Collection Development Librarian

Are you passionate about building diverse, accessible and engaging library collections that reflect community needs? Do you enjoy combining leadership, strategic planning, technology and data-driven decision-making to deliver impactful library services?

Join City of Darwin Libraries and play a key role in leading collection development and acquisitions across our library network while supporting a positive, innovative and customer-focused library service.

About the Opportunity:

City of Darwin Libraries is seeking a Collection Development Librarian to lead the strategic development, management and evaluation of physical and digital collections across the library service. This role ensures collections remain relevant, inclusive and accessible while maximising impact through effective acquisitions, collection planning and budget management.

Leading the Collections team, you will oversee collection development processes, support continuous improvement initiatives, contribute to strategic planning and ensure library collections align with community needs, emerging trends and professional standards. You will also play an important role in supporting customers, staff and library operations across multiple library locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, development and evaluation of physical and digital library collections to support current and future community needs.
• Manage collection expenditure, acquisitions and supplier relationships to maximise budget efficiency and collection impact.
• Supervise and support the Collections team to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
• Analyse collection data, usage trends and benchmarking information to support strategic decision-making and collection planning.
• Develop and maintain reports, dashboards, procedures and collection documentation.
• Ensure collections reflect diverse perspectives, support intellectual freedom and promote equitable access to information.
• Oversee collection maintenance activities including stocktaking, weeding and collection reviews.
• Contribute to library systems administration, acquisitions data quality and testing of new workflows or technologies.
• Support customers with library resources, eBooks, digital technologies and general enquiries.
• Participate in library programs, events and collaborative initiatives across the Northern Territory library network.
• Act as Officer in Charge when required and support day-to-day library operations.
• Foster a positive, respectful and customer-focused team culture

What You'll Bring

• Demonstrated experience in collection development, acquisitions, collection review processes and budget management within a public library or similar environment.
• Strong understanding of inclusive collection practices, intellectual freedom and community-focused library services.
• Experience using library management systems, reporting tools and digital technologies.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills with the ability to interpret data and manage competing priorities effectively.
• Proven leadership and staff supervision experience with the ability to support, motivate and develop teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a commitment to high-quality customer service.
• Ability to respond professionally and empathetically to challenging situations and support a positive workplace culture.
• Flexibility to work across multiple library locations, including evenings and weekends

Position Prerequisites

Level 5

• ALIA-accredited Diploma qualification in Library and Information Science.
• Minimum two (2) years' experience in collection development, including acquisitions, collection reviews, budget management and LMS management within a public library setting or similar.
• Minimum one (1) year leadership experience, including managing staff.
• NT Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card).
• National Police Check.

Level 6

• ALIA-accredited undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in Library and Information Science.
• Minimum four (4) years' experience in collection development, including acquisitions, collection reviews, budget management and LMS management within a public library setting.
• Minimum two (2) years' leadership experience, including managing staff.
• NT Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card).
• National Police Check.

Desirable

• Class C Driver's Licence

Pre-employment Requirement

• Fitness for work (medical physical assessment)

Why join us?

Your hard work will be rewarded with a competitive remuneration package and generous leave entitlements. This position has a commencing base salary of $88,528 - $95,527 per annum plus superannuation. As a permanent employee you also get access to our wellbeing program, employee assistance counselling program and receive 17.5% additional pay when on annual leave.

To apply:

To download the PD, and to apply for this job go to: https://jobs.darwin.nt.gov.au/Current-Vacancies & enter ref code: 6896426.

Please upload your CV and cover letter addressing the selection criteria.

For more information about this role, please contact Stacey Rosser, Executive Manager Library & Family Services on 08 8930 0210 or visit our website.

We accept applications only via our portal, please email us only if you have questions related to a role.

City of Darwin Talent Acquisition Team can be contacted via:

• Phone: (08) 8930 0526
• Email: recruitment@darwin.nt.gov.au
• Website: Employment at Council | City of Darwin Careers - Current Vacancies

Applications close at 5pm on 15 June 2026.

Only shortlisted applicants for this role will be contacted.