General description of duties
To coordinate a group of people in a library interested in family and/or local history to chat about a variety of subjects while using available library resources.
The role requires:
- good communication and interpersonal skills
- to be proficient in IT and able to access the eLibrary and full range of eInformation
- the ability to facilitate conversations in a small group of people
- enjoying listening and talking to people
- ability to work without supervision
The ideal volunteer will:
- be interested in local history and/or family history
- enjoy spending time with people and able to facilitate group discussions
- demonstrate patience, understanding and diplomacy
- have the ability to access resources online and in the library
- be welcoming to new group members
- commit to a regular monthly session
- be aged 18+
Your duties will be to:
- select materials and other resources to suit the requirements of the History group
- understand the full range of resources available in the library service and be able to demonstrate as required
- identify more complex enquiries and refer to a member of the ELE team
- facilitate discussions to meet the needs and interests of the History group
- attend each meeting or delegate to another volunteer or group member if unable to attend
- communicate with the library staff about the History group, including any problems or queries
Regularity of duties
Once a month on a regular basis for approximately two hours.
Guidance and support
A member of library service staff will be on duty with you in the library. All library volunteers will be given a local contact who can provide additional support and information.
Training and equipment
Local History volunteers will receive induction training (including health and safety). Additional volunteer training will be organised periodically for those who are interested.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Those applying for this role will not be asked to complete the DBS process.
References
One reference will be required before the volunteer is accepted for the role. This will be someone who has known you in a personal, work or voluntary capacity for at least three years.
Other information
All volunteers will be asked to sign a volunteer agreement and may be required to carry out a practical exercise relevant to the role before starting.
Volunteers will be required to wear a lanyard and volunteer photo ID badge whilst in the library and sign the attendance sheet on arrival and departure.
All library volunteers will be encouraged to become a member of West Sussex Library Service and subscribe to the Volunteer eNewsletter to keep up to date with their volunteer role and the latest library news.