A living library for now, for the future, for all of us
Senior Library Technician, Reader Services
State Library of New South Wales
Library Services Division
Library Technician Grade 2, Ongoing full time
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Unique opportunity to join one of NSW's leading cultural institutions
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Leading Library Technicians and Library Assistants in delivering exceptional reader focused services
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Competitive remuneration package up to $131,291 p.a. (package includes salary between $102,936 - $115,828 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
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced library professional to combine people leadership, customer service excellence and service innovation in a highly visible role in the Reader Services Branch.
As a Senior Library Technician, you will lead and support a team of Library Technicians and Library Assistants to deliver high-quality services that meet the evolving needs of readers and researchers. You will play a key role in coordinating daily operations, ensuring service standards are met, managing staff capability and wellbeing, and contributing to the ongoing improvement of services, systems and processes.
Working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, you will provide expert reference and information services directly to readers while helping shape the future of service delivery through collaboration, data-informed decision making and continuous improvement initiatives.
This position includes occasional evening and weekend shifts.
About you
You are an enthusiastic and collaborative leader who is passionate about delivering outstanding customer service and helping others succeed. You enjoy creating positive experiences for readers, motivating teams and finding practical ways to improve services and workflows.
To be successful in this role, you will have the following knowledge and experience:
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Experience leading and supporting staff in a library, information services or customer-focused environment
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Demonstrated commitment to delivering exceptional reader, customer or client service, including resolving complex enquiries and service issues
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Experience using technology and digital systems to support efficient service delivery and operational outcomes
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Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities in a busy environment
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Experience building a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture
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Qualifications acceptable for library technician membership of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) or other 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.
You will thrive in this role if you embody the Library's values of Integrity, Curiosity, Community, Generosity and Adaptability, and are committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming and reader-focused environment.
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:
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Flexible working arrangements
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A range of wellbeing events, lunchtime groups and initiatives like discounted gym programs, annual flu vaccinations and access to an employee assistance program
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Professional development opportunities including time off for study
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Staff discounts at the Library café and bookshop
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Staff engagement activities
How to apply
To apply for this role, please submit:
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An up-to-date CV
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A cover letter describing your suitability for the role, with reference to the key accountabilities, capabilities and requirements in the role description. We are looking for specific examples from your own experience that demonstrate your skills and achievements relevant to the role. Responses should be written in your own words, as we want to understand your experience and approach rather than content generated by AI tools.
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
[email protected].
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;
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an Australian citizen or
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a permanent resident of Australia, or
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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 Kim Thomson, Head of Reader Services on (0 9273 1409.
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 12 August 2026 at 10am.
