Case Study: Multnomah County Library saves 1,112 hours/year with Better Impact (Volunteer Impact)

Multnomah County Library The Journey to Efficient Volunteer Management

Multnomah County Library, Oregon’s largest public library system, struggled with a user-unfriendly volunteer management setup and spreadsheets to coordinate its 400–800 monthly volunteers. The clunky system forced staff into time-consuming workarounds and frustrated volunteers; after evaluating several VMS options, the library selected Better Impact and its Volunteer Impact product to replace their prior system.

Better Impact’s Volunteer Impact was implemented (contract finalized and in use since 2022), providing reporting, custom fields and improved communication tools that automated onboarding, timesheets and reporting. The library estimates 1,112 hours saved per year (worth $40,096) with a 1,045% ROI, and reports increases in satisfaction, efficiency and effectiveness (e.g., satisfaction 5→9, efficiency 6→9), freeing staff to build online trainings, translate resources and update the volunteer handbook.

Multnomah County Library

Liza Dyer

Volunteer Engagement Specialist