Librarian

State Library of Victoria; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 69,000; Part time

Job summary

State Library Victoria in Melbourne seeks two part-time librarians (0.8 FTE) to provide high-quality reference and research services across public-facing areas. You will support onsite and online access, develop research guides, and deliver webinars while assisting visitors with family history inquiries.

Applicants should hold library and information management qualifications for ALIA associate membership, demonstrate collaboration skills, and commit to a 4-day week with a non-work day on

Qualifications

• Qualified in library and information management enabling ALIA associate membership.
• Experience providing reference and research services in a library or similar context.
• Broad knowledge of library resources and technologies; experience in digital programming.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with focus on visitor service.
• Proven collaboration and teamwork abilities.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Understanding of accessibility, inclusion, and community engagement in public libraries.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality services connecting visitors to the Library's collections.
• Provide reference and research assistance and access to information onsite and online.
• Develop webinars and research guides; support patron inquiries including family history.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to meet strategic goals.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal

Collaboration

Time management

Accessibility

Public service

Education

Library information management degree

Tools

Digital programming

Library systems

Job description

Two part-time (0.8) ongoing positions in a Melbourne cultural icon!

At State Library Victoria, we believe that access to information and stories builds knowledge, strengthens community and inspires our future. Our recent redevelopment transformed our services and spaces, enhancing our role as a driver of Victoria’s education, innovation, tourism and creative industries.

About the Opportunity

Librarians at State Library Victoria deliver high-quality services that connect all visitors to the Library’s collections and information resources. The role requires agility as Librarians provide a versatile, consistent service across all public-facing areas.

Librarians cultivate partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, with a focus on the Library’s strategic goals. The role supports onsite and online access to information, delivers reference and research services and shares their skills to enable access to the collections. Librarians are focused on continuously improving the patron experience while ensuring equitable access to collections for diverse audiences.

About You

We welcome your experience as a reference librarian, and value your curiosity in addition to your specialist expertise in one or more of the Library’s collecting areas (Australian history and literature, arts, popular culture and the history of the book, world knowledge, family history). Not only do you have a willingness to work in any area of the Library and support other teams when requested, you bring an understanding of library systems from the patron perspective as well as being versed in configuration. Your digital capability includes the capacity to write and maintain research guides, and you are also adept at designing and developing webinars, enjoying opportunities to present when they arise. On a day-to-day basis you will need to have an interest in (or background in research of) family history so that you can assist with the many enquiries we receive from patrons undertaking family history research. Importantly, you will also be looking to work a 4 day week with either Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday as your non-work day. As this is a 7-day roster environment, there will be some weekend work (approximately one in five weekends).

In addition, you will come to us with:

• A qualification in library and information management conferring eligibility for associate membership of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).
• Demonstrated experience providing reference and research services in a library or similar information environment.
• Broad knowledge of library resources and technologies, including demonstrated practical experience in digital programming.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated commitment to visitor service excellence.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively, share knowledge, and contribute to a positive team culture.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated understanding of accessibility, inclusion, and community engagement principles in a public library context.

About the Library

State Library Victoria is Australia’s oldest public library, and one of the first free public libraries in the world.

We believe in the power of knowledge to change lives. Free to access and open to all, the Library enriches the cultural, educational, social and economic lives of all Victorians.

State Library Victoria preserves and shares the stories of Victoria and the world, and is a major destination for stimulating cultural experiences, contemporary debates, and community-driven collecting. We encourage learning, exploration, imagination, and creativity, openingup possibilities for all Victorians.

State Library Victoria is a child-safe organisation. A valid Working with Children Check will be required before commencing.

State Library Victoria promotes a workplace that actively seeks to welcome and value the unique contributions of all people. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from cultural and linguistic diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+, D/deaf, disabled, neurodiverse people and people of all ages and abilities to apply.

Enquiries

To arrange a confidential discussion regarding the role, please contact Marcus Ferguson Digital Access and Family History Manager at *********@slv.vic.gov.au

For assistance or enquiries about the application process please contact us at **********@slv.vic.gov.au

Privacy Collection Notice

Information about how we collect and use your personal information, and how you can contact us, can be found at https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/privacy-watl.pdf

Reasonable Adjustments

We want all applicants to have an equal opportunity to demonstrate that they are the best person for the job. If you require an adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, or the provision of a particular access service, please contact our People team on **********@slv.vic.gov.au

Advertising closes on Wednesday 4 November 2026

at 11.59pm Australian Daylight Savings Time.