Community Library Volunteer

Do you have a few hours a week to spare to volunteer?

Blackburn with Darwen Library and Information Service provides a wide range of books, information and other resources to support learning and leisure for all ages.

We are seeking volunteers in our Community Libraries to assist in carrying out the routines necessary to maintain an effective service and pleasant environment for members of the public. In the current climate this is done in a socially distanced and COVID safe way.

All volunteers will be required to provide two character references prior to starting their role.

SCHEDULE: Please contact for details

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Tasks:

To welcome customers to the building, support them in the use of library services and encourage them to become regular users
Helping new customers to join the library using the Blackburn with Darwen website
Assisting customers in the use of self-service kiosks
Helping with basic enquiry work using the online public access catalogue (OPAC) and assisting customers to place reservations and renew items on line
To help find library stock for visitors and library staff
Supporting the use of public access PC’s and helping customers to access a variety of internet sites
Providing general information about library services and promoting library services
Maintaining displays and ensuring that the library is a bright and attractive environment for customers
General tidying, shelving and sorting stock
Repairing and maintaining library books
Topping up the photocopier, kiosks and printers with paper
Contributing towards organising volunteer rotas opening/closing the building, setting the alarm and reporting any faults
Following the agreed procedures to report faults/repairs/health and safety issues
Communicating with central library staff
Answering the telephone
Checking e mails and following the agreed procedure for sharing information with other volunteers
Supporting and preparing for library activities and events
Supporting record keeping e.g. periodic visitor and enquiry counts
Collecting newspapers and forwarding invoice to Blackburn Library
Checking daily postal deliveries
Promoting library services e.g. reading schemes, events, activities and online resources
Attending relevant training and meetings
Log volunteering hours via an online computer system

Required Qualities:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Organisational skills
Ability to carry out tasks with minimum supervision
Ability to contribute effectively as part of a team
Experience of dealing directly with the public
Excellent understanding of the principles and delivery of customer care
Adaptable to changes
Ability to follow all guidelines including those related to COVID 19, by following the related risk assessments

Training:

This post does not require the holder to have a DBS check but volunteers may be asked to attend relevant training courses or workshops.

Community Library Volunteer