State Library Graduate Program
The State Library of Western Australia offers a 12-month Graduate Program for graduates in the following areas: History, Indigenous Studies, Information Technology, Marketing, Project Management, Communications, or Web Design as well as Librarian and Library Technician studies as an opportunity to participate in a structured, developmental program consisting of work placements plus training and development opportunities. Several full-time positions are usually offered.
Applications for 2012 Graduate Program now closed.
Check out the FAQs from the 2011 Information Evening.

2011 Graduates Theresa & Molly
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Program participants must:- Be eligible for Associate membership of the Australian Library and Information Association OR for Library Technician membership of the Australian Library and Information Association OR possess a graduate qualification in fields such as History, Indigenous Studies, Information Technology, Marketing, Project Management, Communications, or Web Design;
- Be a permanent resident of Australia; and
- Be available to work rostered hours for a 7-day per week operation including evenings and weekends.
As all positions require specific physical capabilities, appointments will be subject to a satisfactory pre-employment medical and physical screening (cost covered by the State Library). Successful applicants will also have to provide a police clearance and a working with children check.
2007 Grad John with the Books Moove Me cow
How to Apply
Applicants will be invited to apply by submitting:
- Completed Application for Advertised Vacancy Form
- Statement addressing the Position Criteria;
- CV including two referees; and
- Copy of final Academic Record.
All Graduates will be employed on a fixed term contract for 12 months under the Public Service General Agreement:
- Graduate Officers at Level 2 year 1; and
- Graduate Librarians at Specified Calling Level 1.
Following successful completion of the Graduate Program, permanent employment may be offered depending on operational requirements.
For further details about the application process please see the JobsWA website.
For further information regarding the graduate program contact:
Hayley Crookes
Graduate Coordinator
hayley.crookes@slwa.wa.gov.au
FAQs
Q: Does the program involve study of library concepts for Graduates without a library background?A: There is no formal study per se. You will learn what libraries are like on the job by doing the work that we do.
If you'd like to know more about what the state library does please check out our latest annual report.
If you'd like to know more about the fundamental principles of librarianship you might want to check out the ALIA (Australian Library and Information Association) Statement of Core Values.
Q: The application package talks about working nights and weekends can you elaborate?
A: The library is open and providing a range of services 7 days a week until 8 pm on weekdays and 5.30 pm on weekends. During your time with the library we ask that you be available to work the same hours as the teams you are with and some of these teams provide services after normal business hours.
In particular when you are with the Client Services team you will be expected to work one evening a week and one weekend a fortnight.
In other teams such as Participation and Learning which coordinates our evens you may be asked to provide assistance when an event is running even if this is after hours or on a weekend.
Q: How many positions will there be?
A: We take as many as we can but it is all determined by the availability of funding. We take a minimum of 2 grads per cohort.
Q: How many placements and how long are they?
A: There are approximately 10 placements and these range from 8 weeks in Client Services to 2 weeks in records management.
For a successful applicant from a non library background we will look at structuring the program so they have adequate opportunity to use their skills.
Q: I live outside Perth / am going home for Christmas / won't be in Australia at the time can I still apply?
A: Yes of course. If you are chosen for interview we will do this by phone.
Q: When does the program start?
A: Usually in early February. I can't give an exact date at this stage because it depends on processes in HR and how long it takes us to short list and interview.
Q: I've done my exams and know I've passed (cause I'm awesome) BUT I don't have my certificate or statement of results. Can I still apply?
A: Yes. We understand that there are timing issues around getting proof of qualifications so close to final exams. If you are the successful applicant you will be required to provide proof of your qualification before commencing your employment in early February.
Q: I'm a mature age graduate. Is this really a program designed for young people?
A: We are looking for people who have completed a degree recently and will bring up to date information, ideas and skills. We are also looking for people who are enthusiastic, driven and who like change. In our experience none of these are determined by age
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Page last updated: Thursday 15 December 2011





