Library and Documentation Volunteer (Decorative Art and Sculpture)

Do you enjoy being organised and systematic?

Would you like to make library and archive records easier to access for visitors and staff at the V&A?

Are you curious about what goes on behind the scenes in museums?

The Department of Decorative Art and Sculpture (DAS) at the V&A cares for around 180,000 historic and contemporary objects with a focus on British and European art and design. Many of these are displayed at V&A South Kensington in amazing spaces including the Jewellery Gallery, the Ceramics Galleries, the Cast Courts and the Medieval and Renaissance Galleries.

DAS has a large departmental reference library and archive which house important information about these collections, their history and on individual objects. As a Library and Documentation Volunteer you will help organise this valuable resource, making books and records more easily accessible for V&A visitors and staff for years to come. There are three different areas of focus available: organising the library in the Sculpture team or looking at documentation with the Metalwork or Ceramics & Glass teams. You will be able to specify your preferred area of focus when applying for the role.

The role is based at V&A South Kensington. You will be asked to give time one day a week (10.00-16.00) between Monday to Thursday. Ideally this will be the same day each week but flexibility should be possible with advance notice. You would get the most out of the role if you can be available for up to three months, with the possibility of extension.

Information for applicants: Informal chats about the role will take place in person on Thursday 24 October. If this date isn’t suitable then please let us know and an alternative can be arranged. You can also let us know if you would prefer to meet online on Teams.