Information Desk and Greeter/Scanner Volunteer

 

Reports to:
Visitor Operations and Volunteer Services Specialist

 

Role Summary:
Information Desk and Greeter/Ticket Scanner volunteers support the Library by providing a friendly, hospitable, and helpful environment as they welcome visitors to the Library. This role provides critical wayfinding and information to visitors from a series of designated stations throughout the historic Thomas Jefferson Building. In support of the Library's goal to connect all Americans to the Library of Congress, the Information Desk and Scanning Greeter volunteer program is designed to support visitors through an informative and easily navigable visit that promotes an appreciation of the nation's history and culture while highlighting the ease of using Library resources. Thousands of visitors—from local communities, across the nation, and around the world— benefit from volunteer services at the Library each year.


Information Desk and Greeter/Ticket Scanner volunteers welcome visitors as they enter Library buildings, scan timed entry ticket for visitor entry and provide general wayfinding services. There are two roles/posts that qualified individuals can be assigned to for the duration of their shift:  

 

Greeter/Ticket Scanner Role: Individuals in this role are assigned a designated standing post for each shift and will scan tickets and/or welcome visitors from that location. These posts are designed to enable visitors and volunteers to engage in time-limited direct interactions, ideally not to exceed one minute in length, as they begin their journey through the Library.  

Information Desk Role: Information Desk Volunteers provide general wayfinding and information related to Library services, amenities, and resources, and are trained to field frequently asked questions on a myriad of topics from Library visitors. Individuals in this role are assigned a designated post at a seated desk or station for each shift and will field questions in that location for visitors navigating the building via a self-guided experience. These posts are designed to enable visitors and information desk volunteers to engage in time-limited direct interactions, ideally not to exceed three minutes in length.

 

Location:
This role is performed entirely on-site, in the Library's historic Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street SE, Washington, D.C.

 

Duties:

The essential responsibilities noted below require volunteers to maintain a non-partisan position in the presentation of information and an attitude of respect with all visitors, and in all relationships with peers and staff when performing the duties below:

 

Information Desk volunteers serve visitors to the Library by:

  • Assisting visitors, event attendees, researchers, Congressional staff, contractors, and employees with necessary information as they enter and navigate the Library;
  • Providing correct and clear directions;
  • Fielding general and Library-specific informational questions;
  • Where applicable, assisting with the check-in process for timed-entry pass holders and researchers with appointments;
  • Successfully communicating with visitors, including the general public, students, dignitaries, special-interest groups, and people with diverse learning styles and abilities;
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

Greeter volunteers serve the Library by:

  • Providing visitors, event attendees, researchers, Congressional staff, and employees with a warm welcome and necessary information as they enter the Library;
  • Assisting with the check-in process for ticket holders;
  • Quickly and efficiently checking in visitors using a handheld ticket scanning device;
  • Successfully communicating with visitors, including the general public, students, dignitaries, special-interest groups, and people with diverse learning styles and abilities;
  • Other duties as assigned.  


Necessary Skills:

  • Comfort with technology, including the use of handheld digital ticket scanning devices, touchscreen tablets and computers.
  • Ability to successfully interact with diverse audiences, age groups, and learning styles.
  • Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced and changing environment.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
  • A desire to continually learn new skills and Library information.  


Time Commitment:
Commitment to three, 3.5 hour shifts per month.

Minimum commitment of six (6) months of service, to remain an active volunteer.

 

Requirements:
  • 18 years of age or older.
  • Ability to stand for up to one hour at a time.
  • Prior to the volunteer's first on-site shift:
    • Successful completion of required criminal background check;
    • Successful completion of the Library's Greeter volunteer training curriculum.
    • Successful completion of the Library's Information Desk volunteer training curriculum.
  • Participation in all required training and enrichment sessions for continuing volunteer education.
  • Achievement of a satisfactory (or above) rating for all volunteer performance evaluations.
  • Complete responses to all required volunteer surveys.
  • Compliance with all volunteer conduct and performance guidelines, as outlined in the Voluntary Services Agreement.
  • Ability to independently travel to and from the Library of Congress for scheduled shifts. (Please note, the Library is unable to provide onsite parking for weekday shifts and street parking is limited.)
  • On-time arrival to and successful completion of all scheduled shifts (regular call outs, no- shows, or late arrivals may result in an inactive volunteer status).

 

Benefits:

  • Providing memorable experiences for Library visitors from around the world.
  • Opportunities for continuing education provided by Library of Congress staff and guest speakers.
  • Exclusive early access to Library events and exhibitions.
  • Joining an active community of thoughtful, professional, and dedicated volunteers and visitor engagement professionals.
  • Complimentary on-site parking for Saturday shifts.
  • 10% discount at the Library's gift shop.
  • 20% discount at Madison and Adams's Café.
  • Invitation to volunteer appreciation events.  

 

Click Here to Apply to Volunteer with the Library of Congress


 For questions, contact the Visitor Engagement Office, at volunteer@loc.gov.


*The Library of Congress is committed to diversity. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.*