Inside the National Library of Australia: Your 60-Second Guide to a Meaningful Public Service Career 📚
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the National Library of Australia? We’ve done the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this thriving cultural institution—from its mission and revenue to the skills and qualifications that can land you a rewarding career in the Australian Public Service. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh graduate, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate your path toward a fulfilling government role. Let’s dive in!
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: National Library of Australia
Location: Parkes Place, Canberra ACT 2600
CEO (Director-General): Dr Marie-Louise Ayres
Total Revenue: $96.572 million
Total Number of Employees (Average FTE): 365
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited:
Library and Information Studies – Ideal for roles in collection development and cataloguing.
Arts / Humanities – Provides strong research, analysis, and communication skills.
IT / Computer Science – Supports digital archives, Trove systems, and IT infrastructure.
Business / Commerce – Valuable for project management, budgeting, and administrative tasks.
Public Administration / Policy – Enhances understanding of government structures and stakeholder engagement.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited:
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile) – Oversees digitisation, building works, and expansion projects.
Records Management – Essential for proper handling of archival materials.
Financial Management (CPA, CIMA) – Contributes to sound budgeting and financial practices.
Information Security / Cybersecurity – Secures digital collections and IT systems.
Heritage Conservation Techniques – Maintains the integrity of valuable cultural items.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited:
Administration Officers – Manage daily operations, coordinate events, and ensure seamless service delivery.
Archivists / Conservators – Preserve and restore physical books, manuscripts, and artwork.
IT Specialists – Develop and maintain digital infrastructures, including Trove.
Project Managers – Oversee building upgrades, digitisation projects, and new initiatives.
Communications Professionals – Engage the public through media campaigns, social platforms, and outreach events.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited:
Research and Analytical Thinking – Critical for evaluating and expanding collections.
Customer Service – Enhances visitor engagement and reference services.
Digital Literacy – Aids in handling online catalogues, databases, and emerging technologies.
Collaboration – Supports teamwork across various library divisions.
Adaptability – Helps staff navigate evolving technologies and projects.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited:
Library or Information Centre Experience – Offers firsthand knowledge of cataloguing and reference tasks.
Government or Public Sector Roles – Familiarity with APS processes aids policy compliance.
Customer-Facing or Retail Roles – Sharpens communication and engagement skills.
Project Coordination or Management – Lends efficiency in juggling multiple tasks and deadlines.
Content Creation or Publishing – Contributes to producing and curating informational resources.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: National Library of Australia
Name of CEO (Director-General): Dr Marie-Louise Ayres
Location: Australia-wide access, main site at Parkes Place, Canberra ACT
Year Founded: 1960 (under the National Library Act 1960)
Main Mission and Purpose:
The National Library of Australia collects, preserves, and makes accessible a vast range of Australia’s documentary resources. It serves as a central hub where people can discover, learn, and create new knowledge.
Real-world example: Trove, the Library’s online repository, has helped numerous families research local histories and discover personal connections to Australia’s heritage.Main Duties of the Department:
Acquiring physical and digital publications
Cataloguing and archiving items for public access
Preserving historical materials in secure environments
Offering reference and research services onsite and online
Creating engaging events, exhibitions, and community outreach programs
Real-world example: Large-scale digitisation projects ensure priceless manuscripts and newspapers are searchable online—making vital historical records available anytime, anywhere.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans & Initiatives:
Digitisation Expansion: Ongoing efforts to digitise Australia’s cultural heritage for wider access.
Capital Works & Upgrades: Modernising building systems and infrastructure for improved safety and efficiency.
Community Engagement: Hosting events, workshops, and exhibitions that spark learning and creativity.
National & International Collaboration: Partnering with other cultural institutions to share knowledge and resources.
Did you know?
Through Trove, the National Library provides access to over 19 billion Australian and online resources—empowering students, historians, genealogists, and everyday Australians to delve deeply into the nation’s past and present .
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees (Average FTE): 365
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: Ranges across APS classifications (APS1 through Executive Level and SES).
Salary Bands: Typically aligned with APS pay scales, starting around $50,000 for entry-level roles and reaching above $160,000 for senior positions.
Average Salary in the Department: Estimated $90,000–$100,000, varying by role classification and experience.
Total Revenue: $96.572 million
Average Revenue per Employee: Roughly $264,000
GETTING A JOB AT THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Library/Information Services
Business Administration
Information Technology
Project Support
Conservation or Preservation Techniques
Bachelor / Master Level:
Library and Information Science
Public Administration or Policy
Humanities (History, Literature, Cultural Studies)
Information Technology (Data Analytics, Cybersecurity)
Business (Commerce, Accounting, Marketing)
PhDs:
Research in History, Literature, or Cultural Studies
Advanced Information Management & Digital Humanities
Policy Research & Development
Data Science, Machine Learning, or AI for large-scale archives
Preservation Science for high-level conservation work
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value?
Logistics coordinators, IT engineers, archivists, conservation technicians, and building services specialists all have a place here—ensuring collections are stored and accessed safely.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value?
Administrative roles: Handling workflows, schedules, and project coordination.
Customer-facing roles: Providing excellent service in reading rooms and public programs.
Digital platform roles: Managing Trove’s large dataset, digital resources, and user support.
Heritage conservation: Preserving rare items and national treasures.
Team leadership: Overseeing cross-functional teams on major projects.
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value?
Soft skills:
Effective communication for user engagement and team collaboration
Problem-solving for handling unique projects and events
Leadership for heading up large-scale initiatives
Technical skills:
Data management and various software packages for cataloguing and discovery
Cybersecurity to protect digital assets
Archival and conservation techniques to maintain collection integrity
General skills:
Time management to keep projects on track
Analytical thinking for research, policy development, and curation
Adaptability when juggling multiple tasks and deadlines
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Reading and Research: Perfect for those who love discovering new knowledge.
Technology Enthusiasts: Ideal for experimenting with databases, digital tools, and online services.
Cultural Engagement: If you thrive at exhibitions, cultural events, or in arts communities, you’ll find many opportunities here.
Creative Pursuits: From photography to crafts, fresh perspectives can spark innovation in public outreach.
Want more information on this department?
Contact the department directly:
National Library of Australia
Parkes Place, Canberra ACT 2600
Telephone: +61 2 6262 1111
Fax: +61 2 6257 1703
Email: governance@nla.gov.au
Website: nla.gov.au
FAST-TRACK YOUR GOVERNMENT CAREER 🚀
Want to skip the frustration of crafting the perfect government job application? Join the waitlist for Gov Job Pro and turn your dream of a government career into reality in just 15 minutes. Our AI-powered platform creates:
✓ Tailor-made two-page Selection Criteria Responses
✓ Tailor-made government Resumes
✓ Tailor-made Cover Letters
Join the Waitlist and be among the first to access our game-changing application tool!
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.