Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia’s Richard B. Russell Building Special Collections Libraries is now accepting applications for participants in its docent program.
The Docent Corps is a skilled group of volunteers who provide tours of the library galleries to visitors, ranging from fifth graders to adults. Docents are trained to highlight permanent and rotating exhibitions and to help increase awareness of the many resources offered by the three special collections libraries: the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, the Walter J. Brown Media Archive and Peabody Awards Collections and the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies.
“Participation in the docent program requires a substantial commitment of time and energy on the part of volunteers, but we think it is tremendously rewarding,” said Jan Levinson, outreach archivist with the Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, who coordinates the program.
A 10-week training program provides an opportunity for docents to meet curators, archivists and other special collections staff; learn about the collections and techniques for leading tours; and become familiar with all parts of the Richard B. Russell Building. Follow-up meetings throughout the year provide opportunities to learn about new exhibits in the galleries and programs sponsored by the three special collections libraries.
“We are looking for applicants who are enthusiastic, flexible and open to working with visitors of all ages,” Levinson said. “We don’t require prior experience in the arts and humanities, but a love of history and experience with teaching or public speaking is desirable.”
For more information about the docent program, see http://www.libs.uga.edu/scl/contribute/volunteer.html. For more information about the training schedule and expectations, see http://www.libs.uga.edu/scl/contribute/docent_training_overview_faq_spring13.pdf.
Interested individuals can apply online at http://www.libs.uga.edu/scl/contribute/docentapp.html.
Applications must be submitted by Feb. 8. Questions may be directed to Levinson at jlevinso@uga.edu or 706/542-5788. All candidates selected for admission to the docent program will be required to submit to a background investigation.
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