State Library Victoria

No opportunities at this time

 

Volunteer Tour Guides provide a welcoming and informative experience for all visitors to the Library. Tour Guides engage visitors through the sharing of comprehensive information regarding current exhibitions and events, State Library Victoria history and architecture, and public and education programs. 

 

 

Our Volunteer Tour Guides also help ensure the safety of visitors and collection items.

 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

 

All volunteers are expected to:  

 

• Provide exceptional visitor experiences.  

• Be an ambassador for the Library.  

• Be aware of and behave in accordance with all relevant Library policies and procedures.  

• Confidently communicate and connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. 

• Encourage visitors to spend time in the Library, using a positive attitude to point out features of interest and provide advice on things to do in the time visitors have to spend in the Library.  

• Participate in forums for sharing improvement ideas, responding, rectifying problems and issues that arise in the workplace.   

• Maintain appropriate standards of conduct in line with the Victorian Public Sector Code of Conduct and in accordance with Library values and policies

Tour Guides are expected to:  

• Provide informative and engaging tours through State Library Victoria’s exhibitions and spaces, sharing knowledge about the location, history and points of interest to a diverse audience.  

• Be familiar with the Library building, history and collection items by participating in continuous improvement activities such as ongoing training and development and independent research.   

• Participate in a regular tour roster (one 2-hour shift per fortnight, one 2-hour shift monthly minimum to remain in program).   

• Maintain a safe environment for visitors, highlighting any potential hazards and following safety protocols. 

• Manage the group size and behaviour to ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants.  

• Keep tours on schedule and manage time effectively to cover all planned content.  

 

Skills and Experience:

 

• Ability to demonstrate and display the Library’s values – innovation, collaboration, engagement, excellence and respect. 

• Willingness and capacity to uphold service standards as a representative of the Library. 

• A commitment to excellence in customer/visitor service, with the ability to listen, ask questions and communicate clearly and confidently with visitors and colleagues. 

• A passion for working in a cultural, tourism or customer/visitor service environment.  

• Experience in leading tours, presenting to groups, teaching, theatre, performing, or other background that would support the ability to deliver tours.   
• High-level communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.  

 

Benefits in undertaking this volunteer role:

 

• An environment built on values.  

• Structured induction including visitor service training that is designed to ensure that volunteers are comfortable with their surroundings, informed of procedures and protocol, and effectively introduced to the volunteer role.  

• Access to ongoing training, supervision, support and feedback to enhance skills and knowledge.  

• A safe and healthy working environment in accordance with all relevant occupational health and safety legislation and associated regulations.  

• Discounts at Library retail outlets including Mr Tulk Café and Readings Bookshop  

• The opportunity to become part of a strong community of volunteers and staff at one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions. 

 

Requirement:

 

State Library Victoria is a child safe organisation. If offered a volunteer role, a Working with Children Check (free of charge for Volunteer status) will need to be obtained before commencing. The Library also reserves the right to introduce police checks at a future date. Continued engagement as a Library Volunteer will be subject to a satisfactory police check in accordance with role requirements, laws, and Library policies applicable at that time. 

 

The next recruitment will take place in 2024. More info to come. 

 

Contact Details:

Please apply for this role here.

 

Please direct any questions about the application process to Volunteer Program Officer, Hana Vasak, volunteer@slv.vic.gov.au.

 

Training:

Induction and training will be provided. Dates will be communicated to successful applicants accordingly.