Volunteer

Our volunteers have the can do spirit that President Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson encouraged in all people. We depend on their valuable time and talents to welcome visitors, school groups, and researchers, as well as work behind the scenes on various projects. With thousands of hours of donated time, they are an essential part of helping us achieve our goals as an institution.

Apply to volunteer

Current Opportunities

An LBJ Library volunteer gives visitors an orientation overview before they enter the exhibition spaces.

Gallery Attendant

Gallery Attendants provide a very important service to the public by creating a welcoming and informative atmosphere for all visitors, as well as aid in the overall visitor experience. Attendants staff the visitor services desk, provide a brief overview of the museum, monitor the galleries, staff podiums in designated areas of the museum, spot teach on subjects in the galleries, and direct and answer questions from visitors. This position requires 2-3 hours per week, walking and talking with visitors, often on your feet or seated, with only minimal breaks. Ideal candidates are good at speaking in an informal setting, in front of small groups of two or three up to larger groups of 20 - 25, have exceptional customer service skills, and have the ability to lift boxes up to 10-15 lbs. Shifts are available seven days a week, between the hours of 8:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

LBJ Library volunteer shows young visitors some of the things found in the Library archives.

Tour Docent

Tour docents guide museum visitors, primarily K-12 student groups, and occasionally adult groups, up to 20 people, through our permanent and temporary exhibition spaces. This position requires walking for 1-2 hours while talking to visitors, without a break. Utilizing the techniques of dialogue and inquiry, role play and storytelling, the docent encourages students to explore the museum. Ideal candidates are good at projecting their voice, have a friendly demeanor, and are enthusiastic and willing to learn. Volunteers must serve as Gallery Attendants prior to training to be a tour docent. Shifts vary depending on tour requests. Most tours occur Monday-Friday.

Office Volunteers

Office volunteers assist staff in clerical duties throughout the Library. Positions may include filing, sorting, wrapping gifts, making packets, shredding, copying, answering phones, or a variety of other tasks as needed. Availability is based on current needs. Ideal candidates have an attention to detail, word processing skills, and the ability to work independently in a bustling office environment. Shifts are available weekly Monday-Friday, as needed by staff.

Special Events Volunteers

Special Events volunteers assist at our events taking tickets at the door, ushering, wayfinding, or handling reserved seating. These volunteers typically work regular shifts in the galleries as well. Availability is based on current needs. Available to seasoned volunteers after serving in other positions for at least six months. Shifts are usually in the evenings or on weekends, depending on the event.

Benefits

Updated Benefits:

Annual evening event
Annual spring volunteer recognition luncheon
Discount in The Store at LBJ
Discount in joining the library's premier membership group, the Friends of the LBJ Library
Gifts and acknowledgments for continued service
Free admission for yourself and guests to the LBJ Presidential Library
Invitations to Library Special Events

Requirements

Updated Requirements:

Must be 18 years of age or older.
Professional attire must be worn during public-facing shifts
Time: Two or three hour weekly shifts, one-year commitment. Shifts can be flexible.
If you are a student, we are more than happy to accommodate your schedule through your summer and holiday breaks.
Participate in all volunteer training sessions The library is a federal facility as we are part of and administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
Due to this, all volunteers must submit to a federal background check.

Please note: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment (or in this case, in volunteer placement) on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.