Volunteer Opportunities

Role: Ecology Library Volunteer
Organization: Stanley Park Ecology
Location: This role will include a mix of independent remote work and on-site work at our office in Stanley Park, Vancouver BC

Stanley Park Ecology maintains a small (but mighty!) collection of field guides, environmental education books, natural history resources, and program materials located across our office and Nature House. Our little library has fallen out of use, and we’re looking for a volunteer to help us resurrect it into an organized, user-friendly volunteer library.

This project-based role is ideal for someone interested in library sciences, information management, or knowledge organization who enjoys creating systems that help others learn and share resources. The volunteer will inventory existing materials, design a simple cataloguing system, and help us build a functional, accessible library for staff and volunteers.

Students or emerging professionals in Library & Information Studies, archives, or related fields are especially encouraged to apply.

Role Overview

1. Collection Assessment
   • Inventory books and resources located in the office, Nature House, and storage areas
   • Identify duplicates, outdated materials, or items suitable for redistribution or giveaway
2. Library Organization
   • Sort and organize materials by topic or use (e.g., field guides, ecology, education activities, Indigenous knowledge, youth programming)
   • Design and implement a simple cataloguing and tracking system
3. Access & Systems Design
   • Create an easy-to-use borrowing system for staff and volunteers
   • Develop basic documentation so the system can be maintained over time
4. Optional Projects (based on interest)
   • Research and recommend or create a simple digital catalogue or database for shared access
   • Curate themed resource lists or displays
   • Create signage or user guides
   • Support a small “free books” or resource-sharing initiative

Qualifications

• Organized and detail-oriented
• Comfortable working independently
• Interest in libraries, archives, information systems, or knowledge management
• Experience with cataloguing, databases, or library science is an asset
• Comfortable lifting and moving books, as needed
• Familiarity or interest in ecology, environmental education, or natural history resources is an asset.

Time Commitment

This role will include a mix of independent remote work and on-site work at our office. We approximate that the project may take 20-40 hours in total, which can be spread across several weeks or months and can be flexible to your schedule. The timeline and scope can be adapted based on volunteer availability and interest!

In-person work will typically take place between 9-5 on weekdays, whereas our Nature House is mainly open on the weekend from 10-4.

Benefits

• Gain hands-on experience designing and implementing a small-scale library system
• Connect with staff and volunteers passionate about ecology and education
• Build portfolio-ready experience in cataloguing, collections management, and information organization
• Contribute to knowledge sharing within a community environmental organization
• Flexible, self-directed project work
• Letter of reference available upon completion
• Attend our twice yearly volunteer appreciation events
• Access the benefits available to all SPE volunteers including discounted membership.

Application Procedure

To apply, please email Harper Johnston, Volunteer Coordinator, vols@stanleyparkecology.ca with the following:

• Submit a short expression of interest outlining your experience or interest in library or information systems and why this project appeals to you
• Share your availability and approximate timeline
• Please include ‘Library Volunteer’ and your name in the subject line.

Please mention you saw this at rcen.ca or goodwork.ca.

Selected applicants will be invited for a short conversation to discuss project goals and scope.