Library Collections and Access Officer

Be challenged and imagine with us

The University of Newcastle Library plays a pivotal role in supporting learning, teaching and research across our University and region. As part of the Collections and Scholarly Publishing team, the Library Collections and Access Officer support the development, acquisition and management of library collections that underpin academic and research success.

In this role you will:

• Support the acquisition and evaluation of scholarly resources by verifying bibliographic information and sourcing materials from publishers and other suppliers.
• Process digital course reading lists, including sourcing appropriate content and troubleshooting access or content issues.
• Contribute to resource sharing by supplying and requesting materials from other institutions when not available locally.
• Assist with a range of library projects, such as implementing new systems, analysing usage data to support collection decisions, and contributing to cross-team collection management tasks.

These positions are full time and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land). 

How will you inspire us?

You are someone who brings strong attention to detail, an excellent service-oriented mindset and a genuine interest in librarianship and supporting access to knowledge and library collections. You enjoy working across systems, processes and data, while remaining responsive to the needs of students, academics, researchers and colleagues. You’ll have a collaborative approach, working well with others through open communication and a willingness to contribute to shared solutions

What we’re looking for

• Completion of a TAFE diploma level qualification with relevant work-related experience or an equivalent combination of education and training.
• Demonstrated ability to apply established cataloguing standards and classification systems using relevant library information systems and tools.
• Proven skills in accurately searching databases, publisher websites and related systems to identify bibliographic information and source materials.
• Knowledge of interlibrary resource sharing systems and digital course reading services in an academic environment, including the ability to follow established procedures and apply relevant provisions of the Copyright Act to ensure compliance.
• Demonstrated competency in using standard systems and applications, with a willingness and ability to continue developing digital skills to support team outcomes and service improvement.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to provide courteous, effective and professional customer service in a collaborative team environment.
• The ability to prioritise work, manage time and workloads, solve problems and maintain a high level of accuracy, while balancing competing demands from multiple stakeholders and placing the customer first.

Why join us?

• An opportunity to work in a vibrant, student-focused library environment.
• A supportive team culture that values flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ongoing or fixed term employment with access to professional development opportunities.
• The chance to contribute directly to an excellent student and staff experience.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 4 + 17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience. 

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively. 

These include: 

• 17% super and salary packaging.
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, annual leave loading, and additional purchased leave scheme.
• Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
• A range of support and wellbeing programs.

For more information on benefits and conditions, please follow this link.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

The University of Newcastle Library is a vibrant hub supporting learning, teaching, and research. As part of the Resources Division, we’re committed to delivering exceptional student experiences and fostering inclusive, technology-rich environments. Our Collections and Scholarly Publishing team leads the way in collection and scholarly publishing management, proactive support, and continuous innovation. 

Your next steps

Important information before you apply:

• If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ (or equivalent) to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy from the Related Documents section before commencing your application.
• Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.

Your application:

Your application must include:

• Your resume.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
• A statement addressing the below questions

1. Describe your experience using library systems and tools to search, verify and manage bibliographic information. Outline any relevant qualifications or equivalent experience and training that support your capability in this area..
2. Outline your knowledge and experience in supporting access to library collections in a library or similar environment, such as interlibrary resource sharing, digital course readings or resource acquisition. Highlight how you followed established procedures, managed timeframes, and ensured compliance with copyright or other policy requirements.
3. Describe a situation where you managed competing priorities while providing high-quality customer service. Explain how you organised your work, communicated with stakeholders, and maintained accuracy and attention to detail when working as part of a team.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 2 pages.

We value diversity and strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are equitable, inclusive, and barrier-free. If you require an alternative pathway to view the Position Description or to submit an application, please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au.

We also seek to provide a fair chance to all applicants by providing reasonable adjustments where required during the assessment and interview phases of the recruitment process.

Our assessment process

Typically candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance – it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Jane King, Coordinator, Resource Sharing and Course Readings on jane.king@newcastle.edu.au.

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date: Thursday 21 May 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

We provide opportunities for all people regardless of their background and experience, and this philosophy is reflected across all that we do. 

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.