Wellington’s public libraries have been changing lives since 1841. Our libraries offer Wellingtonians the opportunity to explore the world of knowledge, news, and ideas. Our network of 14 public libraries, seven community centres, and online presence give people access to a wide range of resources, collections, services, programmes, and activities.
Working in the libraries
Forget outdated ‘librarian’ stereotypes – we employ a range of people who are friendly and adaptable to reflect our diverse communities.
We offer entry-level roles where you’ll learn library skills. And we support further professional development and qualifications for a career in our libraries. Find out about the Council's employee benefits and opportunities.
If libraries are not quite your scene, but the community work aspect appeals – then consider applying to work in our community centres instead.
Our values
We are looking for people whose personal values align with ours. Services and teamwork are at the heart of what we do and who we are. We pride ourselves on:
- Manaakitanga – outcomes are achieved with an approach that is welcoming, inclusive and mana-enhancing
- Whanaungatanga – fostering a sense of belonging in our community
- Akoranga – learning and valuing learning
- Matatau – supporting literacy in all its forms
- Toiora – supporting social well-being
- Ōhanga – we support economic opportunities (for example, job seeking, work skills, and equity).
Roles
Entry-level roles
Our entry-level roles are:
- Library Collection Maintenance
- Collection Access Librarian
- Customer Services Librarian
The Customer Services Librarian role is most commonly advertised. It's an excellent option to begin your new career, even if you have no previous library experience.
This role delivers and supports a diverse range of library services. This includes children’s programmes, events, membership, reader’s advisory, enquiries, homework help, customer education, collection displays and so much more.
Higher level roles
These roles require some relevant experience and/or professional qualification:
- Community Librarian – suits people with prior library experience and a qualification, such as a Certificate/Diploma in Library Studies. This role is a natural career step-up for talented Customer Services Librarians.
- Community Centre Coordinator – likely to suit people with some experience or qualification in social or community-based work (including library work).
- Library Makerspace Specialist/Delivery – these practical ‘tech savvy’ roles work with people to make use of creative technologies and tools, such as 3D printing, laser printing, virtual reality, and music production.
- Digital Services Librarians – support the delivery and development of a major part of modern libraries – online services and social media.
- Specialist roles – we have several roles focusing on a customer segment or service area. For example, Music/Film, Fiction, Ethnic Communities, Local Heritage, Māori, Business, and Children’s Services.
- Collections focussed roles – specialised library work that supports our physical and online collections and resources. These roles include Cataloguing Librarians, Collection Development Librarians, and more senior Library Specialists for Collections and for Advanced Cataloguing.
- Organisational and team leadership – our Coaches and Service Manager roles manage diverse teams and provide strategic leadership for our network. At this level, we’d expect a Master’s level library qualification or studying towards it. Experience gained and leadership demonstrated in the other roles can support a move towards a management-level role.
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