*Now Recruiting - Archive Index Transcription Volunteer - closes 9am Tues 24th March*
Archive Index Transcription Volunteer
Location:
The reading room at The Museum of English Rural Life (ground floor) - Thursdays.
Why we want you:
We are looking for a volunteer to transcribe indexes of names of people and organisations in letter books from the publishing company Chatto & Windus.
What you will be doing:
Typing an index of names of people and organisations in an Excel spreadsheet. Cross checking the index against the letters to determine the correct spelling of the name and page numbers. You may need to Google the name or check a card index to research names which are difficult to read. You will note any damage to the pages.
This role will suit you if you are:
- Able to both work independently, but also enjoy being part of a team
- Meticulous in your approach to accuracy
- Maintain concentration during repetitive tasks
- Able to follow instructions and willing to seek help if necessary
What you will gain in return
- Direct experience of handling heritage materials
- Work as part of a larger project in a team in an archive environment
- Training in all aspects of the role
- Experience of researching names of people and organisations from the early 1900s
- Experience of using Excel
Who will I report to?
Jackie Bishop, Project Archivist, Penguin Random House
How much time will it take up?
Thursdays for two or three hours.
To apply
If you are able to use a computer or mobile device, please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform by 9am on Tuesday 24th March 2026.
If you are using a mobile or tablet, once you click ‘Fill in an Application’, look out for the suggestion ‘It looks like you are on a mobile device. For a better experience on smart phones, go to Mobile Application Form’ and click on the link it suggests.
*Please ensure you tick ‘Archive Index Transcription Volunteer’ in your ‘Interests’ section under My profile, when registering*
When you are happy with your application, please don’t forget to click SUBMIT – otherwise we will never receive your form!
We often find that more volunteers apply for the role than we have vacancies.
We expect to receive a lot of interest for this position.
You are welcome to attach your CV if you wish, but please include key relevant information when answering the application form questions, as this may be used if we need to shortlist from a larger group of applicants.
A hard copy application form is available for those who are not confident in using computers or have limited digital access. Please email VolunteeringHQ@reading.ac.uk and we can send you a Word application form which can be completed digitally, or printed and handed in.
Existing volunteers/ already registered your application - If you are already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please log in to the volunteering platform, click on My Profile, select the ‘Interests’ section, and ensure you tick the box next to ‘Archive Index Transcription Volunteer’ on our volunteering platform by 9am on Tuesday 24th March 2026
Matching to the role
If you are shortlisted for this role, we will invite you to an online interview at a mutually convenient time.
