Reports to:
Visitor Operations and Volunteer Services Specialist
Role Summary:
Information Desk Volunteers support the Library by providing 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 volunteer program is designed to support visitors through an informative, easily navigable visit that promotes an appreciation of the nation's history and culture and highlights the ease of using Library resources. Thousands of visitors-from local communities, across the nation, and around the world- benefit from information desk services at the Library each year.
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.
Essential Responsibilities:
An Information Desk Volunteer's duty is to 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.
This includes fielding general and Library-specific questions, which requires successful communication with visitors. Visitors may include the general public, students, dignitaries, special-interest groups, and people with diverse learning styles and abilities.
As a non-partisan entity, Library volunteers must maintain a non-partisan position when presenting information.
Volunteers are also required to maintain an attitude of respect with all visitors, in all relationships, with both peers and Library staff, even as other duties may be assigned.
Necessary Skills:
Information Desk volunteers must be able to interact with diverse audiences, age groups, and learning styles.
Volunteers are tasked with being flexible and adapatable, in a fast-paced and changing environment. This requires strong interpersonal skills, communication, and customer service skills.
Volunteers must also have a desire to continually learn new skills and Library information to strengthen their knowledge of the breadth and depth of Library collections, activities, and events.
Commitment:
Commitment to three (3) shifts per month, with a minimum initial commitment of six (6) months of service, to remain an active volunteer (volunteer shifts are 3.5 hours in duration).
Requirements:
Volunteers in this role must be at least 18 years of age or older.
A criminal background check, including fingerprinting, is required for this role.
Volunteers are required to successfully complete initial Information Desk volunteer training, as well as participate in all required trainings and enrichment sessions to remain an active volunteer.
Volunteers will also be provided with periodic surveys and evaluations. Survey participation is required and a satisfactory rating must be achieved when evaluated to remain in good standing with the Library's volunteer program. Evaluation will be based on compliance with volunteer conduct and performance guidelines, as outlined in the Volunteer Handbook and Voluntary Services Agreement.
As the Library is unable to provide on-site parking for weekday shifts and street parking is limited. volunteers must be able to independently travel to and from the Library of Congress for scheduled shifts.
On-time arrival to and successful completion of all scheduled shifts is expected (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 percent discount at the Library's gift shop.
To Apply:
If you are interested in committing to an on-site Greeter/Ticket Scanner volunteer role at the Library of Congress, please complete the application form below.
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.*