Participants Role Outline
Type:
Volunteer
Role Title:
Outreach Community Library Volunteer
Where:
Fallowfield Library Platt Lane, Manchester M14 7FB
Commitment:
Volunteers will be required to commit to 3 hours per week. You can do more if you wish.
In the new year the library hours will reduce to the following:
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Monday – 1pm – 7pm
Thursday 10am – 1pm & 2pm – 5pm
Saturday 10am – 1pm
Volunteers will be work along side experienced library staff. Once we have volunteers who
are skilled and confident, the library hours will be extended.
Duration:
We ask for a minimum commitment of 3 months
Requirements:
A group of volunteers called Friends of Fallowfield have come together to save Fallowfield
Library from closing. City South Housing Trust has offered Friends of Fallowfield support in
order to transform the library into a community asset and a sustainable enterprise going
forward. For volunteers this is an exciting time to get involved and be part of something
new, which will become a vital community asset within Fallowfield.
Include example of
tasks and duties
As a volunteer your role may include:
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Participant Role Profile
Issue 1 – December 2013
Meeting and greeting customers and talking to them about what the Community
Outreach Library has to offer
Helping customers to use the self-service machine: showing them how to take
books out, return and renew books
Showing customers how to book a computer to use
Showing customers how to join the library online and how to order (reserve) a
book online
Supporting customers by offering basic IT Help e.g. fill in forms online, set up an email address etc
Keeping library area tidy
Keeping notice-boards tidy, removing out of date information
Creating displays to promote book stock and events
Putting books in order on the shelves
Unpacking deliveries of new books and books that have been ordered and putting
them on the correct shelves
Helping to deliver events / activities e.g. craft activities, fun days etc
Providing homework help and support
Helping to deliver story sessions
Dealing with customer enquiries : a free-phone will be available to contact library
staff based in the nearest (buddy) library for advice / support
Helping to plan and develop activities which may be one-off events e.g. an author
event, or a series of events e.g. Summer Reading Challenge
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You may be asked to get involved in other library initiative as and when they are put into
place.
You will be fully supported
A member of Library staff and / or a named member of The Friends Group
Regular support and guidance will be given by a named library contact and / or a named
member of The Friends Group
What’s In It For
You:
Some of the benefits are:
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Gain experience of planning, delivering and helping with events/activities
Gain experience of working with the public
Opportunity to increase self-confidence
Valuable training and experience that can be included in CVs and job applications
Improve self-esteem
Enhance your communication and personal skills
Be part of something worthwhile
Networking opportunities to meet lots of different people
Out of pocket expenses paid
Receive a reference
Hopefully have fun
Training
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A full induction will be given
Library training will be given before you commence volunteering
Further ad hoc training will be available that you could take advantage – to be
discussed with the volunteer Coordinator.
Skills or
Qualifications
There are no set skills required to volunteer, but we do ask that as a volunteer you:
How to Apply
Contact the Placement and Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Roberts for an application form
on:
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Enjoys being with people
Enjoy helping others
Have a confident, outgoing personality (able to approach people)
Has good communication skills
Is interested in books, reading and libraries
Is willing to support craft activities
Is willing to undergo a DBS check
T: 0161 227 1360
M: 07932 345688
E: sarah.roberts@citysouthmanchester.co.uk
Closing Date
Participant Role Profile
Issue 1 – December 2013
On-going recruitment
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