Library Volunteers are students who volunteer with Library staff to support and add value to services provided by the Library. We recruit new volunteers at the beginning of each academic year. Emily Fletcher is a 23-year-old BA (Hons) Criminology student currently volunteering with our team. In this post, Emily writes of her experience volunteering with us over the past year.
When I started my final year at the University of Hull, I wanted to do something beyond lectures and deadlines, something meaningful, flexible and just for me. That is when I came across the library volunteer scheme. I have always loved books and library environments, but I never imagined that volunteering behind the scenes would become one of the most rewarding parts of my university experience.
Here is what it was like volunteering at the Brynmor Jones Library – what I did, what I learned, and why I would recommend it to anyone looking to do something a little different during their time at Hull.
What I did
Library volunteering is designed to be flexible. You can do 1 or 2-hour shifts, and I typically did 2 hours once a week or every couple of weeks, whatever fit best around my studies.
My tasks were varied: I worked in the Reading Room stocking shelves, helped pick out Available Holds, and learnt how to navigate the university’s Library of Congress system. One of the most satisfying tasks for me was shelf tidying. This would involve being assigned a floor or two and spending time straightening books and keeping everything in order. It sounds simple, but I found it to be really therapeutic. I could listen to music, focus my mind, and enjoy a break from the intensity of academic work.
I also helped out with the Library’s online writing retreats. I monitored the group chat to help students who had any questions or needed support, and got to witness firsthand how these sessions supported productivity and connection across the student community.
Highlights and Challenges
One of the most memorable moments was the interview process itself. I felt so accomplished when I was offered a place on the volunteer team. Even before I got into the interview room, I was made to feel welcome, supported and at ease. The library staff were encouraging and flexible, always tailoring tasks to my comfort levels.
Being part of the online writing retreats was another personal highlight. Not only were they useful for helping me get work done (especially the things that I had been putting off), but it was also inspiring to see students from across the world engaging in these sessions. It really emphasised how the Library’s services extend beyond campus and reach a global community.
My absolute favourite task, though, was shelf tidying. The Library holds so much hidden history, and I would often come across books which had not been checked out since the 1970s and 80s. It was interesting to find notations written in pencil from past students, almost like time-travelling through the academic lives of those who came before me.
Of course, not everything was smooth sailing, and life gets in the way. In my second trimester, I went through a difficult period personally and could not keep up with my volunteering hours. But after reaching out to one of the library staff I had connected with, I was met with kindness, understanding, and the reassurance that I could return if and when I was ready. It was a reminder of how important it is to speak up when you are struggling, and how supportive the university community can be.
What I Gained
Volunteering at the Library gave me a lot more than I expected. It introduced me to new career ideas, like potentially working in publishing or other environments connected to books and reading that I would not necessarily have thought about without volunteering.
It also gave me a deeper appreciation for what goes on behind the scenes. Libraries aren’t just quiet places to revise; they are complex ecosystems that require teamwork, coordination, and care to keep running smoothly. I think, as students, we sometimes have a very narrow opinion of the Library, but volunteering shows you that there is so much more to it.
I developed practical skills like understanding the shelving system, gaining confidence in a workplace setting, and learning how to ask questions when I was unsure about something. It boosted my confidence and made me feel more prepared for life after university.
Most importantly, I came away with a new respect for librarians and the essential role they play in student success. It opened my eyes to more than just viewing the Library as a place to study. It made me appreciate what a privilege it is to have such a resource at your fingertips.
Advice for Others
Volunteering at the Library might not seem as exciting as the hustle and bustle of joining a sports team or society, but if you are not into those things or are struggling to find a society that is right for you, I would highly recommend approaching the volunteering scheme. If you are someone who prefers something quieter, more flexible, and just as rewarding, it might be perfect for you.
The Library team truly puts your well-being and studies first. Whether you can commit to an hour every few weeks or want to bunch your shifts around assignment deadlines, they will support you. It is also a great opportunity to gain skills that may not seem obvious at first. Organisation, attention to detail, and communication can all contribute towards your future endeavours. The volunteering scheme also opens doors to the Hull Employability Awards, which look great on your CV.
If you think that it is too late to get involved, it is not. I started volunteering in my third year, and I am so glad I did. As a third year, I felt like I might be past being able to get involved and do something other than study at the university. I was wrong – the Library team welcome all students. Whether you are just beginning your university journey or nearing the end, there is still time to make new memories and try something new.
Becoming a Library volunteer was one of the best decisions I made during my time here. It gave me the chance to do something fulfilling outside my studies, develop new skills, and be part of a community that values learning, support, and inclusion. I am incredibly grateful for the experience, and I’d recommend it to anyone who’s curious, loves books, or simply wants to get involved in a quieter but deeply rewarding way.
By Emily Fletcher, BA (Hons) Criminology student
‘Volunteering at the Brynmor Jones Library during my final year didn’t just reconnect me with my love of books but gave me a sense of purpose, community, and a quiet space to grow beyond my degree. It was the perfect way to give back to the university community.’
If you are interested in becoming a Library Volunteer, please email our team at libraryvolunteers@hull.ac.uk and we will add you to our waiting list.