Librarian Volunteer //IN PERSON
About organisation / project
The Buy Nowt LS6 - Library of things is a community group and the Library of things itself is a library but instead of books it lends tools, powertools, holiday equipment and camping equipment. Essentially things that people use infrequently but would normally have to buy and store and by borrowing from us they save money, space in their home, money and reduce waste by people donating rather than throw away.
We are based in Headingley at the Headingley Methodist church.
The Library is Pay As You Feel for both items themselves and the Library membership itself.
Our opening hours are Friday 4pm-6pm and Saturdays 1pm-4pm. We have some volunteeering oppurtunities that can be done outside of those hours and from home.
Who we’re looking for:
Essential:
- Someone who believes in the Library of Things concept and wants to help it succeed.
- A computer literate person (able to use Microsoft Excel, Word, Internet and emails)
- Good with people and good communication skills.
- Willing to donate their time and work with us and our volunteers.
- Good organisational skills.
- Available during our opening hours (does not need to be both days). Friday 4-6.30pm. Saturday 1-4pm.
Desirable
- Previous library experience or stock management experience.
- An interest in environmentalism and community based action.
- Experience using library software like MyTurn or LendEngine is desirable but training will be provided.
- Experience of simple electrical PAT testing is desirable but training will be provided.
Technical information
Time requirements: The role would need approximately 2.5-5 hours a week of time. This can be flexible to work around how much help we need that week and our opening times.
Compensation: We cannot offer compensation but it goes without saying you'd be able to use the library as much as you wanted no matter where you live and borrowing and membership would be free.
Location: Ideally we are looking for someone in LS6 as we would like to build locally community connections and reduce the carbon footprint travelling to volunteering. However, we welcome help from anyone in Leeds.
Additional information Hide[-]
Required Role
Librarian Volunteer //IN PERSON
Key responsibilities
Organising, cataloging and storing items in the Library of Things.
‘Front of House’ when the Library is open to members of the public, including assisting walk-in borrowers to set up membership/borrowing.
Checking items are clean, working and have all parts with them when borrowers loan/return items.
Maintaining and updating the library’s online inventory system. Training to be provided.
Cleaning and sanitising items in between loan periods.
Handling monetary donations or facilitating this via a card reader.
Tracking items on the system and communicating with borrowers about item pick up/drop off times.
Guiding borrowers how to use items safely in the Library.
Training up new volunteers for the role of librarian.
Mandatory SkillsHide[-]
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Communication
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Non-discriminatory
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Non-judgemental
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Office IT (Word, Excel etc)
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Positive attitude
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Time Management
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Self Management
Desirable Skills
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Initiative
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Interpersonal
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IT, Computers and Web Skills
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Negotiation and influencing
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Planning and organising
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Project Management
Skill to gain
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Confidence
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Networking
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Opportunity and Recognition
When can you do this role/Calendar
Minimum commitment level:
Once a week