Reading Room/Reference Volunteer, Peabody Essex Museum, Peabody, MA

The Reading Room/Reference Volunteer will support the Phillips Library reference staff by performing tasks serving and providing access to our diverse patron base. The Phillips Library is a closed-stacks special collection with a publicly accessible reading room. The primary tasks of the Reading Room/Reference Volunteer will include working in the reading room with researchers and digitizing library resources.

Responsibilities include:

• Filling patron photocopy/scanning requests
• Digitization selection, scanning, and metadata creation
• Researching and answering reference questions
• Supervising the reading room (orientations, policy enforcement, shelving, tracking material, etc.)
• Social media creation
• Other tasks as assigned or developed

The Phillips Library Reading Room/Reference Volunteer should be enthusiastic about working in a special collections library; able to work independently and in a group setting; possess excellent organization skills; be able to adapt to changes in tasks and library needs; have an interest in working with on-site researchers and the public; possess an interest in digitization methods and practice; and be willing to learn new skills. Current, or future interest in, enrollment in a library program is preferred.

Commitment: 

• The Phillips Library is located at 1 Second Street, Peabody MA. Public transportation is limited.
• 3 month minimum commitment
• The ideal candidate should be available for at least three hours on Thursdays between 10:00-4:30pm.

Interested applicants should complete a Volunteer Application http://www.pem.org/about/_employment/volunteer/ and mail to Human Resources, Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970-3783. Applications may also be emailed to [email protected].