| == Procedural considerations == | |
| === Guidelines by file format === | |
| ^ Recording Type ^ Export Format | |
| | Master Recordings | |
| | ::: | ::: | - In addition to reducing the upload time for files, it will also prevent potential upload issues, especially with SharePoint servers. | |
| | Review Recordings | |
| | ::: | ::: | - Use of .mp3 format also enables quick download by volunteer reviewers. | |
| | Marker files | .txt, .midi | - Exported marker/ | |
| = Accessibility-related considerations = | |
| While the previous sections provide an overview of important general considerations, | |
| Accessibility-related information for individual software applications and equipment should also be consulted where applicable. | |
| * [[ https:// | |
| Accessible/ | |