Senior Librarian, Collections and Access

University of Newcastle; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in England is seeking a Senior Librarian for Collections and Access to lead a team that improves access to scholarly resources. The role focuses on overseeing collections management and fostering collaboration with stakeholders. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in team leadership, financial reporting, and data analysis. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

Benefits

Competitive salary ranging from $116,596 - $136,030

17% superannuation

Additional leave options

Health insurance discounts

Wellbeing programs

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of professional staff for continuous improvement.
• Manage scholarly content lifecycles, selection, licensing, and evaluation.
• Contribute to financial planning, budget tracking, and reporting for collections.

Skills

Data analysis

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Financial reporting

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent

Tools

Power BI

Job description

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’lllead a team responsible for delivering and continuously improving access to scholarly resourcesand diverse collections.You’lloversee acquisitions, subscriptions, course readings, and resource sharing services, ensuring alignment with teaching, learning, and research priorities.

You’llwork closely with internal stakeholders including academic staff,financeand promotions teams as well as external partners such as publishers and vendors. Your leadership willsee you coach others toensure seamless access to content, responsive service delivery, and strategic engagement across the institution.

You’llalso 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.

Whatyou’lldo

• Lead and inspire a team of professional staff, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement
• Manage scholarly content lifecycles,selection, licensing, renewal, and evaluation
• Contributetofinancial planning, budget tracking, and reporting for collections
• Leverage data not just to inform decisions, but to tell compelling storiestoshowcasethe difference our collectionsmake.
• Collaboratewith stakeholders to resolve access issues and improve discoverability

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

Whatwe’relooking 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’son Offer

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

These include:

• Salaryrangefrom $116,596 - $136,030+ superannuationcommensuratewith skills and experience.
• 17% superannuation, annual leaveloadingand salary packaging options.
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, andadditionalpurchased 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 beforecommencingyour application.

Your application should include:

• Your resume(maximum. 4 pages)
• A cover letter (maximum 1 page) outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
• A response to the following questions (maximum 2 pages)

1. Tell us about ascholarly or librarycollection you have managed. How did you ensure it aligned with policy and strategic priorities,maintaincompliance, 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 youleda 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 11:59PMAEDT

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 ensurean equitableand 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 todemonstratetheir suitable skills and experience.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Beth White, Associate Director Collections and Digital Services– 02 49217193 or [e-mail]

Please reach out to [e-mail] if you are experiencing any difficulties or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments.

We are excited to beLooking Aheadwith 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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