Senior Librarian, Collections and Access

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. 

Our Library team plays a vital role in supporting the University’s strategic goals and fostering a vibrant research culture. You’ll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking environment that values innovation and continuous improvement. 

About the role 

As the Senior Librarian, Collections and Access, you’ll lead a team responsible for delivering and continuously improving access to scholarly resources and diverse collections. You’ll oversee acquisitions, subscriptions, course readings, and resource sharing services, ensuring alignment with teaching, learning, and research priorities. 

You’ll work closely with internal stakeholders including academic staff, finance and promotions teams as well as external partners such as publishers and vendors. Your leadership will see you coach others to ensure seamless access to content, responsive service delivery, and strategic engagement across the institution. 

You’ll also manage financial planning and reporting for scholarly resources, using tools like Power BI to analyse usage trends, inform decisions, and communicate the value and impact of collections. 

What you’ll do 

• Lead and inspire a team of professional staff, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement 
• Manage scholarly content lifecycles, selection, licensing, renewal, and evaluation 
• Contribute to financial planning, budget tracking, and reporting for collections 
• Leverage data not just to inform decisions, but to tell compelling stories to showcase the difference our collections make.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to resolve access issues and improve discoverability 

This is a continuing, full-time position based at our Callaghan Campus, on Awabakal land. 

What we’re looking for 

• A degree with relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and training 
• Experience leading teams in a library and/or cultural setting 
• Strong skills in data analysis, visualisation, and reporting 
• Ability to manage budgets, financial reporting, and vendor relationships 
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills 
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality outcomes 
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and respectful workplace culture 

What’s on Offer 

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: 

• Salary range from $116,596 - $136,030 + superannuation commensurate with skills and experience. 
• 17% superannuation, annual leave loading and salary packaging options. 
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, and additional purchased leave scheme. 
• Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more. 
• A range of support and wellbeing programs. 
• Explore more here - benefits at a glance. 

Your Next Steps 

Click the Apply button to be redirected to the advert on our University of Newcastle jobs page where you will find a guide on how to apply and gain access to the job description 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application. 

Your application should include: 

• Your Resume (maximum. 4 pages) 
• A one-page cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
• A response to the following questions (maximum 2 pages): 

1. Tell us about a scholarly or library collection you have managed. How did you ensure it aligned with policy and strategic priorities, maintain compliance, and meet the needs of your users?  
2. Tell us about a time you used financial or usage data to inform a project decision or advocate for a change in resource allocation. How did this contribute to service innovation or improved access to scholarly resources and/or library collections? 
3. Describe a time when you led a change in approach or strategy. How did you engage others, build understanding, and bring people along to ensure the change was successful? 

For the full list of the selection criteria and role responsibilities, please download the Position Description (available in the Related Documents section below). 

Applications Closes Monday, 2nd February, 2026 at 11:59PM AEDT 

Reasonable Adjustments 

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know. This information will help us understand how best to support you and ensure an equitable and inclusive recruitment process. 

Please be assured that anything you share will be treated respectfully and appropriately. Our goal is to provide the best environment for every candidate to demonstrate their suitable skills and experience. 

Contact Us 

For specific position enquiries, please contact Beth White, Associate Director Collections and Digital Services – 02 49217193 or Beth.White@newcastle.edu.au 

Please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au if you are experiencing any difficulties or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments. 

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you 

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. 

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