Listed are all volunteer opportunities currently open at the Indiana State Library. Positions will be added regularly as new opportunities arise.
Current Positions
Historical Marker Survey Volunteer
Newspaper Preservation Assistant
State Data Center Assistant
Transcriber
Young Readers Center Assistant
Historical Marker Survey Volunteer
Indiana Historical Bureau
The Indiana Historical Bureau is looking for volunteers to help survey our Indiana state historical markers. These markers are located in almost all counties of the state. Volunteers would be asked to travel to these markers, photograph them, and send photos electronically to Indiana Historical Bureau staff.
This position is very flexible. Volunteers can survey as many markers as their time allows.
To see a full listing of Indiana’s state historical markers, visit IHB’s marker website.
Newspaper Preservation Assistant
The Indiana State Library maintains the largest collection of Indiana newspapers in existence. Help us save the ongoing record of our state history for future generations! The newspaper preservation volunteer assists in preparing print newspapers for microfilming. Experience in digital preservation, microfilming, and indexing will benefit those interested in museum studies, public history, and archival science. Training and oversight will be included in the experience, provided by the newspaper librarian.
State Data Center Assistant
SDC Collection
The State Data Center (SDC) is looking for a volunteer to assist in shifting the SDC map collection while we create an inventory list of maps. This involves lifting stacks of large maps out of flat drawers, placing them onto the map cart, transporting them to the new map range, and sliding them back into the new drawers. General rules for map maintenance will be followed. The State Data Center Librarian will accompany the volunteer in the Map Room while creating the inventory list. May include projects that require bending and reaching, the ability to lift/transport items up to 10 lbs. with or without the assistance of equipment, and push and pull loaded book carts.
Transcriber
Indiana Historical Digital Newspapers Project
The Indiana Historical Digital Newspapers Project is seeking volunteers to correct computer-generated transcriptions of digitized Indiana newspapers, providing more accurate search results for researchers.
Volunteers must be able to follow instructions, be detail-oriented, and have good typing skills.
This position allows volunteers to work from home. A computer and reliable internet connection are required.
There is no need to formally apply for this position. Interested volunteers can register to transcribe at the Hoosier State Chronicles website.
For more information on the Indiana Historical Digital Newspapers Project, please visit the Hoosier State Chronicles blog.
Young Readers Center Assistant
Indiana Division
The Indiana State Library is seeking friendly, reliable, detail-oriented book lovers to volunteer in the Indiana Young Readers Center. Your volunteer experience can be tailored to your interests but would most likely consist of many of these tasks: staffing the desk in our gorgeous Indiana Young Readers Center; assisting visitors with directional questions, simple questions about our collections, and referring visitors to our professional librarians; straightening up the books and dusting the shelves; cleaning and providing basic repair for our Storytime Kits; organizing and sorting craft supplies; proofreading documents; ensuring all pieces are present in our other kits; and more! If you like a laid-back atmosphere in a quiet, historic, setting filled with natural light, this might be a good fit for you!
VOL JL 3-16-2026