Specialist Librarian, Reader Services

State Library of New South Wales

Specialist Librarian

Reader Services, Library Services

Librarian Grade 2, Temporary Full-Time role up to 30 June 2026 with the potential for ongoing

• Unique opportunity to join one of NSW's leading cultural institutions
• Provide access to the State Library's rich, heritage, print and digital collections to develop & preserves these collections for future generations
• 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)

About the State Library

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.

About the Role

In this role, you will provide complex or specialist library and information services to enable onsite and offsite readers to access items and information in a timely manner, within a reader-focused team environment.

Reader Services is responsible for information and reference services onsite to readers in the reading rooms and online to readers through the website, Ask a Librarian service and via the public library network. This role is rostered and includes occasional evening and weekend work.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for this role is a highly skilled information professional with deep expertise in research and reader services, capable of handling complex inquiries and delivering exceptional service across diverse user groups. With a proactive approach to continuous improvement, they bring innovative thinking to library services and a passion for connecting readers with collections.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Qualifications acceptable for professional membership of the 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.
• Experience in the direct provision of complex or specialist library and reference services to readers, with the ability to use a wide variety of information resources and related technology.

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

To apply for this role please complete the online application and provide the following:

• An up-to-date copy of your CV
• A response to the following questions. Attach your responses as part of your online application and/or as part of a cover letter (up to two pages) outlining how your skills and experience meet the key knowledge and experience and essential requirements for the role.

Please keep question responses to a maximum of 3 paragraphs.

• Tell us about a time you facilitated a reference enquiry that required collaboration across multiple library teams and/or external institutions. What was your approach and what did it achieve?
• Describe a time when you adjusted your communication or service approach to support a library user whose needs, expectations, or access requirements were different from what you typically encounter. How did you support this library user, and what was the outcome?

The State Library of NSW is an inclusive employer that recognises diverse and unique backgrounds. We welcome and encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTQI+, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and other underrepresented groups and communities and workers of all ages.

Applicants can request a reasonable adjustment throughout each step of the recruitment process. Please make a request by noting this in your application or contacting the People and Culture at

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 ongoing and temporary vacancies as they arise. Placement in the Talent Pool remains valid for 18 months.

Eligibility to apply

To be eligible to apply for this role 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 Pre-employment Checks. Additional checks may be required throughout your tenure at the Library should the accountabilities of your role change.

Furher information that may assist you with applying for this role:

Role Description (pdf)

Role Description (word)

Applying for a role in the NSW Public Service

NSW Public Sector Capability Framework

State Library Accessibility Guide

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.

If you have any specific questions about the role, please contact Holly Radunz on

Closing date for applications: 15 September 2025 at 10am.