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Job Title


Senior Librarian, Rare Books


Company : State Library Victoria


Location : Melbourne, Victoria


Created : 2025-08-01


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Join to apply for the Senior Librarian, Rare Books role at State Library Victoria2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicantsJoin to apply for the Senior Librarian, Rare Books role at State Library VictoriaGet AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.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 Victorias education, innovation, tourism and creative industries.About the OpportunityEnsure the State Librarys rare books collection is discoverableCreate bibliographic descriptions and draft quality metadataVPS 4.1 Full-time, Ongoing positionThe Senior Librarian, Rare Books is responsible for crafting full bibliographical descriptions related to rare books, requiring the creation, enhancement and maintenance of metadata to ensure the librarys extensive collection is discoverable in the librarys catalogue. As part of the Description (Published Materials) team, this role is responsible for the proper handling of rare materials and is a subject matter expert regarding the history of printing and publishing, in both the Australian and international contexts.The Senior Librarian, Rare Books is responsible for:Ensuring rare collection material is discoverable by creating, enhancing and maintaining quality metadataProviding collection expertise to support stakeholder engagement with the collection through research, exhibitions, digitisation, public programs, marketing and mediaDriving metadata enhancements in alignment with strategic projectsProviding specialist advice regarding descriptive, structural and administrative metadata for rare, published resourcesProviding training to support rare book cataloguing skills development with the Description (Published Materials) teamAbout YouThe ideal candidate is able to engage with a variety of stakeholders and brings a collaborative approach to continuous improvement. You hold significant skills in the descriptive cataloguing of rare materials and will enjoy creating high quality metadata to meet the information and collection access needs of current and future Library users. You will also have a deep understanding of contemporary library and information management practice, including collection development principles.In addition, you will also have:Completed a library and information qualification conferring eligibility for associate membership of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)Extensive experience in cataloguing, including knowledge of cataloguing standards and toolsSignificant DCRM(B) skills i.e. demonstrated capability in descriptive cataloguing of rare materials (books)Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary rare books metadata standardsAbout the LibraryState Library Victoria is Australias 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, opening up 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 linguistical diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+, D/deaf, disabled, neurodiverse people and people of all ages and abilities to apply.How to applyPlease note that to be considered for the positionyour application must be submitted via Careers VicThe following documents should be attached to your application:ResumeCover letter (maximum 2 pages) summarising how you meet the key selection criteria in the Position Description and the About You section of the advertisement.(For more information on format and content of your application, please see How to apply for a job on the Careers.vic page).EnquiriesFor specific queries about the role, please email Briette Bermingham, Description Manager, bbermingham@slv.vic.gov.auFor assistance with the application process please contact us at employment@slv.vic.gov.auPrivacy Collection NoticeInformation about how we collect and use your personal information, and how you can contact us, can be found here.Reasonable AdjustmentsWe 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 employment@slv.vic.gov.auApplications close on Thursday 14 August at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard TimeSeniority levelSeniority levelAssociateEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionCustomer Service, Research, and Information TechnologyIndustriesLibrariesReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at State Library Victoria by 2xSign in to set job alerts for Librarian roles.Manager, Electronic Resources & Data Quality (Library)Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 2 weeks agoBand 6 Cranbourne and Digital Resources ManagerCranbourne, Victoria, Australia 4 days agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 1 week agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 1 week agoMelbourne, Victoria, Australia 2 weeks agoWere unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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