Volunteer library assistant - advice please

[EssexLioness]

I applied for the above role and have now been offered an interview. However, I am now nervous about whether I am up to the role, what to expect etc.

Does anyone here work in a library and can tell me a bit more about what to expect. How involved is the advice/ computer side of things?

Also, what on earth do I wear for the interview. I want to look professional but also aware that as it is a voluntary role, then the dress code may be a little more informal. I work from home so I think I would need to buy something specific as all my clothes are casual or smart casual. The smartest I have is a pair of nice trousers and jumper, no blouses or dresses that I think would be suitable. I do have a couple of lovely jumpsuits but these are pretty bright so not suitable. Then if I did get the job, what sort of things should I wear? I like colour, nothing too loud but I’m guessing neutrals would be more appropriate.

I have relatives who do this (but paid and at a library-gateway, so maybe you won’t have to cover all the tasks):

• expected library stuff, like sorting stock, shelving books, assisting people, repairing books, running or organising groups/workshops/story-times
• assisting people using the computers, printers and photocopier
• helping people access info about council services and the like

I go to my library very often. The women are usually in casual but modest clothing - flowery tops, trousers or midi skirt... They all look like primary school teachers. There’s one new member of staff who gives off alt vibes - has plugs in ears, blue hair, wears some neon colour but still modestly dressed with no bare shoulders or tight clothing.

Dd used to volunteer in our local library. Smart casual seemed fine. She used to support Rhymetime, replacing books on shelves and tidying, answering queries and directing users, helping with summer reading scheme. Ours has IT and family history sessions too.

Thank you @evtheria. Many of my clothes have a primary school teacher vibe (used to be one) so that would be fine. I am menopausal which affects my confidence and memory atm so I guess I am concerned that the services/ computer side might be too involved but I suspect I am over worrying.

@LIZS thank you. This is a pretty small library. They do story time but have specific volunteers for that

I did it for a while. I wasn’t allowed to man the desk or use the computer. I had to put returned books on the shelves, tidy the shelves, make sure the order was correct and occasionally recover books.

There wasn’t much interaction with the public, or with paid library staff. There was a lot of bending and stretching and not enough variety for me.

Voluntary assistants generally undertake very basic tasks only such as shelving and strict ordering. If you show an aptitude for it then baby rhyme time or an under 5's group may be yours for the asking and there's sometimes an opportunity to prepare and deliver a home delivery service - a very rewarding experience. The council guards the information it holds on its residents so you may only get limited access to their computer systems. As to interview clothes, this won't be the right time to be zany and out there so I'd go for a pulled-together look. Once you're successful (and you will be as long as you don't swear or smell of alcohol) then you can up your game accordingly but the staff might frown at facial tattoos.

Thank you @Foxyloxy1plus1, sounds like it wasn’t a good fit for you. I don’t mind it being repetitive and tbh was expecting that. But obviously I wouldn’t know for sure if I enjoyed it until I was there.

@Billandben444 thank you. That makes sense re limited access to personal information. They do offer a home delivery service but have separate volunteers for this. The clothing advice makes complete sense to me. I am not particularly out there, but do like a bit of colour (nothing too mad) so I should be ok there. I have a nice pair of grey trousers and a smart pale pink jumper which I think would be suitable for interview. I don’t drink so won’t reek of alcohol and no facial tattoos 😉

Bright and colourful would be ok in our library. Day to day we can wear jeans if we want. You wouldn't want to wear too low cut or shirt skirts because of all the bending down.

Thank you, yes my clothes would appropriately cover what it needs to. Good to know re colour though. Think I need to pop in again and pay close attention to what the volunteers are wearing.

How many hours a week will you be doing?
Volunteers do quite a bit at my library as there are only two paid (part time) staff members. Anything from book sorting/shelving to poster making or computer work with members of the public.
Dress code generally tends towards the smarter casual, but we don't mind t-shits for instance, but not ones with questionable logos or slogans - just be mindful of your "audience".
You may well have to use the computers for things like book searches.

I'm now part of the Home Library Service which I find more rewarding,
as you're providing a genuinely helpful service. I've dealt with all sorts of people, from the Mum who couldn't cope with library visits with two autistic children, to a bed bound 90 year old who read twenty books a month!

Please don't stress too much about the computer side of things. Our local library is entirely run by volunteers, including a large proportion of long retired women who (with the odd false start) manage the computer side of things ok. You'll be fine.

@species5618 it will only be 4 hours per week, which on top of work and the other voluntary stuff I do is about right for me.

The home library service is a lovely scheme and I can see how you would find that rewarding. I agree you are providing a real service there.

@MillicentMargaretAmanda thank you. Deep down I think I will be fine. It’s not like I’m completely computer illiterate. It’s just my confidence talking.