The Institute keeps both a reference library of over 1300 books on the local, regional, national and international rail story, local memories, pastimes and industries as well as an archive of many historic photographs and documents. The purpose of the role is to assist the Institute's Collection Archivist in maintaining a catalogue of the collection, improving its systematization, digitizing and making it available to the community to visit, helping people find books, articles and images that relate to their interests.
Your help with the following would be greatly appreciated by the team:
* Cataloguing new acquisitions and uncatalogued existing books and documents.
* Helping to keep the library space orderly.
* Digitizing and electronically filing documents and photographs from the archive collection.
* Monitoring the collection during the hours the library and collection is open.
* Periodic inventory checks.
* Signposting visitors to the online catalogue or helping them to find what they are looking for.
We are looking for a volunteer to support the Institute’s Collection Archivist in caring for and developing our growing library and archive. No previous experience of archive or library work is required. Training and guidance will be provided.
Essential Skills and Qualities:
* Organised and methodical approach. Able to keep clear, accurate records and work carefully with catalogues, lists, and systems.
* Attention to detail. Takes care to ensure information is recorded correctly and materials are handled and stored appropriately.
* Basic IT skills. Comfortable using a computer for tasks such as data entry, working with spreadsheets or simple databases, and organising digital files.
* Willingness to learn. Open to developing new skills in cataloguing, archiving, and digitisation, and able to follow guidance.
* Good communication skills. Friendly and approachable, with the ability to assist visitors in finding materials and respond to enquiries.
* Reliable and committed. Able to volunteer on a regular basis and contribute consistently to the work of the collection.
* Care and respect for historic materials. Understands the importance of handling books, photographs, and documents with care.
Desirable (but not essential)
* Interest in local history, people stories, railways, or social, cultural and industrial heritage
* Experience of working with books, archives, or collections
* Familiarity with scanning, photography, or digitisation
* Interest in helping share collections with the wider community
This is an opportunity to play a hands-on role in preserving and sharing Shildon's, and the Institute’s, rich heritage, helping ensure it is accessible and meaningful to current and future generations.
We are ideally looking for someone who could give four hours on a Saturday afternoon or morning, and this would be in the Library at the Railway Institute building, 78 Redworth Road, Shildon. We could be flexible on this to some extent.
We offer training covering the following:
Full training and ongoing support will be provided. This will include:
* Induction to the Institute and its collections; an introduction to the history and purpose of the Institute, and an overview of the library and archive.
* Handling and care of materials; guidance on the safe handling, storage, and basic preservation of books, photographs, and documents.
* Cataloguing and record-keeping; training in how we catalogue items, maintain records, and use the Institute’s chosen system for organising the collection.
* Digitisation skills; instruction on our method of scanning documents and photographs, file naming, and organising digital records.
* Basic IT systems; support in how we use, databases, or other tools used to manage the collection.
* Supporting visitors and enquiries; guidance on how to assist members of the public in finding materials and responding to queries.
* Health and safety awareness; basic guidance to ensure a safe working environment for volunteers and visitors.
We are unable to offer expenses to any of our volunteers or management committee officers.
* Looking after you; we will provide free tea, coffee or soft drinks while working.
* Develop new skills; gain hands-on experience in cataloguing, archiving, and digitisation, as well as practical IT and organisational skills.
* Build experience for your CV; particularly valuable for those interested in heritage, libraries, museums, research, or community work.
* Work with unique historical material; get close to a fascinating collection of books, photographs, stories and documents relating to railways, local history, and working life.
* Make a meaningful contribution; help ensure that the Institute’s collection is preserved, organised, and accessible for the benefit of the community.
* Meet people and be part of a team; work alongside a friendly family of other volunteers with shared interests and engage with visitors seeking to explore the collection.
* Follow your own interests; an opportunity to explore topics such as railways, local heritage, and social history in greater depth. Perhaps help us shape new directions for the collection or our next exhibition.
* Enjoy a flexible and supportive environment; volunteering can be arranged to fit around your availability, with guidance and support provided.
Travel:
* Shildon Railway Institute stands on Redworth Road in Shildon.
* It has dedicated car parking to the rear for those traveling by car.
* For anyone traveling by bus there is a bus stop almost directly outside where the Number 1 bus stops every 30 minutes during the day. That service runs between destinations including Tow Law, Crook and Bishop Auckland right through Shildon to Darlington, and back.
Accessibility:
* Our building is a Grade II listed building that was erected in 1913, and as such presents some accessibility challenges, including steps to the main entrance.
* The library is on the first floor of the building which is accessible only by stairs.
* We are currently running a project to redesign our building and improve accessibility as well as move the library to the ground floor, but this may take some time.
Shildon Railway Institute is an ambitious Community Benefit Society that depends upon volunteers and everyone involved in running and shaping it is an unpaid volunteer excepting a handful of employed staff, consequently the organisation believes in supporting and listening to its volunteers. Volunteers are never expected to do anything they would be uncomfortable with, are encouraged to help shape their volunteer role. Volunteers are required to agree to a volunteering agreement and code of conduct. Shildon Railway Institute is a no smoking venue.
