Ongoing Full Time Position
The State Library of New South Wales is one of Australia’s oldest and most important public institutions. Collecting actively since 1826, the Library preserves and presents the social, cultural and scientific history of our State and our Nation for the benefit of all. Its rich collections, both physical and digital, alongside partnerships with the public library network across NSW and other vibrant collaborations enable Australians to examine their past and imagine their future. In short, the Library occupies a unique position at the very heart of our civil society.
The Library & Information Services Division provides high quality reader services and access to the Library’s rich heritage, print and digital collections and develops and preserves these collections for future generations. We are reader-focused, encourage innovation and outward thinking, and maximise use of technology to improve reader services and support independent reader access. The Division collaborates across the Library and with other libraries and cultural institutions.
The Collection Access & Description (CA&D) Branch is responsible for the arrangement and description of the full range of published and original, physical and digital collection materials and for the preparation of collection material for digitisation.
About the role:
This role contributes to the development and description of, and access to, the Library’s collection, and provides direct services and instruction to onsite and offsite readers. It undertakes cataloguing activities for the Collection Access and Description Branch and collaborates with the Indigenous Engagement Branch to provide advice on First Nation’s matters and protocols relating to the Library’s collections and, facilitates activities to increase staff awareness, capability and commitment to Aboriginal community engagement and cultural competency.
Essential Requirements
- Aboriginality and demonstrated ability to work effectively with Indigenous people and communities
- Qualifications acceptable for professional membership of the Australian Society of Archivists / Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), or tertiary qualifications and experience deemed by the State Librarian to be equivalent that meets the minimum standard of skill and knowledge inherent in the ALIA standard.
Note: The position of Librarian Grade 1, Collection Access & Description, is an identified position under the State Library’s EEO Management Plan. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification under section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
Candidates can request a reasonable adjustment throughout each step of the recruitment process by noting this in your application.
Subject to current health orders, assessments may be administered online. If you require any adjustments, you may request these should you be shortlisted.
The health and wellbeing of staff and visitors to our Library is very important to us. We expect all parties to follow current health advice and strongly encourage vaccination when safe to do so.
Talent Pool
Applicants not initially offered a role but have been assessed through the recruitment process as being suitable will be placed in the Talent Pool to fill future vacancies as they arise. Placement in the Talent Pool remains valid for 18 months.
To be eligible to apply you must be either;
- an Australian citizen or
- a permanent resident of Australia, or
- a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand passport or
- a citizen of another country with an appropriate visa that allows you to work in Australia for the period of temporary employment or if you are seeking ongoing employment you must hold a permanent visa that allows you to work in Australia.
Appointment to this role is subject to a Criminal Records Check.
Further information that may assist you with applying for this role
Role Description – PDF version
Role Description – Word version
The Guide for applying for roles at the State Library of NSW will assist you in completing your application and provide you with an understanding of the selection process.
Key Application Responses
Applicants must submit:
A one to two page covering letter which addresses the above essential requirements and includes a response to the following two questions.
- Please describe a time you worked with an archival collection. What were your observations on how the collection was arranged and described?
- Please provide an example of working cooperatively as a team member to accomplish an important goal. What was the goal or objective, and what was the outcome? To what extent did you interact with others on this project?
A resume which clearly details your skills and experience as relevant to this role, including referees.
