Volunteer

Our Volunteer Program

On behalf of the staff at the African American Library at the Gregory School, we would like to thank you for donating your time and expertise in assisting our archival library. As a volunteer, you play a vital role in fulfilling the archive’s mission to preserve and promote the rich history of African Americans in Houston. No matter your interests, skills, or schedule, you can make a significant contribution to the community by volunteering with us.

There are many shoes to fill, and we need talented people like you to fill them! Our volunteer program is based on finding the best position that addresses your skills and interests, and it allows us to expand the services we provide to our clients and our community. We hope that the personal satisfaction and enrichment you gain in your work as a part of our team will encourage you to continue as a volunteer for years to come. Thank you for your commitment!

Volunteer Positions

We have a number of jobs for volunteers, and new duties are available whenever we begin new projects. Whether you enjoy interacting with patrons or helping to process collections, there are many ways to help at the Gregory School. Below are some of our general volunteer duties. Training for each position will be provided, but basic computer and customer service skills are required.

Visitor Services

Under the supervision of the volunteer coordinator, the visitor services volunteer will be responsible for supporting various administrative projects and day-to-day duties for the Gregory School. Such responsibilities include greeting visitors, answering and transferring incoming calls, assisting in data entry for the mailing list, and preparing shipping labels. This position is ideal for an individual with strong organizational, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills.

Digitization

Houstonians have valuable pieces of history such as photos, obituaries, and letters. Because we realize that they may not want to part with the original items, we have developed a way for community members to contribute to our collection while holding on to their treasured photographs and documents. As a digitization volunteer, you will work under the supervision of our archivists to help create high-quality digital copies of these items.

Archives Processing

The archives processing volunteer will work under our archivists to upload collection data using archival software. This volunteer will be responsible for transferring data from paper files to the computer, allowing information to be safely stored on and off-site. Files in the system can then be identified by category making a search for items quick and easy. The easy access improves the library's ability to update the inventory of the archival collection.

Oral History Transcriptions

Oral histories are an important component of the Gregory School’s collections. Under the supervision of the oral historian, transcription volunteers listen to interviews and accurately record each word so that researchers and other community members can better utilize our collection.

Becoming a Volunteer

Important: Submission of an application does not guarantee a volunteer position.

For general information on the Houston Public Library's volunteer program, visit http://houstonlibrary.org/get-involved/volunteer.

1. Complete an application.

Click here to access HPL's volunteer application.

This is a system-wide application, so be sure to clarify that you are interested in volunteering at the Gregory School. Of course, you are free to express interest in any other HPL volunteer opportunities as well.

2. Let us know you are interested.

Once you submit your application, send an email to hpl.gregoryschool@houstontx.gov so that we know you've begun the process.

3. Meet with HPL's Volunteer Coordinator.

You'll undergo a brief interview with the HPL Volunteer Coordinator. You will also have to pass a criminal background screening. If you have any questions about this stage of the process, please feel free to contact the HPL Volunteer Coordinator at hplvolunteers@houstontx.gov or 832-393-1481.

4. Attend an Orientation and Training at the Gregory School.

Once you are cleared through the HPL Volunteer Coordinator's office, you will visit us so that we can give you a tour, talk to you about your interests and skills, and decide on your volunteer schedule.