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remote_volunteering [2021/09/01 10:50] mn1a [Virtual] |
remote_volunteering [2022/08/02 09:38] (current) mn1a [Accessibility-related considerations] |
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| - | ====== Introduction | + | = Introduction = |
| - | Remote volunteering can be a great way to increase output, find potential volunteers with a variety of skills | + | Remote volunteering can be an excellent |
| - | ===== Preparations | + | = Preparations = |
| - | In general, preparations for a remote volunteer program involve | + | In general, preparations for a remote volunteer program involve creating applicable documentation, and identifying/ |
| - | ==== Documentation | + | == Documentation === |
| === Volunteer application === | === Volunteer application === | ||
| - | * An onsite application form can be repurposed, but creation of a targeted application is advisable | + | * 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 === | === Volunteer timesheet === | ||
| - | * Excel/other spreadsheet with columns for volunteer name, date, book, and start and end times. | + | * Excel/other spreadsheet with columns for volunteer name, date, book title, and start and end times. |
| === Training resources === | === Training resources === | ||
| - | * Written or video documentation on how to complete | + | * Written or video documentation on completing |
| - | * Ideally, training resources | + | * Ideally, training resources |
| - | * Links to helpful/ | + | * Links to helpful/ |
| - | * Collecting feedback from volunteers able to achieve good quality recordings at home on their setups | + | * Collecting feedback from volunteers able to achieve good quality recordings at home can be an effective way to identify new and effective strategies, |
| === NLS specifications === | === NLS specifications === | ||
| * [[ https:// | * [[ https:// | ||
| - | * In addition to being a good resource for general considerations (especially | + | * In addition to being a great resource for general considerations (especially |
| - | ==== Equipment | + | == Equipment == |
| === Computers/ | === Computers/ | ||
| - | * Depending on available resources, it may be desirable to provide volunteers with computers equipped with recording software | + | * Depending on available resources, it may be desirable to provide volunteers with a computer/ |
| - | * For libraries without access to computers to lend to volunteers, ability to use personal equipment can also be set as a condition of remote volunteering. | + | * [[ https:// |
| + | * [[ https:// | ||
| + | |||
| + | * The use of personal equipment can also be set as a condition of remote volunteering. | ||
| === Handheld recorders === | === Handheld recorders === | ||
| * Handheld recorders can be a good way to enable volunteers without computers, or who are not comfortable with using computers, to participate. | * 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. | * 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 more inexpensive | + | * They are often much less expensive |
| + | * [[ https:// | ||
| + | * [[ https:// | ||
| === USB microphones === | === 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, | + | * 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/audio interfaces, USB microphones can also be used as competitively priced alternatives. |
| - | * As some USB microphones | + | * [[ https:// |
| + | * [[ http:// | ||
| === Volunteer server === | === 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, | + | * 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, | * For libraries with the necessary resources, setting up a designated server could allow for more customization, | ||
| - | ===== Recruiting | + | = Recruiting = |
| There are two primary methods for recruiting: in-person and virtual. | There are two primary methods for recruiting: in-person and virtual. | ||
| - | ==== In-person (On-site visits, Zoom meetings, etc.) ==== | + | == In-person (On-site visits, Zoom meetings, etc.) == |
| - | * Often, local organizations, | + | * Local organizations, |
| - | ==== Virtual | + | == Virtual |
| - | * Many free/ | + | * Many free/ |
| - | * While virtual recruiting services allow a great deal of coverage, it may be a good idea to speak with your HR department prior to creating a listing. In some cases, volunteers who apply may not be eligible | + | * While virtual recruiting services allow a great deal of coverage, it may be advisable |
| - | ===== Training | + | = Training = |
| - | Making documentation on core processes (written, or video contents) available online can be a good way to introduce | + | Making documentation on core processes (written, or video contents) available online can be a great way to enable |
| + | * [[ https:// | ||
| - | As some volunteers may need additional support, quick, focused tutorial videos or documentation can 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 the creation of more formalized contents. | + | 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 = |
| File and data exchange involve both physical and procedural considerations. | File and data exchange involve both physical and procedural considerations. | ||
| - | ==== Physical considerations | + | == Physical considerations == |
| === Internet access === | === Internet access === | ||
| Line 62: | Line 72: | ||
| * For volunteers without computer, a library-supplied computer/ | * For volunteers without computer, a library-supplied computer/ | ||
| - | ==== Procedural consideration | + | == 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:// | ||
| - | === Exchange guidelines by file format === | + | Accessible/Partially Accessible solutions can also be created |
| - | * Master Recordings (.wav) | + | |
| - | * Especially for SharePoint servers, it is recommended to have volunteers split/export .wav file recordings into separate files that are less than 1 hour in length prior to upload. | + | |
| - | * In addition | + | |
| - | * Review Recordings | + | |
| - | * As .mp3 files are much smaller than .wav files, they are a good choice for reviewing, and upload of longer files (greater than 8 hours) can also usually be completed without issue. | + | |
| - | * Use of .mp3 format also enables quick download by volunteer reviewers. | + | |
| - | * Marker files (.txt, .midi, etc.) | + | |
| - | * 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. | ||
| - | * Currently, a portable review station which includes bookmarking functionality (similar to DTB players) has been created and is in use at MBTBL. | ||