DC Public Library

TEEN VOLUNTEER

The DC Public Library maintains a dedicated group of teen volunteers, ages 14-18. Teen volunteers play a crucial role at the DC Public Library. They help create displays and booklists, shelve materials, assist with children's programs, setup activities, photo copy library forms and much more. This is a great opportunity to learn valuable job-related skills, help out within your community, gain work experience, promote literacy, and meet new people.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 14 years of age
• Strong commitment to customer service
• Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team
• Bilingual applicants are welcome
• A background check is required if applicant is 18 years or older

MINIMUM TIME COMMITMENT

• Shifts are limited to 2-5 hours per week
• Reports to on-site Volunteer Point-of-Contact

TRAINING

All prospective teen volunteers will receive training at their work site.

VOLUNTEER COMPUTER INSTRUCTOR

PURPOSE

To teach one or more of the following computer software or computer-based classes to the Library's adult customers in support of the DC Public Library's Free Computer Class Program. The current curriculum includes the following modules.

• Mavis Beacon Teaching Typing Clinics - (Monitor self-paced and customized typing tutorials)
• NorthStar Digital Literacy Assessments & Certificate - (Monitor practice & proctored online sessions that award this respected workforce credential.)
• PC Basics - Beginner
• PC Basics - Intermediate
• MS Word I Basics 2016
• MS Word II Intermediate 2016
• Mail Merge in MS Word 2016
• MS PowerPoint 2016
• MS PowerPoint II Intermediate 2016
• MS Publisher Basics 2016
• MS Excel I Basics 2016
• MS Excel II Intermediate 2016
• MS Excel III Advanced 2016
• Web I Basics (Intro to the Internet)
• Web II (Advanced Searches, Google Maps & Alerts, Meetup.com & LinkedIn.com, MOOC, etc)
• E-Mail Basics (Intro to Web-Based Email)
• Internet Job Seeking 101 (Exploration of Aggregator Job Boards, Setting up Accounts and Uploading Resumes & Cover Letters, etc.)
• Job Seekers Drop-In Clinics (Provide basic & advanced assistance to job-seeking customers, including setting up E-mail accounts, reviewing, constructing and typing resumes, searching & setting up online job board accounts & alerts, Completing Online Job Applications & Assessments, etc.)
• HTML Basics, HTML 5, Cascading Style Sheets, JAVA Basics (Basic Web Page Design)
• Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, etc.)
• Document Creation & Management (Resume Writing & Cover Letter Workshop & Lab; Creating Photo Albums in MS PowerPoint and MS Word; Mail Merge in MS Word & MS Publisher; Track Changes in MS Word; Compare, Combine & Collaborate in MS Word; Creating Budget Sheets Using MS Excel Templates)
• Microsoft Imagine Academy (Teach 6-week MS application courses (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), using 3rd party scripts, which prepare customers for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Exam on the Core, Expert and/or Master Levels. Also engage Jasperactive Learning Management System for classroom and personal software development. Courses involve 2 days & 5 hours each week for 6 weeks, for a total of 30 hours of instruction per application.

DESCRIPTION

• Teach computer classes according to class scripts provided during the 2-Orientation Session
• Teach classes in a 16-workstation Computer Lab, with SmartBoard technology
• Teach adult customers in the proper use of the Computer Lab facility and to observe standard Computer Lab etiquette;
• Insure that customers with special needs, e.g. hearing-impaired, visually-impaired, have optimal seating and proper adjustments to the Desktop
• Submit all required paperwork to the Assistant Manager, Adult Literacy Resource Center for each class taught
• Observe all safety and customer service guidelines covered in the 2-hour Orientation Session
• Report inability to keep scheduled teaching commitment directly to the Assistant Manager, Adult Literacy Resource Center, as soon as possible, via email or phone or both

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to read and comprehend English well (bilingual is welcome)
• Strong commitment to customer service
• Basic and/or intermediate computer skills in one or more of the above-cited computer software applications or computer-based classes 
• Ability to verbally communicate effectively and courteously
• Ability to receive and follow instructions

MINIMUM COMMITMENT

• Teach two scheduled computer classes a month (each class is at least 2 hours in length)
• Six-month commitment
• Attendance at 2-hour VCI Orientation and SmartBoard training (required before teaching schedule commences)
• Reports to on-site Volunteer Point-of-Contact
• Active EMAIL account                                                                                                                                       

                    MLK LIBRARY DOCENT VOLUNTEER

Do you have a passion for literature, history and architecture? DC Public Library invites you to join a team of MLK Library Docent Volunteers who will assist members of the public in learning, understanding and enjoying the recently modernized Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, its artwork, history and extensive services and collections.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 18 years and older
• Must be enthusiastic, cheerful and willing to learn. Have an interest in working with diverse staff and visitors
• Successful experience with leading tours and or speaking to groups
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills
• Interest in literature, decorative arts and architecture a plus
• Experience or education in teaching, history or art can be helpful, although not required
• Willing to complete a free background check

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Welcome and introduce visitors to DC Public Library
• Provide standard guided tours for adults, groups and students
• Introduce and assist with self-guided tours
• Assist with receiving visitors
• Represent DC Public Library in a professional and courteous manner to staff and the visiting public

TIME COMMITMENT

• Docents are expected to be available for one 4-hour shift each week, and a minimum commitment of one year; We are able to work around vacations and school schedules
• Typical shift: 4 hours per shift (morning - 9am - 1pm; afternoon -  1pm - 5 pm; and evening - 5 pm - 9 pm)
• Daily tour schedule - TBD
• Docents are encouraged to volunteer as often as they are able
• Attend training sessions and meetings as scheduled

TRAINING AND ORIENTATION

• Initial 3-4 hours of training (combination of a virtual session and in-person training - which will include shadowing a tour guide and successfully completing an observed practice tour
• Learn the materials through training and reading, be able to present tour information clearly, and answer questions in a politically neutral manner
• Attend scheduled meetings for in-service training and updates to the program
• All docents will receive a copy of our Docent Handbook as well as summaries for each program and material about DC Public Library history

Benefits of being a Docent Volunteer

• Opportunity to learn about District of Columbia history, art and architecture
• Opportunity to meet interesting people
• Opportunity to share passion and enthusiasm for the library
• Chance to share and practice public speaking skills
• Ongoing enrichment programs featuring local and national authors and annual social events.

ATTEND A VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION

• Tuesday, June 22, 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, June 26, 1 p.m.

To register for a virtual info session, please email libraryvolunteers@dc.gov or call Stacey Lucas at 202-741-5990.

                  MLK LIBRARY WELCOME AMBASSADOR

DC Public Library invites you to join a team of MLK Library Welcome Ambassador Volunteers who will provide a welcoming experience for all customers. The primary responsibility will be to provide directional assistance to customers looking for specific services, departments and programs. Will you join us?

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 years and older
• Excellent customer service skills
• Be able to provide clear communication of directions to customers and ability to answer questions
• Must be enthusiastic, cheerful and willing to learn. Have an interest in working with diverse staff and visitors
• Knowledge and interest in literature, library programs and special events
• Basic computer skills
• Willing to complete a background check

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Welcome and introduce visitors to DC Public Library
• Assist with receiving visitors
• Orient visitors to building flow
• Represent DC Public Library in a professional and courteous manner to staff and the visiting public

TIME COMMITMENT

• MLK Library Welcome Ambassador Volunteers are expected to be available for one 4-hour shift or two 2-hour shifts per week, and a minimum commitment of one year. We are able to work around vacations and school schedules
• Typical shift: 2-4 hours per shift (morning - 9am - 1pm; afternoon - 1 pm - 5 pm; and evening - 5 pm - 9 pm)
• MLK Library Welcome Ambassador Volunteers are encouraged to volunteer as often as they are able
• Attend training sessions and meetings as scheduled

TRAINING AND ORIENTATION

• Initial 2-3 hours of training (including shadowing a DCPL staff person on a desk shift)
• Learn the materials through training and reading, be able to present information clearly, and answer questions in a politically neutral manner
• Attend scheduled meetings for in-service training and updates to the program

Benefits of being a MLK Library Welcome Ambassador Volunteer

• Opportunity to learn about literature and District of Columbia history, art and architecture
• Opportunity to meet interesting people
• Opportunity to share passion and enthusiasm  for the library
• Chance to share and practice customer service skills
• Ongoing enrichment programs featuring local and national authors and annual social events.

ATTEND AN UPCOMING VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION

• Tuesday, June 22, 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, June 26, 1 p.m.

To register for a virtual info session, please email libraryvolunteers@dc.gov or call Stacey Lucas at 202-741-5990.

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTOR

The American Sign Language Instructor will teach or serve as substitute teachers for the DC Public Library ASL classes. ASL classes meet once a week daytime and/or evening at the Library Express - Center for Accessibility and any of the other neighborhood libraries in Washington, DC. Location, days, and times of classes are negotiated according to volunteer availability, and needs/interests of the particular library and the community.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong commitment to customer service
• Ability to work with people of all ages and signing ability
• Fluency in ASL at the Intermediate Level (Equivalent to Level 3 Gallaudet University curriculum or higher)
• A background check is required for this position for individuals ages 18 and older

MINIMUM TIME COMMITMENT

• Willingness to commit to at least one or two hours per week for a period of 12-16 weeks (substitute teachers just need to be willing to fill in for a class as needed).
• Reports to on-site Volunteer Point-of-Contact

TRAINING

All prospective volunteers must attend an orientation held at the Library Express - Center for Accessibility.