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University of Oregon Libraries

PROSPECTIVE VOLUNTEERS


NOTE: IF YOU ARE A LIBRARY SCIENCE STUDENT (or hope to be), CHECK HERE!



Volunteers are an important component of the University of Oregon Libraries; they enable us to make our valuable collections available to the public and help us engage our internal and external readers in many enriching programs and services.

The University of Oregon Libraries Volunteer Program is associated with our  Department of Special Collections and University Archives (http://libweb.uoregon.edu/speccoll/). By joining our team, you become part of a unique group of dedicated individuals who can be found in many areas of Special Collections and University Archives, from orienting researchers, to organizing historic manuscript and photography collections. There are many important ways in which volunteers contribute, making them one of the library's richest resources.

Prospective volunteers should be passionate about history, enjoy working with primary source documents, and be able to make a twelve-month commitment to a weekly or bi-weekly schedule.

Library Volunteer Guidelines:


Volunteers will be expected to:

  • Make a minimum commitment of twelve months and establish a regular schedule
  • Abide by the policies and procedures of the library, which include security and confidentiality issues
  • Attend any training sessions required for your volunteer position
  • Collaborate with staff and other volunteers, accepting supervision and evaluation of your volunteer work
  • Communicate with staff and initiate leadership. Your ideas, comments and feedback are welcome.

What Do Volunteers Do?


Typical volunteer work relates to processing manuscripts and other archival materials to make them accessible to the scholarly community and to the general public. Work may also involve orienting researchers to the collection and instructing in the use of materials.

Skills and/or Background We Are Looking For:

  • Strong academic background, particularly in the Humanities or Social Sciences.
  • An interest in history.

     

Academic background or experience in one or more of the following areas is especially helpful:

  • Northwest History & Culture
  • Literature (including Children's Literature)
  • Political Science
  • Creative Writing
  • Native American Studies
  • Medieval Manuscripts
  • Women in Society
  • Photography

Steps to Becoming a Volunteer:

  1. Complete the Volunteer Application Form [contact Laine Stambaugh, lastamba@uoregon.edu for current copy of form].
  2. Send the completed Volunteer Application Form to the Head, Special Collections & University Archives: email: jdfox@uoregon.edu; hand deliver to Knight Library, Room 208; or mail to 1299 University of Oregon Libraries, Eugene, OR 97403-1299.
  3. Your application will be reviewed for specific skills and academic background and you will be contacted within two weeks to schedule an informational interview to discuss areas of interest, special skills or knowledge you may bring to the workplace, possible work schedules, and/or to arrange for any appropriate training.
  4. Once your application is approved, Library Human Resources will send you a Letter of Agreement to sign that outlines conditions and expectations of your appointment.
  5. You will also be asked to sign a UO Liability Form.

What Will This Experience Provide You?

  • A new familiarity with the libraries and campus
  • A new connection to a terrific group of staff members and a stimulating environment
  • An introduction to fascinating historical collections which you will help make accessible to the scholarly community and the general public (maybe for the first time!)
  • Exposure to new learning opportunities
  • Hands-on experience in a premier research academic library

Have Questions?

Feel free to contact:
Library department heads may also propose specific types of experiences in other departments or units. Contact Laine with your ideas!



Maintained by: Laine Stambaugh, lastamba@uoregon.edu
Last Modified: 02/20/2008