Volunteer with the Arizona Talking Book Library

Arizona State Library, Archives & Records COVID-19 Response – Temporarily suspending all in-person services, while maintaining our statutory responsibilities

  • Our number one goal is to keep the public and our employees safe
  • The situation related to COVID-19 is rapidly developing, as is the response from this office and the state. Please check back regularly for updates
  • We are committed to providing continuity of services while reducing exposure risks
  • In-person trainings for ALL divisions are on hold until further notice. Divisions will hold trainings by webinar as needed.
  • Department staff will attend community meetings virtually or by phone, when available.
  • Services impacted:
    • In-person Patent and Trademark Resource Center consultations
    • In-person retrieval and immediate checkout of materials to patrons of Arizona Talking Book Library
    • Walk-in reference service for Archives & the Research Library

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Have fun. Learn something new. Make a difference.

Volunteer reader records a magazine.A volunteer reader and director work together to record a book.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Digital Machine Repair

Time commitment: Two-four hours once a week.

  • Learn to repair digital cartridge machines that play talking books.
  • Enjoy the camaraderie of working with a group of volunteers.
  • Some mechanical knowledge is helpful, but not mandatory.
  • Repair group meets in Phoenix.

Outreach Volunteers / Public Speakers

Time commitment: Flexible schedule. Must be able to commit to three events per calendar year.

  • Give talks about Library services to small or large groups.
  • Maintain display booths at community events.
  • Must have transportation.

Ambassadors

Time commitment: Flexible. Individual volunteers structure their own schedule.

  • Contacting an individual staff person at any residential or health related organization that has people who could use the talking book service.
  • Relating information about services and offer the possibility of having a speaker present to a larger group.
  • Good phone conversation skills required. Email capabilities are encouraged.

Library Aide

Time commitment: Two-to-three hours once a week for a minimum of three months.

  • Provide clerical support to technical services, public services, machines services, and special services staff.
  • Enter data into the computer.
  • Prepare labels and containers for audio books.
  • Inspect and repair recorded books in the mailroom.

Recording Studio Volunteers

Time commitment: Two-to-four hours once a week for six months or until a book project is completed.

  • Reader records either full-length books or magazines. Reader works with a director.
  • Director operates recording software, follows along in the print text, and gives the reader feedback. The director controls the recording session.
  • Reviewer listens to a recording, compares it to a print copy, and makes written notations if there are any problems.
  • Editor listens to sound tracks and views the WAV files. Editors remove extraneous noises, breathing, and pauses.