Archive Re-packaging Volunteer - Further Afield project (MERL)

Archive Re-packaging Volunteer - Further Afield project 

 

Please note:
This role is reserved for people looking for a supported volunteer role for a fixed term from 15 January until 26 February.


Location: 
The reading room at The Museum of English Rural Life (ground floor) - Monday afternoons from 1pm to 4pm.  

 

Why we want you:

We are looking for volunteers to make a large quantity of archive quality card files to re-package object accession file paperwork.

What you will be doing: 

Creating conservation grade card files to store archive papers.

This part of the Further Afield project will re-package object accession file archive paperwork into folders made with new conservation grade materials.

You will be making bespoke card folders using a template and sharp knives.

The object accession files contain information about an object, or group of objects, such as donation information, letters, museum reference cards, photographs, drawings, as well as documentation about history and use. The contents of these files are essential to the Museum, and require long-term protection.

You will be working alongside a small team of researchers who will be searching for references in the accession files that relate to people from underrepresented communities not previously added to our online catalogue.

So along the way you will gain an insight into the breadth of our object collection.

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 An example is an outdated racial term that was commonly used decades ago that would cause offence to modern researchers.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? 

  • Madeleine Ding, Collections Officer
  • Tim Jerrome, Collections Researcher

How much time will it take up? 

Our preferred session time for in person meet ups will be on a Monday afternoon from 1pm to 4pm.  We expect that this project will initially run for 7 weeks from 15 January 2024 to 26 February 2024.

To apply

Please note: This role is reserved for people looking for a supported volunteer role for a fixed term from 15 January until 26 February. We will primarily be reaching out within our existing partner organisations to find 1-3 volunteers to this role, but we will consider new applicants if you apply by the closing date.

 

If you, and/ or the person you helping to apply, are able to use a computer or mobile device, please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform by midday on Monday 8 January 2024.

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 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 - Further Afield project’  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 sometimes find that more volunteers apply for the role than we have vacancies. 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. 

Existing volunteers - 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 - Further Afield project’ by midday on Monday 8 January 2024

Matching to the role

If we think you are a match for this role, we will invite you to first session on 15 January 2024.