2009 Graduate Recruitment Program
Overview
Graduates: would you like a career in Australia's National Library?
The National Library Graduate Program is a comprehensive and structured development program consisting of work placements and formal training which will prepare you for a varied career in the Library.
You will have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the collection and care of a comprehensive record of Australian history and endeavour; and take an active role in assisting the public to use and understand the Library’s collection.
You will be offered nine months of different work placements, providing you with the opportunity to experience a range of different jobs and work environments within the Library. You will attend training courses and will gain skills and experience in key information management specialities, including cataloguing skills. You will be offered a secure position within one of the core divisions of the Library, which can form a solid basis for a varied career.
You will enjoy a working environment that is challenging and rewarding, but also supportive and collaborative. You will have the support of a mentor, a buddy when you first begin and networking opportunities with other graduates within the Library and in the Canberra public service. You will join an organisation that offers excellent working conditions, competitive remuneration, leave for recreation or personal purposes and opportunities for further development and training.
Who are we seeking?
We are seeking graduates in the following fields:
- Cultural heritage studies
- Social sciences or humanities
- Australian studies, Asian studies
- Information management, library, archives or museum studies
- Public administration
About us
The National Library of Australia is a statutory authority within the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts portfolio. Governance of the Library is the responsibility of the Library Council. The Director-General, Ms Jan Fullerton, is responsible for conducting the affairs of the Library within the terms of the National Library of Australia Act (1960).
The National Library employs some 490 staff who specialise in a wide variety of functions ranging from information management through to marketing and system development.
The Library serves the Australian people through the maintenance and development of a comprehensive reference collection and a rich collection of material related to Australians and Australia. The Library collects books and magazines - at last count more than five million. It also holds more than 40,000 paintings, drawings and prints, more than 9,000 metres of manuscripts, 550,000 photographs, hundreds of thousands of maps, aerial photographs and music scores and more than 50,000 oral history recordings.
The Library's key challenge over the next decade is to continue to harness the benefits of new technologies to provide the Australian community with quick and easy access to the information resources they need.
The Library recognises the important contribution its staff make towards meeting its goals and offers a satisfying and rewarding work environment. The Library values creative, innovative staff with a demonstrated commitment to excellence. We welcome diversity, including diversity of educational background and cultural heritage. Staff of the Library enjoy competitive salary rates, training and development opportunities. Flexible employment conditions help staff combine work and family responsibilities.
Location
The National Library is located in the Parliamentary Triangle of Canberra. It is situated on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin and is within close proximity to Manuka, Kingston and the city centre.
If you are relocating from interstate, the National Library can help with relocation costs and past graduates are always happy to assist you to settle in.
Living and working in Canberra
Canberra is a fantastic place to live and work, offering the benefits of both city and country lifestyles. It's close to the snowfields, to the beach, to nature reserves and to mountains. It offers fine dining, nightlife, theatre and shows, galleries and museums and plenty of opportunities for sport and hobbies. In a city of about 320,000 people, living in Canberra is clean, safe and convenient for singles and families. The housing vacancy rate is low, meaning rental accommodation can be hard to find, and some graduates have found it convenient to share accommodation. The road system in excellent, with a good public transport system and an outstanding cycle path network.
Here are some links to sites that will help you find out more:
- Social Network of Graduates (includes a useful orientation booklet)
- Canberra Tourism
- Australian Capital Territory Local Government
- All Homes Property Guide
- Canberra City Search
Eligibility
To be eligible to join the Library’s Graduate Program you need to satisfy the following requirements:
- Australian citizenship
- Character check and security clearance
- medical fitness requirements for engagement as ongoing employees
- Minimum three year undergraduate degree
- Willingness to relocate to Canberra
Conditions of employment
Information on our conditions of employment can be accessed at http://www.nla.gov.au/nla/agreement/
You will initially be employed as a Graduate and be automatically advanced to an APS3 after your final rotation and the successful completion of your training and development program.
During the Program you will be paid $43,945 per annum and your annual salary after advancement will be $48,471.
What we expect of graduates
We expect you to:
- be committed to the objectives and strategic directions of the Library.
- be prepared to make a contribution to the ongoing work of the Library.
- approach your work with curiosity, innovation and enthusiasm.
- consider your involvement in the Program as a first step in your career and to treat each work rotation and your initial post-program placement as learning opportunities.
- take personal responsibility for the quality of your own learning, development and career.
- work within the ethical standards of Australian Public Service, particularly in relation to the APS values, Code of Conduct and professional etiquette.
- communicate appropriately with your colleagues and the community.
- attend and participate at training and other events, be aware of the employment framework in which you work, and satisfactorily attend and perform on the job.
How to apply
Applications for the Library's 2009 Graduate Program closed on Sunday 8 June 2008.
Graduate selection and criteria
On receipt of your application form and online resume the Library will then assess your suitability for the 2009 Graduate Program. The Library may conduct interviews, assessments and/or other forms of selection after the receipt of applications.
The selection criteria for graduates are:
- A three year undergraduate degree is essential for the Graduate Program
- Understanding of the Library and its strategic objectives, and preparedness to make a contribution to the ongoing work of the Library
- Enthusiasm, initiative and personal drive
- Innovative thinking and problem solving skills
- Customer service, communication, liaison and teamwork skills
- Commitment to learning and development
- Ability to understand and apply the principles of workplace diversity, risk management, industrial democracy and occupational health and safety
Job offers
It is anticipated that offers for Graduate employment with the National Library will be made in November 2008, with Graduates commencing employment in February 2009.
Further information
For further information on the Library's Graduate Recruitment Program please email the Library's Recruitment Officer at
