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Volunteer Please fill out the form below if you are interested in volunteer, docent, or intern opportunities at AAS. In 2009 AAS is pleased to offer a Readers' Services Spring Internship for an undergraduate or graduate student interested in gaining experience in our busy Readers' Services department. Volunteer, Docent, and Intern Application Form Name Street Address City State Zip Code E-Mail address Telephone Fax Volunteers and Docents Complete this Section: Volunteer Experience Special Skills Education or Work Experience References Students and Interns Complete this Section: School or institution Contact Person Contact Person's Phone Number Contact Person's Email Please indicate type of educational experience: -Community Service -Course Credit -Other   PROGRAM PREFERENCE (volunteers, docents, and interns select all that apply) Library Archive Preparation Preparing archive materials involves the organizing and filing of correspondence and other materials for inclusion in the AAS archives. Supervised by the Manuscripts or Administrative Department. Organizing/Preserving Collections This very important work entails the categorization of materials within a small collection and in some cases selecting and placing collection items in special housing to enhance preservation. The curators of the Books, Graphic Arts, Manuscripts, or Newspaper Departments select collection materials based on, the overall goal of improving access to our collections, the need for preservation and the interests of volunteers. Developing Collection Descriptions These more advanced projects require some computer skills and focus on producing a finding aid to guide researchers to the contents of an uncatalogued collection. Some research to identify collection items may be required. The curators of the Books, Graphic Arts, Manuscripts, or Newspaper Departments select collections based on the research value of the collection, potlntial for subsequent cataloging and the interests of volunteers. Inventory Special Collections Inventorying of special collections features more time intensive projects which develop lists of each item in a special collection noting unique features of particular items. Inventory work may be done in conjunction with developing a collection description or as part of efforts to organize and enhance the preservation of a collection. Normally supervised by the Books, Graphic Arts, Newspaper, Manuscripts and Reference Services Departments. Shelving of Collection Materials Shelving of collection materials involves the proper return of collection materials that have been used by researchers in the Reading Room. This is an ongoing project where library staff and volunteers work in conjunction. Requires successful completion of formal training by the Reference Services Department.   Outreach Prepare Press Packets Proofread PR and other Materials Prepare Mailings Isaiah Thomas Project Conduct Weekly Tours Conduct Special Tours   Administration Office Assistance Office assistance entails light office work (filing, data entry, some typing) in conjunction with the administrative support staff. Supervised by the Administration Department. Maintaining the Grounds Maintaining the grounds involves light duties such as weeding and planting of flowers, shrubs and trees, or general lawn work. Must be 18 years of age to operate equipment. Supervised by the Buildings and Grounds Department. Preparing Special Events Preparing special events deals with support of the planning and conducting the various special events of the Society such as its annual meeting and fundraising events. Supervised by the Administrative or Development Department. Data Entry and General Computer Work Data entry and general computer work entails support of maintaining the Societys mailing lists, databases and other record keeping. Computer skills such as MS Word or Excel or Access are required. Scanning/Digitizing Materials Scanning/digitizing materials involves special projects to record digital images of collection materials and may include responsibility for organizing, transferring or describing the digital images. May require formal training under the supervision of the Information Technology or a Curatorial Department.   Additional Comments   For more information contact: Edward J. Harris, Jr., Vice-President for Administration American Antiquarian Society 185 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609 Telephone: (508) 471-2162 Fax: (508) 753-3311     American Antiquarian Society 185 Salisbury Street Worcester, Massachusetts 01609-1634 Tel.: 508-755-5221 Fax: 508-753-3311 e-mail the library Contact Us Staff Directory Site Index Last updated January 9, 2009 This site and all contents © 2010 American Antiquarian Society