Library Customer Services Volunteer - Springfield Library Saturday 10am-1pm

Vacancies are available in Springfield Library Saturday morning 10am-1pm

What is the role about?

You will be part of a team of volunteers in the Library, welcoming customers, supporting them to use the library, and enabling them to make full use of the library services available

There are 74 libraries in Essex which vary in size and location. All of the libraries are focal points for their communities and offer a range of services. They are managed and supported by library staff.

What will it involve?

• supporting customers to borrow and return books on the self-service units

• shelving and helping with book stock and requests

• opening and closing the library

• providing basic IT support on the public computers

• using library IT systems

• assisting customers to join the library

• helping people to find books and answer basic enquiries, referring to library and ECC staff as appropriate

• supporting children and young people to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge

• assisting with promoting the library and with display work

• helping with statistics and other general administrative duties

What skills do I need?

What will you get from volunteering?

• opportunity to meet people and get involved in your local community

• chance to develop your experience and skills to enhance your CV

• the satisfaction of using your skills and experience to give something to the community

What skills and experience do you need?

• good communication and people skills, and ability to relate to all ages

• an enthusiasm for libraries and awareness of the range of services offered

• information technology skills, particularly using the internet

• ability to act on own initiative

How much time would you be asked to contribute?

• a regular commitment is required,  either a morning or afternoon per week, but there is a flexibility as long as you are willing to make a regular contribution.

How do you apply?

• The minimum age for this role is 18 years.

Discuss with your local library what kind of support they need and what you are comfortable with offering.  All volunteering activities are subject to completing a registration form, an informal interview with library staff and two satisfactory references.  Please note that volunteers are required to adhere to a dress standard.  Library staff can provide more information on this.

What training and support will you receive?

You will receive at induction, a welcome pack and specific training for your volunteering role.  This may be shadowing or an occasional training session or just talking through whats involved.  There will be ongoing support from local library staff who will ensure you are kept up-to-date with all that is happening in Essex Libraries.

All volunteers are engaged for an introductory period (usually 1 to 3 months depending on the frequency of volunteering).  This is to ensure the volunteer and activity are properly matched and either side may decide to end the agreement at this stage.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and for some libraries on a shared site a DBS check might be required.

Interests

• Civic Responsibility and Communities

Activities

• Supporting People and Befriending
• Teaching and Training