Volunteers are always needed to support the various services offered at the Clayton Library. Volunteer opportunities range from short-term to long-term projects, from working on a scheduled shift to working on an “as needed” basis, and from working with the public to working “behind the scenes”. In other words, there is something for everyone! Volunteer opportunities are currently available in the following areas:
Duties include:
- Greeting Visitors
- Assisting Visitors with Research Collections
- Other Projects
Training will be provided. Helpful skills include being a people person, basic computer skills, familiarity with microfilm readers and copiers, and general experience in genealogical research.
Volunteers typically cover one 2-hour shift each week. Scheduling is flexible.
Duties include:
- Shelving Books
- Shelf Reading
- Other Projects
Training will be provided. Helpful skills include good visual acuity, focus, and attention to detail when placing books in order on the shelf, and the ability to bend, stoop, and lift books to their proper location in the stacks.
Volunteers typically cover one 2-hour shift each week. Scheduling is flexible.
The next training class for volunteer book shelvers will be on Monday, August 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Clayton Library. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to steven.bychowski@houstontx.gov.
Programming Researchers assist staff by researching, viewing, and evaluating online genealogy webinars for potential addition to Clayton Library’s programming and events schedules.
Duties include:
- Search for genealogy webinars on a given topic (suggested websites are provided by the Programming supervisor, but you may discover others on your own).
- View webinars and complete assessments (assessment forms provided by the Programming supervisor)
Training will be provided. Helpful skills include familiarity with internet research and using computer audio. This activity involves working on a computer either at home or at the library. Scheduling is very flexible. Commitment can be one-time or ongoing.
Periodicals Assistants help with organizing and labeling Clayton Library’s bound and unbound periodical collections, to make these collections more visible and accessible to library patrons. This would be a good activity for someone who wants to become more familiar with genealogy periodicals, or who enjoys organizing.
Duties include:
- Inspect, label, organize, and shift periodicals
- Work with periodicals on specific projects identified by the Periodicals supervisor
Training will be provided. Helpful skills include good visual acuity and attention to detail. Some bending, stooping, and light lifting may be required. This activity involves working with periodicals in the stacks or in the compact shelving in the staff workroom. Scheduling is very flexible. A commitment of 8 hours per month is requested.
Outreach Assistants deliver brochures and promotional materials to neighborhood libraries, community centers, cultural organizations, etc. to help advertise Clayton Library’s programs and services. Duties include:
Training will be provided. Access to a vehicle may be required. Scheduling is very flexible. Commitment can be one-time or ongoing. |
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Book Sale Assistants work with the donated duplicate books temporarily stored at the Clayton House and prepare them for inventory and inclusion in the library’s unit book sale.
Duties include:
- Sort duplicate books by state or geographic area on shelves
- Use a laptop computer to enter book information into pre-set tables in a Word document
- Determine basic price for books by researching book availability thru online booksellers
Training will be provided. Helpful skills include good visual acuity and attention to detail, as well as familiarity with internet research. Some bending, stooping, and light lifting may be required. This activity involves working on a laptop computer in the stacks at the Clayton House. Scheduling is flexible but subject to days/times that the Clayton House is open. A commitment of 8 hours per month is requested.