Archives Volunteer – Microfilm Digitisation (MERL)
Archives Volunteer – Microfilm Digitisation
Location: Museums and Collections Reading Room (Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, Reading RG1 5EX)
What time: This opportunity will run every Monday morning from 10am to 1pm for three months from August. This is the only time we are offering for this role, due to the reading room being required for researchers the rest of the week.
Why we want you:
The MERL archive houses c.160 microfilms containing a range of farm records, society records, trade catalogues etc. In many cases, the microfilms are the only copies of these documents that we have.
When researchers visit the Reading Room, they would usually access these on the microfilm reader. However this is unreliable, and doesn’t allow for the clearest image to be viewed.
We’re therefore looking for one volunteer to help digitise some of the microfilms and make them available to researchers on the dedicated terminals in the Reading Room.
This means researchers will be able to view clearer images and zoom/rotate as needed.
What you will be doing:
Using a piece of equipment called the UScan+, you will be scanning each frame from the microfilm in order to create a high-resolution digital copy. You will then export these images, ready for them to be uploaded to our Digital Asset Management System by the Collections Image Services Assistant. The images will then be made available to researchers via the dedicated terminals. Full training on how to use the equipment and software will be provided.
This role will suit you if you have:
- An interest in digitisation of archival material
- Good IT skills
- Ability to work independently
- Good attention to detail
- Ability to maintain concentration during repetitive tasks
- Ability to follow instructions and willingness to seek help if necessary
What you will gain in return:
- Training in how to use archival-grade digitisation equipment and software
- Experience handling and digitising heritage material
- Experience working in an archive environment
Who does the role report to?
- Emma Farmer - Collections Image Services Assistant (emma.farmer@reading.ac.uk)
- Michele Drisse - Reading Room Supervisor
How much time will it take up?
Monday mornings from 10am-1pm. The project will initially run for 3 months from August onwards.
To apply
Please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform by 9am on Monday 14 July 2025.
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 ‘Archives Volunteer – Microfilm Digitisation’ in your ‘Interests’ section under My profile, when registering by 9am on Monday 14 July 2025.
When you are happy with your application, please don’t forget to click SUBMIT – otherwise we will never receive your form!
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 ‘Archives Volunteer – Microfilm Digitisation’ in your ‘Interests’ section under My profile, when registering by 9am on Monday 14 July 2025.
Matching to the role
We often find that many more volunteers apply for the role than we have vacancies, particularly for behind the scenes roles.
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
You are welcome to attach your CV if you wish, but it is unlikely to be used for the shortlisting process.
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.
If you are shortlisted for this role, we will be in touch directly soon after the closing date and invite you to an informal interview with Sheila Fisher (Museums Partnership Reading Volunteer Coordinator) and Emma Farmer.
