If you are working full time it is hard to volunteer. I only work four days a week, but I have other commitments that take up my time. It is not always possible to move to part time working and take the pay cut that involves.
I would worry that working for free could devalue the profession, especially if volunteers are not information professionals, and are being used to replace staff rather then for short term or unexpected requirements.
I would consider working for an organisation such as a charity that might not be able to afford a librarian, but think universities should pay, but could have very short term jobs to cover projects and existing staff could have the opportunity to work on them.
I think a lot of libraries could do more to help the library graduates they employ in lower grade positions by giving them opportunities to gain experience within their own organisations.
My main reasons for not considering volunteering are a lack of time, and the possibility of having to reduce my income to do it.
Here are some pretty Penguin poetry books.
