Archive Re-packaging Volunteer (MERL)
Archive Re-packaging Volunteer
Location:
The reading room at The Museum of English Rural Life (ground floor) - Monday mornings from 10am to 1pm. We expect that this stage of the project will initially run until the end of July 2025.
Why we want you:
We are looking for two volunteers to join a team of up to four existing volunteers. You will repackage archives in archive quality folders, replacing paperclips and retaining information on existing folders. This will assist in their permanent preservation.
What you will be doing:
Replacing existing folders containing archives with archive quality folders and replacing paperclips, transcribing any information from the folders to the new folders.
You will be working with the archive team working on a range of archive collections which will include the London Typographical Designers archive and a Landscape Architect collection. Full training will be provided.
Please be aware that when working on uncatalogued items you may discover some harmful content that you should highlight to the Project Supervisors. An example is an outdated racial term that was commonly used decades ago that would cause offence to modern researchers. As a result of uncovering this content, a ‘harmful content warning’ would then be placed on the file and the online catalogue to warn researchers.
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 with good dexterity
- 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
- Gain skills in creating bespoke archive resources
- Work as part of a larger project in a team in an archive environment
- Training in all aspects of the role
Who will I report to?
- Michele Drisse, Reading Room Supervisor
- Simon Taylor, Project Archivist
How much time will it take up?
Monday mornings from 10am-1pm. We expect that this stage of the project will initially run until the end of July 2025.
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 Monday 20 January 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 ‘Archive Re-packaging 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 Re-packaging Volunteer’ on our volunteering platform by 9am on Monday 20 January 2025.
Matching to the role
If you are shortlisted for this role, we will invite you to your first session on 3 Feb 2025.
Matching to the role
If you are shortlisted for this role, we will invite you to your first session on 3 Feb 2025.