Volunteer Documentation Assistant

South Somerset Heritage Collection is a historic collection which includes 30,000 objects and 6,000 photographs reflecting the story of Yeovil and South Somerset.

With a full audit of South Somerset Heritage Collection underway, enabling easy access to object data is key to delivering this project. This information includes data on where the objects originally came from and the stories that they tell.

Museums hold vast amounts of information relating to their collections. Some of this information pre-date a time when data could be recorded digitally, which has since evolved. This project will focus on digitising some manual information relating to ‘Object Entry’ and ‘Object History’ at SSHC, enabling this data to be more easily accessible in support of a collection audit and inventory. 

As we think about our future, this information will also support us to tell stories from the collection in exhibitions, talks and outreach activities. 

TASKS: To accurately input data from manual records to Excel spreadsheets, preparing  the data to add to our MODES collections management database, which manages object information at the Heritage Collection.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•           To undertake training by agreement

•           To liaise and work with other volunteers and staff as required

•           To let staff know in advance if you will be absent

•           To log voluntary hours on the joint time sheet

REQUIREMENTS/SKILLS

Essential

•                    Confident user of IT, including experience of MS Excel

•                    Able to work unsupervised once trained

•                    Accuracy

•                    Methodical

•                    Able to take direction and follow instructions

•                    Good communication skills

Desirable

•                    Ability to work with others

•                    Interest in heritage

HOURS: One day per week, ideally Thursday due to IT workstation availability. Standard volunteering day 10:00am – 4:00pm. Can be discussed further with successful applicant.

LENGTH OF PROJECT: Initial 6 months, may be scope for extension.