UGA Special Collections Libraries Recruiting for Volunteer Tour Guide Program

The University of Georgia’s Richard B. Russell Building Special Collections Libraries is now accepting applications for participants in its docent program.  

The Docent Corps is made up of a group of volunteers who provide tours of the exhibit galleries to visitors, ranging from second graders to senior citizens. Docents are trained to highlight permanent and rotating exhibitions and to help increase awareness of the many resources offered by the three special collections libraries: The Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The Walter J. Brown Media Archive and Peabody Awards Collections, and The Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies. 

“Participation in the docent program requires a substantial commitment of time and energy on the part of volunteers, but can be tremendously rewarding,” said Jan Hebbard, outreach archivist with the Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, who coordinates the program. 

A 10-week training program, hosted from Feb. 13 through April 17, will provide an opportunity for docents to meet curators, archivists, and other special collections staff; learn about the collections and techniques for leading tours; and become familiar with all parts of the special collections libraries building. Follow-up monthly meetings throughout the year will provide continued opportunities to learn about new exhibits and programs sponsored by the libraries. All candidates selected for admission to the docent program will be required to submit to a background investigation. 

“We are looking for applicants who are enthusiastic, flexible, and open to working with visitors of all ages,” Hebbard said. “We don’t require prior experience in the arts and humanities, but a love of history and experience with teaching or public speaking is desirable.” 

For more information about the training schedule and expectations, please visit the FAQ’s page. Applications must be submitted by Friday, Jan. 12, 2018. Please direct any questions to Jan Hebbard at jhebbard@uga.edu or (706) 542-5788.  

Interested individuals can apply online by visiting: 

http://www.libs.uga.edu/scl/contribute/docentapp.html