Volunteer with us

Volunteers make an invaluable contribution to the Library. Our vibrant and growing volunteer community includes participants from all age groups, nationalities and walks of life.

About the Library

State Library Victoria is one of Victoria’s pre-eminent cultural institutions and a leading library of the world. Through our unique collections and wide-ranging services, we are central to the cultural life and economy of Victoria.

We are the major reference and research library in Victoria, and aim to provide Victorians and all users with ready access to a comprehensive collection of Victorian documentary material and to worldwide information resources, to enrich their cultural, educational, social and economic lives.

Organisational values

Innovation: we recognise and embrace new technologies, ideas and opportunities to improve, grow and develop as individuals and as industry leaders in a challenging environment.

Collaboration: we work together and with partners, sharing knowledge and resources to advance universal access to information.

Engagement: we work to understand, connect and meet the needs and expectations of our communities in the most appropriate ways.

Excellence: we provide an outstanding service at all times in a professional and ethical manner.

Respect: we strive to create an open and caring community by valuing and supporting individuals, and acknowledging the strength of diversity.

Volunteer at the Library

Volunteers have the opportunity to become involved in a range of front-of-house and behind-the-scenes activities at the Library:

• Volunteer tour guides lead tours of our permanent exhibitions, The changing face of Victoria and World of the book, in the Dome Galleries. Tours run every day of the week. 
• Family Programs volunteers help run Storytime and Baby Bounce, and interact with families with babies and small children. 
• Versatile volunteers support the delivery of ad hoc Library projects. Opportunities are available both front- and back-of-house, and include welcoming visitors to large Library events, conducting surveys to improve visitor experience and packing promotional material. 
• Behind-the-scenes volunteers are involved with a range of activities such as transcribing handwritten collection items, listing collection items and assisting staff with special projects. Because roles for behind-the-scenes volunteers are project-based, recruitment is on an ad hoc basis. No opportunities are currently available.
• Volunteer greeters are stationed alongside staff at Library entry points to help welcome visitors, provide directions, escort visitors to where they need to go and refer questions to Library staff as required. Applications for volunteer greeters will open in February 2018.

Working with Children Check 

All volunteers must have a current Working with Children Check before commencing at the Library. Obtaining a valid check is the responsibility of individuals and they are free of charge for volunteers. You can apply online or at selected Australia Post outlets.

Recruiting now

Applications are now open for: 

• volunteer tour guides
• Family Programs volunteers
• versatile volunteers.

To apply, submit the application form for your preferred volunteer role addressing the information in the relevant position description, attach your CV and email to volunteer@slv.vic.gov.au.

Applications close Sunday 28 January 2018.