If you're interested in our program, read on below to find out what volunteering involves. The program operates onsite on weekdays and flexibly online.
The PROV Volunteer program is currently at capacity. In the meantime, you may wish to add your name to our waiting list by following the instructions at the bottom of this page.
Who can volunteer?
We welcome all kinds of volunteers.
We recruit volunteers based on essential selection criteria:
- English language competency
- Basic computer skills (use of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and email)
- A keen interest in either or all: history, heritage, recordkeeping and information management
- Ability to read 19th century and untidy handwriting, or willingness and patience to learn this skill
- Well-developed interpersonal skills: personable and comfortable working with fellow volunteers and encouraging of others
- Motivations for volunteering align with the purpose of the PROV Volunteer Program and its strategic direction
Desirable skills and qualities include:
- Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills
- Experience in using digital cameras
- Experience in using scanners
- Experience in video conferencing (for example, Zoom and Microsoft Teams)
What type of work do volunteers do?
Volunteers help PROV increase public access to Victoria’s archives. They carry out a range of activities which involve creating highly detailed information about records, transcribing text from the pages of original records or imaging records. Tasks can include creating archival data for PROV’s online catalogue, physically processing records into archival containers, indexing or digitising portions of the collection, and transcribing documents for exhibitions.
View our current and recently completed projects.
What skills will you learn?
We provide training for each volunteer project which can include data processing, digitising, and document handling.
Volunteers will learn how to:
- create data about collection items, to be published on PROV’s catalogue
- transcribe original documents (either to publish searchable data or for exhibitions)
- create digital images of original records
- repackage records, to aid their preservation.
Most projects comprise two or more of the elements above.
What do volunteers enjoy about volunteering at PROV?
In a recent survey, some volunteers gave the following feedback:
“It is very clear what value researchers will get out of the volunteer indexing work.”
“I love working hands-on with the records, and the independence to work at my own pace.”
“I enjoy the friendships.”
When can I volunteer?
The volunteer program operates onsite from 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday at the Victorian Archives Centre, 99 Shiel Street North Melbourne. Subject to availability, volunteers can be rostered weekly or fortnightly and do full or half days. We ask volunteers to nominate regular and specific blocks of time to attend PROV, so we can maximise the use of our available volunteer spaces. Online volunteer hours are completely flexible, with support available during business hours.
What happens if I can’t volunteer for a period of time (for instance, if I’m sick or on holidays)?
We understand that volunteers have other things going on in their life alongside volunteer commitments, and the program is flexible enough to accommodate these needs. We appreciate being notified in advance of any absences, where possible.
How can the volunteer program benefit students and graduates?
For students and graduates who take a committed approach to volunteering at PROV, we can help build their resume, provide references and reference letters and provide evidence of experience and core archival skills.
Volunteering at PROV can increase professional connections and several of our volunteers have gone on to gain paid employment at PROV. However, please keep in mind that paid employment can never be a guaranteed outcome of volunteering at PROV.
Please note the volunteer program does not deliver formal work placements and volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
How do I add my name to the waiting list?
If you are interested in volunteering at PROV and would like to be added to our waiting list, please contact us by email below.
Please attach a CV of 1 to 2 pages and some brief background information, including:
- Your interest in history, heritage, recordkeeping and/or information management (at least one).
- Any relevant skills you have.
- Your motivations to volunteer.
Email: volunteers@prov.vic.gov.au
Phone: 03 9348 5781
Thank you for your interest in the PROV volunteer program!