Specialist Librarian

**State Library of New South Wales**

**Specialist Librarian (Identified)**

**Library Services Division | Cataloguing and Collection Services**

**Librarian Grade 2, Ongoing Full Time**
- Unique opportunity to join one of NSW's leading cultural institutions to help share the invaluable stories of Aboriginal cultures.
- Competitive remuneration package up to $132,584 p.a. (package includes salary between $103,089 - $116,969 p.a., plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

**Meet our Indigenous Engagement Librarian - Click to hear Melissa's story**
- To be considered for this position, you must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification under section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977._

**About the State Library**

The State Library of New South Wales is one of Australia's oldest 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.

**About the Role**

The role is based within the Cataloguing and Collection Services Branch but works across the Library to analyse, interpret, arrange and describe complex information resources across all formats to provide effective reader access to, and discovery of, the Library’s collections including those related to the culture and heritage of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders.

The role also works with the Indigenous Engagement Branch and external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities to make collections accessible, observing relevant protocols and cultural sensitivities.

The library is seeking an Aboriginal librarian with a background in cultural heritage, who is passionate about preserving and sharing diverse collection. To be successful in this role, you will have the following knowledge and experience:

- Substantial experience in managing the description of original or published materials, both analogue and digital, in a library environment.
- Aboriginality and demonstrated ability to work effectively with Indigenous people and communities.
- Qualifications acceptable for professional membership of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and/or Australian Society of Archivist (ASA), or other combination of 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.

**What we offer**
- Flexible working arrangements
- Professional development opportunities, including study support and targeted training programs to further develop in your career.
- Staff discounts at the Library café and bookshop
- Wellbeing initiatives including an Employee Assistance Program, flu vaccinations, gym programs
- Staff engagement activities, such as workplace committees, a staff suggestion scheme, and all staff actively participating in the development of the Library’s Strategic Plan.

**How to apply**
- An up-to-date copy of your CV

Please keep question responses to a maximum of 3 paragraphs and respond to the shortlisting questions in your own words - we’re looking to understand your perspective, not answers generated by AI tools.
- Are you Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander? Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification under section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
- This role involves significant engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities regarding collection access and cultural sensitivities. Describe your experience and approach to working respectfully and effectively with Indigenous communities, highlighting any specific protocols or considerations you deem essential in a library context.
- The role requires appraising and describing complex collection materials across a range of formats. Provide an example from your experience where you successfully appraised or described a particularly challenging collection, outlining the steps you took, the formats involved, and how you ensured accurate rights management or access protocols were applied.

**Talent Pool**

Applicants not initially offered a role but who have been assessed through the recruitment process as being suitable will be placed in the Talent Pool to fill future ongoing and temporary vacancies as they arise. Placement in the Talent Pool remains valid for 18 months.

**Eligibility to apply**
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification under section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
- Role Description (pdf)
Role Description (word)
NSW Public Sector Capability Framework
State Library Accessibility Guide