Library

The Library is a valuable community resource and there are many ways that you can contribute.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer click here to sign up!

For more information about volunteering, contact the Volunteers’ Office on 9978 4126 or email volunteer@mosman.nsw.gov.au.

Home Library Service Volunteer

Program: Home Library Service

Role

  • Collect books/cds from Home Library Service Office
  • Deliver books/cds to Home Library Service Reader
  • Return books/cds to Barry O’Keefe Library
  • Relay any messages or requests from the reader to the Home Library Service Librarian

Scheduling

Days and times of visiting will be negotiated between the volunteer and reader but is usually once a fortnight. The length of time spent with the reader is flexible and to be determined between the reader and volunteer.

Qualifications

  • Genuine care and concern for the housebound
  • Reasonable level of fitness because books are quite heavy
  • Reliability

Benefits

  • Satisfaction in providing a much appreciated service
  • The enjoyment and rewards of building a friendship with the reader
  • Knowledge that you are improving the reader’s quality of life

Report to Home Library Services Librarian

Local Studies – Oral History Interviewer

Role

  • Undertake oral history interviews with past and current Mosman residents, business owners and students.

Key Position Objective

  • Gathering and preserving the history of Mosman

Essential Skills/Experience

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Patience and enthusiasm
  • Interest in historical research

Other Requirements/Experience Desired

  • Familiarity with use of recording equipment
  • Drivers licence – as it may be necessary to travel to another suburb

Benefits

  • Satisfaction in providing a much appreciated service
  • Assisting in gathering and preserving the history of Mosman
  • Increasing volunteer’s knowledge and understanding of Mosman’s history
  • The opportunity to develop research skills and communication skills

Report to Local Studies Librarian, Donna Braye – 9978 4101

Local Studies – House History Researcher

Role

  • Assist Mosman Library users and Mosman residents with researching the history of a Mosman building or site.
This is to be offered as a permanent fortnightly session at a set time over a minimum of two hours

Key Position Objective

  • Raising awareness of the Mosman Library Local Studies Collection

Essential Skills/Experience

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Research skills
  • Knowledge of resources such as Sands directories, subdivision maps and plans, valuation records, electoral rolls and land title documents.
  • Patience and enthusiasm

Other Requirements/Experience Desired

  • Familiarity with use of equipment such as microfiche/microfilm readers (not essential – training will be given.
  • Familiarity with online searching and use of databases.
  • Familiarity with computers

Benefits

  • Satisfaction in providing a much appreciated service
  • The opportunity to develop research skills and communication skills
  • Developing an awareness of available resources and agencies

Report to Local Studies Librarian, Donna Braye – 9978 4101

Local Studies – Family History Researcher

Role

  • Assist Mosman Library users with their family history research

Key Position Objective

  • Assist Library users with the fundamentals of family history research
  • Assist Library users with the use of Mosman Library’s family history resources
  • Raise awareness of family history research resources

Essential Skills/Experience

  • Knowledge of/experience in family history resources and agencies
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Patience, enthusiasm and enjoyment of family history research

Other Requirements/Experience Desired

  • Familiarity with use of family history research tools and equipment
  • Familiarity with computers
  • Familiarity with online searching and use of databases.
  • Training experience

Benefits

  • Satisfaction in providing a much appreciated service
  • The opportunity to develop research skills and communication skills
  • Developing an awareness of available resources and agencies

Report to Local Studies Librarian, Donna Braye – 9978 4101

Local Studies – Exhibitions Assistant

Role

Assist Local Studies Librarian with all aspects of mounting an exhibition as required, including:
  • research
  • clerical assistance
  • mounting/launch of exhibition

Key Position Objective

  • Raise awareness of the Barry O’Keefe Library Local Studies Collection by mounting exhibitions and displaying material.

Essential Skills/Experience

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Research skills
  • Clerical skills
  • Willingness to assist at launch of exhibitions

Other Requirements/Experience Desired

  • Familiarity with use of equipment such as microfiche/microfilm readers (not essential – training will be given)
  • Basic photographic skills
  • Familiarity with use of photocopiers
  • Familiarity with computers

Benefits

  • Satisfaction in providing a much appreciated service
  • Developing and demonstrating research and display/creative skills
  • Interacting with staff
  • Knowledge and satisfaction in assisting with community project

Report to Local Studies Librarian, Donna Braye – 9978 4101

Local Studies – Archives Assistant

Role

  • Undertake the identification and description of archival records held in the Barry O’Keefe Library Local Studies Collection

Key Position Objective

  • Preserve the history of Mosman

Essential Skills/Experience

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Historical research skills
  • Clerical skills
  • Attention to detail

Other Requirements/Experience Desired

  • Familiarity with use of equipment such as microfiche/microfilm readers and photocopiers
  • Familiarity with computers
  • Familiarity with online resources

Benefits

  • Satisfaction in providing a much appreciated service
  • Opportunity to develop research and communication skills
  • Developing an awareness of available resources and agencies
  • Interacting with staff
  • Knowledge and satisfaction in assisting with community project

Report to Local Studies Librarian, Donna Braye – 9978 4101

Local Studies – Oral History selection and assessment

Role

  • Undertake the selection of extracts from oral history interviews with Mosman residents. These extracts will be placed on the Mosman Voices website

Key Position Objective

  • Preserving and sharing the history of Mosman
  • Promoting the Mosman Oral History Collection

Essential Skills/Experience

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Excellent comprehension skills
  • Patience and enthusiasm
  • Interest in historical research

Other Requirements/Experience Desired

  • Familiarity with use of recording equipment
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Word

Benefits

  • Satisfaction in providing a much appreciated service
  • The opportunity to develop research and communication skills
  • Assisting in preserving the history of Mosman
  • Increasing volunteer’s knowledge and understanding of Mosman’s history

Report to Local Studies Librarian, Donna Braye – 9978 4101