Library Manager – MHNSW

CAMD; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 127,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

Museums of History NSW seeks a Library Manager to lead the Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection, delivering specialised information services to MHNSW staff and diverse library patrons. You will oversee operations, staff and a broad range of formats from 18th century to present, driving access, discovery and engagement.

You will shape technology planning, partnerships and outreach, with qualifications for ALIA or equivalent and proven library management experience.

Qualifications

• Professional membership or equivalent qualifications required.
• Experience managing a specialist library, including staff and budgets.
• Experience with library collection management systems.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills for public-facing role.
• Knowledge of trends affecting libraries, including AI, cyber security, digital preservation and metadata standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations and staff of the Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection.
• Lead technology and innovation planning for library services.
• Develop partnerships to enhance access and engagement with collections.

Skills

People management

Budget management

Digital preservation

AI awareness

Cyber security

Metadata standards

Discovery technologies

Communication

Research services

Education

ALIA membership or equivalent

Tools

Library management systems

Job description

salary ($126,814 – $141,291), employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.

Employment status

Full Time

Location

Sydney

Contact name

Contact email

[e-mail]

We are seeking a Library Manager to lead the Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection, driving the delivery of exceptional library, research and information services for public audiences and Museums of History NSW staff.

The Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection spans the history of Australian homes, gardens and domestic life from the late 1700s to the present. A key strength of the collection is its wide range of formats, from architectural pattern books to trade and retail catalogues, from lampshade designs to wallpaper and linoleum samples. This rich and eclectic collection is a leading source of reference and inspiration for anyone interested in home and garden design, history and life.

Leading a skilled team, you will oversee this significant specialist collection while shaping library services through collection discovery initiatives, emerging technologies and strategic partnerships that enhance access, engagement and organisational outcomes.

What the opportunity is:

• Employment with Museums of History NSW.
• Librarian Grade 3. Remuneration package includes salary ($126,814 – $141,291), employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.
• Full-time employment on temporary basis for a period up to two years.
• The role will be primarily based at the Caroline Simpson Library, The Mint.

What we do

Museums of History NSW brings together a portfolio of iconic museums, rich collections and heritage sites, the nation’s oldest archive collection, vital recordkeeping services and expert staff.

We bring history to life by sharing the stories of our places and collections. Through the State Archives Collection, we manage NSW’s official documentary heritage, supporting government transparency and the public’s right to access information.

These two roles do not just sit side by side – they inform and enrich each other. By preserving and making accessible our places, collections and archives, we create opportunities for people to explore the past and better understand their own place in the world. By supporting lifelong learning and inviting people to come together, we promote civic literacy, empathy, wellbeing and belonging.

We believe that history belongs to everyone. This is the promise and the purpose of MHNSW.

Museums of History NSW is a state cultural institution, established under the Museums of History NSW Act 2022. It is an agency of the NSW Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).

What you’ll do with us:

Manage the operations and staff of the Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection, delivering specialised information services to MHNSW staff and diverse library patrons. Lead the Library’s technology and innovation planning and manage a suite of processes, systems and processes that enhance access, discovery, preservation and engagement with library collections and services. Advocate for the Caroline Simpson Library and its collections through partnerships, scholarship, outreach, presentations and expert advice that enhances organisational outcomes and the profile of MHNSW.

For more information on the role, Catherine Thomson, Head of Collections Care at 02 8239 2261 or [e-mail].

Essential requirements of the role:

• Qualifications acceptable for professional membership of the Australian Library and Information Association(ALIA), or equivalent tertiary qualifications and experience.
• Experience in managing a specialist library, including staff and budgets, and the direct provision of informationand reference services to patrons and knowledge of a wide range of information sources, both print andelectronic.
• Working knowledge of and demonstrated experience with library collection management systems.
• Well-developed interpersonal, communication and presentation skills and the ability to act as the public face foran organisation, demonstrated through superior and engaging written and verbal communication withnegotiation and training skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of emerging trends affecting libraries and information services, including artificialintelligence, cyber security, digital preservation, metadata standards, collection discovery technologies, analyticsand online service delivery.

Also note:

• For additional resources to help prepare your application and understanding of the process, please refer to Applying for a job .
• Our team can provide alternative formats to apply, make adjustments to the recruitment process and offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks. If you are a person who requires adjustment and would like to request assistance, please contact [e-mail].
• For technical support with your application, please [e-mail].
• To be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.
• All successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal record check with NSW Police.
• A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

Diversity and Flexible Working

We are expert keepers and tellers of history, and its many stories, peoples, and cultures. We want to create a team and workplace that reflects this diversity as well as the diversity in the communities we serve. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better, more inclusive results and connects our people to our communities, to our history, and to each other.

Our vision is to support and empower First Nations people, communities and culture, and across the sites that we care for, we are committed to shifting perspectives, truth telling and delivering honest reflections on history.

We understand that flexibility means different things to different people and are committed to offering flexible work arrangements where and when possible.

If you are a First Nations applicant who would like to have a yarn about the role, or require additional support, please contact Dennis Taylor our Manager First Nations Employment & Engagement on 02 8239 2284 or [e-mail].

Our team can provide alternative formats to apply, make adjustments to the recruitment process and offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks.

If you are a person who requires adjustment and would like to request assistance, please contact Liz Akerboom on 02 8239 2355 or via [e-mail].