Library officer job description

Not always. Many library officer roles are open to candidates with strong customer service skills, and a Certificate III/IV in Library and Information Services is advantageous rather than essential at officer level. A Working with Children Check is typically required for public-facing council roles involving children’s programs. Higher-level librarian roles usually require a formal library qualification.

Yes, in most cases. Because library officers interact with children through programs and at the front desk, a valid Working with Children Check is typically required. Requirements vary by state, so confirm the check that applies in your jurisdiction and verify it before the employee starts.

Mandatory requirements usually include a Working with Children Check, working rights in Australia and customer service experience. Preferred qualifications include a library or information services certificate, digital confidence and a current first aid certificate. Avoid over-qualifying the role, as it narrows your candidate pool unnecessarily.

Yes. Many councils hire library officers from retail, community or customer-service backgrounds and train them on the library management system and procedures. Focus on customer service, accuracy, digital confidence and community focus. Clear job descriptions help candidates understand the front-desk and program work and self-select appropriately.

This depends on your opening hours and workload. Casual library officers offer flexibility for weekend, evening and relief cover but attract a 25% casual loading under the Local Government Award. Permanent part-time or full-time staff provide continuity and stronger retention. Many councils use a mix — permanent staff for core hours and casuals for weekends and peak programs.

Under the Local Government Award (MA000112), for full-time and part-time staff Saturday is paid at 150%, Sunday at 175% and public holidays at 250%. Casual rates are higher again because the 25% loading is added to the penalty. Overtime and on-call rates apply where relevant. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately, and check any enterprise agreement.

Often, yes. Many councils have an enterprise agreement that pays above the award and may provide additional entitlements such as a 35-hour week or rostered days off. Where an agreement applies, its terms prevail (it must leave employees better off overall than the award). Always confirm whether an agreement applies before setting pay.

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type (casual, part-time or full-time), hourly rate, applicable award or enterprise agreement, reporting structure, main duties, branch location and required checks such as a Working with Children Check. For casuals, include the 25% casual loading. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Award and agreement rostering rules vary, so confirm the notice period that applies to your council. As a general practice, providing rosters at least 7 days in advance gives staff visibility of their shifts across branches. Using rostering software helps ensure compliance and reduces last-minute changes.

Assign staff based on branch opening hours, program schedules and each officer’s availability and skills. Use rostering tools to cover weekends and evenings, balance hours fairly and fill gaps when staff are absent. This keeps every branch staffed without over-relying on individual officers.

Break entitlements are set by the applicable award or enterprise agreement and generally include a meal break for shifts beyond a set length. Because branches must stay staffed, plan breaks around opening hours and ensure staff record their time accurately. Use time and attendance tools to support compliance.

Collect availability preferences during onboarding and update them regularly. Use HR software and rostering tools to track when each officer can work and any branch or program constraints. Set clear policies about minimum availability and how to request changes, which simplifies weekend and evening coverage.