Volunteer position
What are we looking for?
We are looking for people to help to grow and develop the Library, joining our team of Librarians to staff the Library; it is currently open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-7pm and Saturdays from 1-5pm but we hope to be able to be open more in the future.
The Library is situated at Makespace in Jericho / Walton Manor (1 Aristotle Lane, Oxford OX2 6TP).
What is involved
This role is a great introduction to the project. So far we have over 350 items in the library (but you don’t need to be familiar with how to use them all, or even what they are). There is an online catalogue through which people reserve items and which is also the system for checking items in and out. Opening the Library involves some dealing with people while issuing items for loan, and receiving items back in. Payments also have to be taken and recorded.
Other tasks of the Librarian(s) on duty can include keeping the stock and office in order; checking and maintaining items; entering new items into the inventory / catalogue; and more.
About you
You need to be fairly comfortable using a simple online program and associated tasks. You need to be able to communicate with potential borrowers / users of the items – the Library is not a rental store but aims to develop relationships with its user members.
You need to be able to commit with a reasonable degree of regularity.
Much of the work is sedentary so physical strength and fitness are not issues; we welcome applications from people of any physical ability.
We have an approximately monthly meeting of volunteers, where attendance is encouraged, but not compulsory.
As a librarian I have a regular role, but am also able to contribute more as and when I have the time. We have a great, proactive group that works as a cooperative to push the project forward, it’s an exciting new venture to a be part of.
Jen, volunteer on Tuesdays.
About SHARE Oxford & the Library of Things
SHARE Oxford is a community action group under the CAG Oxfordshire Network. Our mission is to work towards creating a culture of waste prevention and towards healthy economic production and consumption.
We run a Library of Things, launched in February 2019. This enables people to borrow instead of buy items which are only occasionally needed, such as outdoor, domestic, cooking equipment and more. The Library of Things encourages – and facilitates – the avoidance of waste, and saves space, money, and the environment.
Ultimately we seek:
- to challenge people’s perceptions of ownership and our relationship to the Earth’s resources,
- to inspire others to undertake similar initiatives,
- to collaborate with like-minded people and groups,
- to be part of the progression towards a healthier economy and society, and
- to alleviate the modern day pressure on personal finances.
To get involved, please get in touch at libraryofthings@shareoxford.org or stop by during our opening hours to have a chat.
You can also find out more at our Information / demo event on Weds 10th July, 6-7pm – contact us at libraryofthings@shareoxford.org if you’d like to come along.