Part-time university student Oliver Ashley is volunteering in the National Trust (NSW) archives to get the work experience he needs for a future career in archiving.
Why did you decide to become a volunteer in the National Trust archives?
I’m doing a post-graduate degree in Information Science, specialising in Archiving, at Charles Sturt University. I decided to volunteer at the National Trust as a means of gaining experience, because in the future I would like to work in an archive. I’ve worked in an office before, but this is my first time working in an archive.
What does your role involve?
So far, I’ve been cataloguing documents and photographs, which I scan into the archive system. I’ve been digitising photos of Experiment Farm Cottage from the 1950s and 1960s. I’ve always wanted to work in an office environment, so I’m enjoying the experience.
What’s the best part of volunteering so far?
First of all it’s getting the work experience, because I knew that for future employment I would need this experience. I also like learning about local history – some of things I handle can be quite interesting. I particularly like the photographs of Experiment Farm Cottage in Parramatta – they’re nice to look at and I like to know how things looked in the past, especially if it’s a local building. It’s a very peaceful environment in the archives.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of volunteering?
If you want to work in archives in the future, volunteering is essential. It’s a good idea to get a volunteer job while you’re studying because it will compliment your studies.”
Ready to get started? Choose from a range of volunteer roles at the National Trust and help us conserve and share our heritage. Register today.
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