Volunteer Opportunities at The Morgan Library & Museum

The volunteer program works to match the Morgan's needs with the skills of qualified candidates. Volunteer opportunities are available in many departments.
Volunteer FAQs

Drawing Study Center
Photography by Arnold Kirschner.

Collection Information Systems: Cataloging Assistant
Responsibilities and duties: Reporting to the Head of Cataloging & Database Maintenance, the cataloging assistant will create and update records in CORSAIR, the Morgan's online collections catalog, in OCLC's WorldCat, and in the Morgan's local collection management system. The cataloging assistant will also gather and standardize metadata about collection items, such as exhibition histories and bibliographies. Training will be provided as needed. Qualifications: Strong preference will be given to someone with a library cataloging background, including experience with the MARC format, AACR2, authority control, online library systems in general, and OCLC's Connexion client. Other computer skills, such as experience with Microsoft Access, and knowledge of foreign languages, are appreciated.

Communications and Marketing: Communications Volunteer
The volunteer will assist the staff in the Communications department in organizing media coverage, addressing media requests, preparing for press previews, researching online marketing opportunities, and creating online ads. Duties are primarily administrative and will include copying, filing, proofreading, mailing, and performing internet research. Qualifications: College degree required. Background in journalism/communications and/or art history helpful. Proficiency with computer applications such as Word, Excel, and Adobe Photoshop. Google Adwords and social media experience a plus. Internet research skills important as well as an ability to interact with press.

Education: Docents
Responsibilities and duties: Conduct gallery talks for the public that include biographical information about Pierpont Morgan and others who have shaped the institution, the architecture, and the decorative and artistic details in the complex and the collection. Upon successful completion of training and evaluation, docents are expected to make a long-term commitment (minimum of two years). Qualifications: Advanced degrees are preferred, especially in history, art history, and literature. Teaching experience and/or experience working with the public is strongly desired. We appreciate applicants who are available to give tours Friday evenings and/or weekends. Training is scheduled Monday through Friday.

The Morgan Shop: Morgan Shop Assistant
This is a great opportunity for people who are interested in merchandising and retail sales. Volunteers will work in the Morgan's Shop in four-hour shifts Tuesdays through Saturdays. They will maintain stock levels and displays and work directly with the public by answering questions and handling sales. Qualifications: Previous experience operating a POS/inventory system; sales experience and excellent interpersonal skills are required. Applicants should be comfortable standing for extended periods of time and be able to lift objects of up to 20 pounds. Shop volunteers must be willing to comply with a simple background check.

The Morgan Shop: Museum Shop Graphic Design Assistant
The Museum Shop seeks an experienced graphic designer to assist in the creation of merchandise, promotional items, and print and electronic retail marketing materials for the Museum Shop. Duties and responsibilities include: Assembling, compiling, editing, and laying out print materials such as postcards, flyers, and signage, etc.; working collaboratively with the Director of Merchandising and relevant curators across the institution; preparing design files for third party production; following Morgan branding guidelines to ensure consistency in presentation; and performing other duties as may be assigned from time to time. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in graphic or advertising design; expertise in design techniques such as retouching, spotting, image masking, cropping, and light balancing; proficiency in Photoshop; highly attentive to detail; able and willing to multitask at direction of Supervisor; and serious interest in cultural institutions preferred.

Photography & Rights: Administrative Assistant-Volunteer
The individual will file, label and mail photographic materials, reorganize existing photographic inventory and research photographic materials of Morgan collection items. Other duties include providing general assistance with various forthcoming Morgan exhibitions, exhibition catalogues and publications, organizing images and image support files, compiling image and copyright credits, tracking invoices, and assisting in clearing image rights for various Morgan projects. Qualifications: Must be highly attentive to detail, meticulous in handling and filing materials and able to work independently. Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills. Comfortable doing research on digital library catalogues; familiar with library cataloguing terminology. Proficient in office technology, especially e-mail, MS Office and Access. PhotoShop skills appreciated. PLEASE NOTE: The office location on the second floor and the photography archive in the basement do not have elevator access.

Registrar's Office: Registrar's Office Assistant
The Registrar's Office is seeking a volunteer with previous museum registrarial experience to assist in organizing and implementing The Morgan Library & Museum's exhibition and out-going loan program as well as the acquisition process. The ideal candidate will have experience in preparing in-coming and out-going loan requests; installing and coordinating packing/unpacking schedules; and making transport arrangements for incoming and out-going loans and new acquisitions. Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have B.A. or M.A. in art history, fine arts, liberal arts, or museum studies; A minimum of one year (preferably two years) experience in a museum setting; skill with Microsoft Office applications; strong organizational and communication skills; the ability to handle numerous projects simultaneously and under tight deadlines; and be able to work with a diverse staff, private lenders, and staff of other institutions. A working knowledge of one European language is desirable.

Registrar's Office: Registrar's Office Clerk
The Registrar's Office is seeking a volunteer (ideally with previous experience in a museum Registrar's Office) to provide general clerical support in furtherance of the day-to-day operations of the department. General clerical support duties include filing, labeling and organizing correspondence (paper and electronic); preparing temporary receipts and, where necessary, photographs of items that come into the Morgan's care, including loan objects and temporary exhibitions; maintaining such temporary receipts and photographs in accessible files; making database entries; generating condition reports. Other duties may be assigned. Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a B.A. or advanced degree in art history, fine arts, liberal arts, or museum studies; be proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Access); possess strong organizational and communication skills; be able to handle numerous projects simultaneously and under tight deadlines; and be able to work with a diverse staff. A working knowledge of one European language is desirable.

Visitor Services: Information and Membership Desk Volunteers
The Morgan's newly-established Information and Membership Desk in the JPMorgan Chase Lobby requires a number of volunteers. These individuals will help enhance the visitor experience by providing information about the Morgan, its collections and exhibitions, and by answering questions related to membership. Desk volunteers will also distribute complimentary audio guides to visitors and instruct them in the usage of the guides. Qualifications: A strong interest in museum interpretation, willingness to learn and share information about the Morgan and its collections; a friendly, outgoing personality; excellent verbal communication skills and basic PC computer skills. There will be opportunities to work weekends. We are looking primarily for volunteers who wish to work on Friday evenings or during the weekend shifts.

Volunteer FAQs

Please note: The amount of time a volunteer will work per week varies with the particular position. Most positions require an average of one day per week. All volunteer positions require a minimum time commitment of one year.