Listed are all volunteer opportunities currently open at the Indiana State Library. Positions will be added regularly as new opportunities arise.
Current Positions
Audiobook Reviewer
Gov Docs Digitization Assistant
Historical Marker Survey Volunteer
Indiana Collections Assistant
Newspaper Preservation Assistant
State Data Center Assistant
Transcriber
Young Readers Center Assistant
Audiobook Reviewer
Indiana Voices
Indiana Voices, a program that produces audiobooks for blind and visually / physically impaired citizens is looking to fill its new volunteer position of audiobook reviewer. This volunteer opportunity will play an important role in speeding up the production of titles to our patrons.
The audiobook reviewer proofreads a completed audiobook and finds errors or mistakes in the reading. The reviewer will have both an audio copy and a print copy of the book. They will follow along while listening to check for errors in pronunciation, duplications, or any other errors.
The hours for this position are flexible with volunteers being able to perform this work at home. Volunteers are asked to listen to the book for at least 2 hours each week and are asked to commit to finishing any books they start. Book packets are mailed to the volunteers. Volunteers do not need to live in the Indianapolis area.
Gov Docs Digitization Assistant
Gov Docs
The Indiana State Library digitizes items from the federal documents collection and sends those files to the Government Publishing Office (GPO) to upload into their digital repository GovInfo.gov. Volunteers working on the government documents digitization project will assist scanning volumes of Decisions of the Department of the Interior and the General Land Office in cases relating to the public lands. The series consists of 31 volumes of decisions.
Volunteers will be trained in how to operate the flatbed scanner and file naming procedures. While initial shifts will be supervised, most volunteer work is independent with check-ins at the start and conclusion of shifts. Previous scanning experience is not required.
Scanning Equipment: Expression 12000XL flatbed scanner
Scanning Shifts: Typically 1-2 hours – ultimately, at the preference of the volunteer
Scanning Schedule: Flexible – volunteers can work as little as once per month or as much as they want
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.
Indiana Collections Assistant
Indiana Division
The Indiana Reference Division at the Indiana State Library is looking for volunteers with a passion for Indiana history who enjoy doing a variety of tasks. Volunteers will go behind-the-scenes and be trained in how to encapsulate maps, scan and digitize materials, assist with collection maintenance and shifting, work with government documents and more! 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.
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 9-17-2025