Volunteer onsite in the DigiVol Lab

Lab volunteers help digitise the Australian Museum’s collections and associated labels. Volunteers work collaboratively with collection staff and usually work with another volunteer. Volunteers photograph and record data of specimens, objects, archival records and collection labels. This data is then stored in a database ready for our online DigiVol volunteers to transcribe.

Lab volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and age groups, they are united by a love of natural history, coupled with a keenness to learn and willingness to be part of the team at the Australian Museum. Although there is no prior knowledge or skills required to volunteer most people have an aptitude for handling specimens and have good attention to detail. Some volunteers may have skills and experience in photography and using data bases and computers.

The digitisation lab operates Monday to Friday from 9.30am - 3.00 pm. Volunteers usually volunteer weekly on the same day each week, but this may change depending on the needs of the DigiVol Lab.

All volunteers must commit to an induction and training sessions, covering such topics as museum and lab orientation, specimen handling, imaging specimens, data base and computer program training. There is also ongoing training programs to support volunteers in their roles.