iniva is looking to recruit four in-person volunteers to support our Stuart Hall Library, archives, and wider programmes. This is a tailor-made volunteering experience to support personal interests in contemporary art and visual cultures and future professional interests in working in libraries, archives, or galleries.
Who is this for?
This volunteer opportunity would be invaluable for:
- those in the community who seek to work in an art institution;
- those in retirement with an interest in the arts education or events programming
- individuals seeking experience before/after embarking on a professional qualification in library, archives or curatorial studies;
- students who have a research interest in Stuart Hall, Caribbean art, Indigenous art; contemporary art; and
- anyone looking to gain reception/front of house skills, public speaking skills, or shop management experience.
What will you gain?
You will gain valuable insight into how a specialist research library collection is managed, organised and utilised in exhibitions and programming.
You will learn to catalogue library material; reshelve books according to a classification system; repackage archival material for digitisation projects; catalogue archive material; build knowledge of archival theory and processing; and key research skills.
You will be able to provide library tours, assist with library enquires, create reading lists or presentations about a specific subject, provide event support and participate in reading groups, artist talks, workshops, study days and conferences and contribute content for our blog and social media channels about our collections.
What skills do you need?
To gain the most from this opportunity, you will have the following skills:
- Knowledge of how to use library search catalogues is required;
- Interest in the work and ethos of Iniva;
- A keen eye for detail;
- Great communication skills;
- Feel comfortable handling potentially fragile items;
- Interest in developing skills on audio-visual material and transcription;
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
- Have good IT skills and confidence working in Microsoft Excel;
- Provide a high standard of regular and reliable attendance;
- Flexibly adapt to changing work requirements; and
- Be willing to undergo training to effectively carry out tasks.
Training
We require all volunteers to attend a 2-hour induction session and supervised training regarding their tasks.
Expenses
Travel and lunch expenses up to £10 per day will be reimbursed by BACS transfer with a valid physical receipt.
Commitment
One day per week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Fridays flexible between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm for 3-6 months from August 2022.
How to apply?
Please email Tavian Hunter, Library and Archive Manager at library@iniva.org with a CV and statement (up to 300 words) explaining why you would like to volunteer at iniva? What skills you would like to gain? Which day and times are preferrable for you to volunteer?
Deadline
Friday 22 July at 11.59pm
Please note that this is not a placement or internship opportunity. We provide placement opportunities through several university courses at different points in the year and internships opportunities via our jobs page.