Volunteer Opportunities at The Morgan Library & Museum

The volunteer program works to match the Morgan's needs with the skills of qualified candidates. Volunteer opportunities are available in many departments.
Volunteer FAQs

Collection Information Systems: Cataloging Assistant
Responsibilities and duties: Reporting to the Head of Cataloging & Database Maintenance, the cataloging assistant will create and update records in CORSAIR, the Morgan's online collections catalog, in OCLC's WorldCat, and in the Morgan's local collection management system. The cataloging assistant will also gather and standardize metadata about collection items, such as exhibition histories and bibliographies. Training will be provided as needed. Qualifications: Strong preference will be given to someone with a library cataloging background, including experience with the MARC format, AACR2, authority control, online library systems in general, and OCLC's Connexion client. Other computer skills, such as experience with Microsoft Access, and knowledge of foreign languages, are appreciated.

Education: Usher/Public Program Volunteer
Responsibilities and Duties: Hand out programs and assist program attendees with seating; Provide excellent customer service, inform and direct attendees, and answer general questions about the performance and the Morgan; Enforce Morgan policies regarding late seating and electronic devices, inform management of any customer issues, and assist in emergency situations; and Assist with Family Programs that take place during the daytime on occasional weekends during the year. Qualifications: Previous customer service experience, especially in museum or attraction setting; Excellent communication skills, pleasant demeanor; Ability to work evenings and occasional weekends; Knowledge of classical music and of the performing arts; Ability to maintain calm in busy times; High school diploma or the equivalent; and Ability to move easily up and down stairs and to stand for long periods of time.

Drawing Study Center
Photography by Arnold Kirschner.

Management Information Services: Digital Asset Management Assistant
The Digital Asset Management Assistant will ensure maximum visibility of digital assets in the Morgan's ResourceSpace DAM through consistency and accuracy of metadata. He/she will be checking uploaded assets for errors and omissions, and applying standards for keywording and captioning, following up with key DAM users / subject matter experts when questions arise. Qualifications: Experience with taxonomies, digital asset management systems and practices, including keywording. Familiarity with controlled vocabularies and thesauri a big plus. Interest in arts and culture also a plus. Curiosity, creative problem solving, affability necessary. Meticulous attention to detail an absolute requirement.

Management Information Services: Information Systems Volunteer
Assist MIS department staff maintain the computer network, servers, and applications, as well as support users as appropriate. Specifically, the Information Systems Volunteer will be asked to: help maintain the network; assist with new workstation rollouts and or system rebuilds; handle user trouble calls; assist with new application rollouts by installing and uninstalling software on user workstations and training users. Computer literacy and enthusiasm about technology are vital. Qualifications: Knowledge of desktop and server operating systems, network protocols and network security principles a plus.

Photography Department: Photography Cataloguer
The Photography Department is a new department at the Morgan which is in the process of acquiring a collection. The volunteer who is chosen will assist in writing descriptions of the collection and entering the growing collection in CORSAIR, the Morgan's online catalog. There will also be the possibility of conducting bibliographic research. Qualifications: A masters degree in Library Science and strong computer skills required. Familiarity/experience with photography a plus. Knowledge of Voyager Library System is highly desirable, but if candidate does not possess such familiarity, he or she must at least demonstrate the ability to learn quickly. The commitment is for a minimum of one year for at least six hours per week. This is an exciting volunteer opportunity for the person with the appropriate skills to participate in the formation of a new department.

Reading Room: Assistant
Minimum hours per week required: One full day or two 1/2 days per week
Responsibilities and Duties: Participate in desk duties including supervising readers and instructing them in the proper handling of rare materials. Photocopy reference materials, as assigned, for readers and staff. Instruct readers in the use of the online catalog and various finding aids. Operate microfilm reader/printers and instruct readers in their use. Qualifications: Responsible, detail oriented, excellent security awareness and judgment, and computer and internet research skills. B.A. in the humanities, ALA accredited MLS or course work towards a degree. Experience with special materials: early printed books or Medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, archives or literary and historical materials.

Registrar's Office: Registrar's Office Associate
The Registrar's Office is seeking a volunteer with significant Registrarial experience to assist in organizing and implementing the Morgan's exhibition and out-going loan program, as well as the acquisition process. Duties include preparing incoming and out-going loan requests, installing and coordinating packing/unpacking schedules, and making transportation arrangements for incoming and out-going loans and new acquisitions. Qualifications: B.A. or M.A. in art history, fine arts or museum studies; a minimum of one year (preferably two years) experience in a museum required; skill with Microsoft Office (especially Access); detail oriented; well organized; ability to handle numerous projects simultaneously and under tight deadlines; and ability to work with a diverse staff, private lenders, and with staff of other institutions. A working knowledge of one European language is desirable.

Visitor Services: Information/Membership Desk Representative
This volunteer will join a team of people who help enhance the visitor experience by providing information about the Morgan, its collections and exhibitions, and by answering questions related to membership. Desk representatives also distribute complimentary audio guides to visitors and instruct them in the usage of the guides. Qualifications: A strong interest in the Morgan and its collections and museum settings in general; willingness to learn and share information about the Morgan and its collections. Must have a friendly, outgoing personality and possess excellent verbal communication skills. Must have basic PC computer skills. Available positions are for Wednesdays and Sunday mornings only.

Volunteer FAQs

Please note: The amount of time a volunteer will work per week varies with the particular position. Most positions require an average of one day per week. All volunteer positions require a minimum time commitment of one year.