Local History Volunteer

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision performs work involved with organizing, preserving, and digitizing the local history collection.

Volunteers are an exciting and important component to the Iredell County Public Library. Thank you for your interest in joining the library team. To cultivate a welcome and inclusive experience for everyone who uses the library, all staff, volunteers, and patrons are expected to abide by all library rules and procedures. This is a volunteer or internship position and does not offer any compensation.

There are several county requirements to volunteer at the library. Any prospective volunteers must:

* Complete an application and interview process.

* Pass a background check and drug test (costs for all tests are fully covered by the library).

* Must be at least 14 years of age.

* Any applicants aged 14 or 15 must be always accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Due to the associated costs of the background checks and drug tests, volunteers pledge at least one year of service to the library, with a commitment of at least 2 hours each week. Intern service hours are based on the requirements set forth by the school or program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

* Labeling files and/or items in files for easy identification using stamps or stickers.

* Digitizing the collection by scanning items, creating metadata for each scanned item, and adding them to the library's digital repository.

* Preserving fragile archival items by gently handling them when digitizing or organizing the collection.

* Indexing collections by evaluating each item and adding the abstracted information to a remote index.

* Updating existing indexes: maps, military veterans, death notices, etc.

* Transcribing original handwritten documents to make the text more legible.

* Assisting the Local History Manager or Local History Program Specialist with program planning or organizing, and the potential to assist with programs.

* Conducting a general inventory of the catalogued materials in the Local History Room.