Visitor Operations and Volunteer Services Specialist
Role Summary:
Onsite, Special Event/Live! at the Library volunteers support the Library by providing interactive engagement opportunities with the Library's collections, exhibitions, and building, during evening hours for specified Library events. The Special Event/Live! at the Library volunteer role is designed to offer all visitors an exciting and engaging experience that stimulates conversation and promotes an appreciation of the nation's history and culture, and highlights the ease of using Library resources.
Special Event volunteering encompasses several opportunities including:
Greeter/Ticket Scanner
Information Desk Volunteer
Main Reading Room Volunteer
Location:
This volunteer role is on-site at the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building. As this role supports Library Special Events/Live! At the Library, Thursday evening available is required.
Special Event Greeter/Ticket Scanner:
Role Summary and Essential Responsibilities:
Thousands of visitors-from local communities, across the nation, and around the world-benefit from information desk services at the Library each year. Greeter/Ticket Scanner volunteers assist visitors with the check-in process, which involves using a handheld scanner to redeem visitor tickets. Volunteers also provide general wayfinding and information related to Library architecture, art, exhibits, collections, and research.
Greeter/Ticket Scanner volunteers serve the Library by assisting visitors, event attendees, researchers, Congressional staff, and employees with necessary information as they enter and navigate the Library.
This includes communicating directly with visitors, including the general public, students, dignitaries, special-interest groups, and people with diverse learning styles and abilities.
Special Event Information Desk Volunteer:
Role Summary and Essential Responsibilities:
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.
A Special Events 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.
Main Reading Room Volunteer:
Role Summary and Essential Responsibilities:
Main Reading Room volunteers enhance the visitor experience of one of the Library's most popular treasures, the Main Reading Room. During most Live! At the Library/Thursday evenings, the Main Reading Room (MRR) is open for visitors to explore at their leisure. Volunteers within this space ensure visitors remain within designated and secure areas. Volunteers will provide general information and wayfinding for visitors either inside or directly outside of the Main Reading Room. This includes ensuring a smooth flow of MRR entry and exit. If visitors have inquiries, MRR volunteers will guide them to LOC staff or roaming docent volunteers for more in-depth conversations about the Library and MRR contents.
Volunteers in all Special Event Roles should possess:
A high energy, enthusiastic, and cheerful demeanor.
Volunteers must be able to communicate effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds, and appreciate interacting with diverse audiences. Keen customer service skills are required as volunteers interact with both Library staff and visitors.
Volunteers are required to be flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment, as the needs of event staff and attendees may change frequently.
Volunteers are expected to maintain a non-partisan position in the presentation of information, and maintain an attitude of respect for all visitors, regardless of sex, age, national origin, race, or physical abilities.
Maintaining an attitude of flexibility, congeniality, and respect in all relationships with peers, staff, and visitors.
Interest and commitment to ongoing learning and training is required, as is an interest in literature, history, and culture.
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, i ncluding 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.
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:
Library of Congress volunteers re
ceive opportunities for continuing education provided by Library of Congress staff and guest speakers.
In addition, volunteers receive exclusive ea
rly access to Library events and exhibitions, and join in an active community of thoughtful, professional, and dedicated volunteers and visitor engagement professionals.
Volunteers also receive a 10 percent discoun t at the Library's gift shop.
To Apply:
If you are interested in committing to an onsite, Special Event/Live! at the Library volunteer role at the Library of Congress, please fill out the volunteer application below.
Click Here to Apply to Volunteer with the Library of Congress
For questions, contact 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.*