A living library for now, for the future, for all of us Team Leader State Library of New South Wales Library Services Division | Reader Services Librarian Grade 3, Temporary full-time role up to April 2027 with possibility of ongoing
* Unique opportunity to join one of NSW's leading cultural institutions
* Provide access to the State Library’s rich heritage collections—both print and digital—to ensure they are developed and preserved for future generations.
* Competitive remuneration package up to $155,489 p.a. (package includes salary between $123,120 - $137,176 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. The Library preserves and presents the history of our State and our Nation for the benefit of all, offering essential services, extraordinary collections and magical experiences. 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
Reader Services delivers high-quality information and reference services to readers onsite in our reading rooms, as well as online through the Library’s website, Ask a Librarian service, and the NSW public library network. We are seeking a Team Leader who values collaboration and can foster a positive, reader focused culture within the branch.
As a Team Leader in Reader Services, you will play a key role in planning, delivering, and enhancing a broad range of frontline services and programs that support the diverse needs of our readers. You will lead a dedicated team of Specialist Librarians, Librarians, Library Technicians and Library Assistants, contribute to branch and Library-wide initiatives, and provide expert guidance to both readers and colleagues.
Working closely with the Coordinators and the Head of Reader Services, you will help drive service innovation, support strategic planning, and ensure readers continue to receive exceptional service and seamless access to information.
In this role you will work rostered evening and weekend shifts and undertake the role of Officer in Charge as required.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will have the following knowledge and experience:
* Significant experience in the direct provision of information and reference services to readers in a major reference library including research consultations and presentation skills.
* Well-developed team leadership and supervisory skills, including the ability to set objectives and manage performance, motivate, develop and coach staff, as well as lead staff through change.
* 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.
What we offer
The State Library of NSW is a great place to work. We are a purpose-driven organisation, and you would be working with colleagues who are collaborative, knowledgeable, and like-minded.
Working at the Library gives you access to a range of benefits including:
* Flexible working arrangements
* A range of wellbeing events, lunchtime groups and initiatives like discounted gym programs, annual flu vaccinations and access to an employee assistance program
* Professional development opportunities including time off for study
* Staff discounts at the Library café and bookshop
* Staff engagement activities
How to apply
To apply for this role please provide a response to the following questions and ensure you attach an up-to-date copy of your CV and a cover letter as part of your application.
Please respond to the questions in the text boxes provided. 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.
* This role leads, plans and coordinates the provision of high-quality reader-focused information services to meet the needs of different user groups. Describe an occasion when you were responsible for leading the delivery of a program tailored to a particular audience. What actions did you take to implement it, and how did you evaluate its effectiveness?
* This role contributes to the development of policies and procedures, and their subsequent implementation across the Library. Tell us about a time when you have responded to resistance when introducing a new idea to a team or work group. What steps did you take to ensure all individuals felt heard?
The State Library of NSW welcomes and encourages 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, veterans and workers of all ages.
Candidates can request a reasonable adjustment throughout each step of the recruitment process by noting this in your application or contacting the People and Culture Team via.
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.
Further 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 questions about the role, please contact Karen Small on.
Closing date for applications: 20 March 2026 at 10am.