The Audrey and Harry Hawthorn Library and Archives (AHHLA) is home to a unique collection of research material that complements the Museum’s object collections. It is a valuable resource for museum staff, the university community, the Volunteer Associates, Indigenous community members, and the general public. The library’s strengths are museology, Northwest Coast material culture, and world ceramics and textiles. The Archives holds both institutional and private records that document museum functions and aid the Museum in carrying out its various activities. Additionally, it supplies abundant research opportunities for students, authors, documentary filmmakers, First Nations researchers, and many others. 

The Library, Archives + Research Committee has two aspects:

1. Library + Archives: Volunteers work on projects is initiated by the Research Manager and the Museum and Digital Asset Archivist to support the functioning of the Library and Archives. Volunteers generally work independently on long-term projects. Much of this work is detail-oriented and/or requires knowledge of specific software systems.
2. Research: Volunteers perform valuable behind-the-scenes work according to the needs of MOA Curators who require specific information pertaining to various aspects of the museum collection. Volunteers find missing and contextual information that includes ethnicities, use of objects, original languages and biographies of artists. Other research could include scrutinizing ancient journals, transcribing recorded interviews and conducting research for exhibitions, publications, collections and archival projects, and public programs. 

Requirements:

• Self-motivated and reliable
• Able to work independently
• Dedicated to unveiling new information
• Willing to work outside their area of expertise
• Able to report on various project findings
• Computer skills
• Experience with databases and Excel is an asset
• Comfortable using online and bibliographical resources
• Experience with libraries and/or archives is an asset, but not required

Training:

All new volunteers are required to attend all sessions of MOA 101: Introductory Training Seminar (dates TBA). Volunteers are encouraged to attend museum events, exhibition programs, guided tours, and VA committee and general meetings as part of their continuous training. Library, Archives + Research Committee volunteers are provided training on how to use online resources such as the Reciprocal Research Network (RRN), the online collections catalogue (MOA CAT), the library catalogue (Voyager), the archival management system (AtoM), and/or digital collections software (Omeka), as needed and depending on the nature of the projects volunteers are assigned.

Commitment:

• Minimum two-year term on the Library, Archives + Research Committee
• Three to four hours per week
• Attend Library, Archives + Research Committee meetings, two times a year
• Attend VA general meetings, six times a year