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1 person is interested
Volunteer at the Ransom Center: Docent
ORGANIZATION: Harry Ransom Center
Please visit the new page to apply.
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1 person is interested
General Function
Docent volunteers are responsible for welcoming, orienting, and guiding groups of visitors through the Ransom Center. The primary function of the docents is to lead tours through our exhibition space, including items on permanent display, the Gutenberg Bible and Niépce Heliograph, and rotating exhibitions (1-3 per year). Ensuring all visitors have a positive and enjoyable experience is the position’s primary goal.
Time Commitment
Position requires at least a 4-hour per week commitment from July 2018 through July 2019. This time includes training, preparation, and tours. Weekday and weekend shifts are available.
Job Responsibilities
Plan, practice and implement guided tours of the current exhibitions.
Duties include:
-Exploring the exhibitions to learn about their content and context
-Reading docent materials including labels, articles, and recommended books
-Greeting and orienting visitors to the Ransom Center
-Engaging groups of 5-20 visitors in the galleries
-Interpreting the exhibitions for visitors of all ages
-Providing other information, as needed
Volunteers will be expected to:
-Attend all mandatory training sessions
-Learn the layout of the Ransom Center
-Keep informed of upcoming exhibitions, programs, and special events
-Become familiar with policies and protocols
-Work in cooperation visitor services staff, gallery attendants, and guards to ensure all visitors’ needs are met.
Qualifications
Friendly individual with strong communication skills, who is resourceful, flexible, listens well, is friendly and comfortable interacting with visitors of all ages, and has an interest in learning more about the Ransom Center’s collections. Ability to maintain a pleasant attitude even under stress preferred. Ages 18+.
How to Apply: The application is available at http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/about/participate/volunteer/#
Contact Lisa Pulsifer at lisapulsifer@austin.utexas.edu with any questions.
Applications will be reviewed, and you will be contacted by a Ransom Center staff member to arrange an in-person interview. Submitting a completed application doesn't guarantee a volunteer position.
More opportunities with Harry Ransom Center
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About Harry Ransom Center
Location:
300 West 21st Street, Austin, TX 78712, US
Mission Statement
The central mission of the Ransom Center is to advance the study of the arts and humanities. To this end, the Center:
- Acquires original cultural material for the purposes of scholarship, education, and delight
- Preserves and makes accessible these creations of our cultural heritage through the highest standards of cataloging, conservation, and collection management
- Supports research through public services, symposia, publications, and fellowships
- Provides education and enrichment for scholars, students, and the public at large through exhibitions, public performances, and lectures
Description
One of the world's finest cultural archives, the Harry Ransom Center houses 36 million literary manuscripts, one million rare books, five million photographs, and over 100,000 works of art. Highlights include the Gutenberg Bible (c.1455), the First Photograph (c.1826) and important paintings by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The Center is used extensively by scholars from around the world and presents numerous exhibitions and events showcasing its collections.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
300 W. 21st St.Austin, TX 78712
DATE POSTED
May 10, 2018
SKILLS
GOOD FOR
- People 55+
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 18