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Library Registration Desk

Department: Gale Family Library

Service Summary

Volunteers in this position assist visitors to the Gale Family Library, all while providing excellent customer service. The volunteer will be working independently at their station and guiding guests as needed.

Responsibilities

  • Create a welcoming environment for all visitors by greeting and interacting with them upon arrival and departure. Encourage return visits.

  • Provide wayfinding and directions to areas within the visitor center (ticketing, store, restrooms, etc), historic site, and other area attractions.

  • Answer general questions about navigating the library experience.

  • Assist individuals with special needs. This may include providing a museum wheelchair or communicating in non-traditional ways while guiding visitors to staff for additional assistance.

  • Report any inappropriate behavior or customer concerns to site supervisors or managers.

  • Attend shifts as scheduled. If illness or an emergency require a last-minute absence, notify your supervisor immediately so a substitute can be sought.

  • Serve in a collections security function by scanning in Library cards for all researchers entering the reading room and ensuring that guests lock up all coats, bags, and food/drink.

Qualifications

  • Friendly, outgoing, respectful, and customer service-oriented.

  • Excellent communication skills.

  • Strong level of responsibility and maturity in order to independently handle many types of interactions with visitors.

  • Punctual, dependable.

  • Desire to work with guests of all ages and backgrounds.

  • Flexible and adaptable to a dynamic and changing setting.

  • Basic computer skills and ability to learn specific and routine computer tasks.

Accessibility Information

We strive to be inclusive hosts and to enable all individuals to fully engage. Please let us know if there are any accommodations you might need to fulfill your volunteer role. This role does require either standing or sitting in a tall chair at times. There is a step stool available to assist with getting into the chair.

Training & Safety

  • Training will be provided on the first shift. Each shift, the volunteer’s knowledge builds, providing more tailored support.

  • Read and review all assigned training materials, related facilitation and interpretation documents, and safety manuals.

Value to the Volunteer

Volunteer provides a vital role in creating a welcoming atmosphere and first point-of-contact for site visitors. Volunteer will strengthen their customer service skills, and gain familiarity with Minnesota history, Gale Family Library, and the Minnesota Historical Society. Volunteer will also get to meet a wide range of visitors from around the world.

Parking is free to volunteers during their shifts.

Perks for all active volunteers can be viewed on the bottom of the MNHS Volunteer News webpage.

Time Commitment

Volunteers are asked to commit to at least two 3 hour volunteer shifts per month during the library’s open to the public hours (10 am-4pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday.)

Coordinator

Nick Duncan, Reference Assistant Supervisor

Location(s): Minnesota History Center


Become a volunteer

Volunteers

Volunteers are essential to the Minnesota Historical Society.

You are part of Minnesota's story.

From the shores of Lake Superior to the depths of the State Archives, MNHS volunteers are everywhere.

Our opportunities are as diverse as the people and places we serve. Volunteers help us cultivate curiosity, care for collections, share their stories, and more! Don't have a history degree? That's ok. For many opportunities, prior formal education or experience is not required.

Want to see what's out there? Hop over to our Volunteer Opportunities page to see how you can help.

Perks For All Active Volunteers

  • Free admission to special exhibit previews, tours, and classes
  • Free parking & bus passes for active volunteers
  • 10% discount at all museum stores
  • Two double discount weeks in the year
  • Recognition events & special programs exclusively for volunteers
  • Access to break areas on days when you are volunteering
  • 30% food & beverage discounts at the Minnesota History Center Cafe Minnesota

Show your nametag to receive the perks.

Volunteers With 50+ Annual Hours

Volunteers who contribute 50+ hours of service during one calendar year earn free household admission to all MNHS historic sites and museums. These volunteers receive a special volunteer ID card at the end of the year, which can be used as a pass for free admission for the following year.