ACT Volunteer Role Description

Abstracter (Books, Videos, or Audiotapes)

(Not currently recruiting)




Programme


Library

Supervisor


Librarian

ACT's
Mission Statement


The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) delivers responsive, effective, and valued community-based HIV support services and education, prevention, outreach and fundraising programs that promote the health, well-being, worth and rights of individuals and communities living with, affected by and at risk for HIV/AIDS, and increase awareness of HIV/AIDS.

Programme/Event
Mission Statement


The Library provides information to people and organizations who want to know about the psychosocial aspects of living with or being affected by HIV/AIDS. We collect and organize information that is appropriate to the needs of our clients and that supports the prevention, education, and support work done at ACT.




Purpose


To write short descriptions of Library material (books, videos, or audiotapes) that will aid Library users in their choice of resources.

Benefits


It is often difficult for clients to know whether a video or audiotape is relevant to their needs without actually previewing (or listening) to the item. Abstracts help the client judge the relevance of the item by providing a brief summary of their contents. Likewise, book abstracts are useful to people searching the Library catalogue on the Internet who can’t pick up and browse the book they are interested in.

Time Commitment


3 hours per week
for 6 months

Duties


The Volunteer will:
-Watch, listen to, or (skim) read items to be abstracted
-Write a short description
-Enter the description into the Library catalogue database

Personal Qualities
and Skills


Required Qualities & Skills:
-Basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS
-Good reading comprehension skills
-Good writing (and editing) skills

Training
Requirements


Volunteer Core Skills Training, Program-Specific Training, On-the-job Training with Supervisor and/or other Volunteers



For more information about or to apply for this role, contact:
Program Volunteer Resources Manager
AIDS Committee of Toronto
399 Church Street, 4th floor
Toronto, M5B 2J6

phone: (416) 340-2437