Docent

This volunteer opportunity offers the individual a 4 month behind-the-scenes training designed to familiarize the volunteer with the breadth and depth of the world's largest library. This training is offered twice weekly each Fall (Tuesdays and Thursdays) from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Following the classroom presentations, each docent-in-training is expected to take the class on a 45 minute tour of the Great Hall and Main Reading Room in the Thomas Jefferson Building. Graduation ceremonies are held in December, after which the docent leads tours of the Great Hall and Main Reading Room.

Docent volunteer application form

Information Desk

This volunteer activity offers the individual the opportunity to serve at our three busy Information Desks, both in the Jefferson and Madison Buildings. The volunteer deals primarily with researchers and visitors, assisting the general public and may well be the only Library representative the visitor meets, hence the need for a friendly, patient disposition.

Information desk volunteer application form

Researcher Guidance Volunteers

As the title suggests, this volunteer assists the researcher in mapping out a logical strategy for using the Library's vast resources. The Researcher Guidance Volunteer (RGV) seeks to organize the new researcher's initial forays throughout the Library's sprawling campus. The RGV counsels the novice researcher on a convenient route to the appropriate reading rooms in a timely fashion. The RGV is not trained to focus on research projects but rather to assist the reader with directions, to answer questions of a strategic nature, and to allay apprehensions.

Researcher guidance volunteer application form

Interested in volunteering at
the Library of Congress?

Applying to be a volunteer at the Library of Congress is easy! Select a volunteer position (Docent, Information Desk, Researcher Guidance), indicate times you're available, give us a little information about yourself, submit the form, and we'll get back to you.