Audio Recording Centre volunteer

The Open University's Audio Recording Centre (ARC) produces audio recordings for students who find print inaccessible

ARC was founded in 1989 in partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People. Volunteers from the OU and the local community do all the readings that are recorded here.

Currently there are approximately 100 OU modules available in audio format, and these cater for over 1600 print-disabled students.

Our aim is to provide audio recordings of any subject required, but to meet this goal we need more volunteer readers.

How do I volunteer?

Currently there are some opportunities available to read.

Contact us on 01908 653892 to request an introduction pack. Staff will then arrange an appointment for you to visit the centre in Milton Keynes.

What happens on my first visit?

Our aim is to ensure that students receive a good quality recording which is comfortable and easy to listen to. All new readers are given a test read on their first visit. This helps you get used to the environment and equipment and also introduces you to the way we work and assesses your ability to become a volunteer.

The test usually takes about an hour - it is fairly straightforward and most readers enjoy the experience.

How much of my time does volunteer reading take?

Most volunteers read for one or two hours per week, but we are flexible and can arrange appointments to suit you. Readers who travel some distance to the Centre often like to read for a longer session.

What will I be expected to read?

The Centre has a vast range of subject matter to record, everything from art history to psychology. Knowledge of the subject material you are reading is especially useful, and if you have a particular interest we will try to match material to it.

Do I need any special skills to become a reader?

Not necessarily. However, the following are important.

• A good clear speaking voice with plenty of intonation
• Close attention to detail
• The ability to read a variety of academic texts and adapt to reading in different styles (e.g. announcement style)
• A willingness to undertake an initial training and pass the test read session
• Availability for a minimum of 1 hour per recording session on a regular basis (weekly or fortnightly)
• A willingness to attend between four to eight initial training and feedback sessions (dependent on an individual's progress).

What training will I receive?

We host training events and tours for readers. You will be given individual training and offered as little or as much day-to-day support and guidance as you require by our friendly team.

Newsletters

We send readers a regular newsletter, keeping them up-to-date with events, feedback from students and news from the Centre. Contributions and suggestions from our volunteer readers are always welcome.