The importance of what goes uncounted
We caught up with Michelle from Sydney’s Ku-ring-gai Council to discuss her 23-year career at council, her love of libraries, and the sense of fulfilment she feels in her role every day.
Careers at Council
Libraries, Culture &
Tourism
Tourism
Libraries
Working in the local library you are at the heart of the community. Libraries welcome everyone and have resources and activities for all ages and interests. Be part of an essential service that provides a place for people to read, relax, learn, imagine and create.
Types of Roles:
Librarian
Library Technician
Library Services Coordinator
Program Manager
Project Officer
Team Leader
Library Assistant/Officer
What we do:
- Design and deliver programs and community events such as author talks, children’s book readings, performances, classes, displays and library tours.
- Maintain library resources, records and systems.
- Assist customers to access library resources, undertake database searches and answer queries.
- Arrange inter-library loans.
- Reshelve returned library resources.
Qualifications:
Librarians hold an Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) accredited undergraduate or post graduate university qualification in library and information science.
Library Technicians hold an ALIA accredited Diploma in Library and Information Studies, usually delivered through a TAFE institute.
No formal qualification is required for Library Assistant roles, however a Certificate III or IV in Library and Information Services may be an advantage.
People working in libraries as Program Managers, Project Officers or Team Leaders may have library and information qualifications or other qualifications and experience in related fields such as community development, social sciences, business or education.
The ALIA Framework of Skills, Knowledge and Ethics for the Library and Information Services Workforce is an important resource for job seekers and employers. Having a clear impression of the sector will support those looking to transition careers, bringing with them a diversity of skills and experience. For recruitment purposes, the Framework can underpin role description criteria by mapping out competency areas required or desired for particular roles.
Culture
Arts and cultural services contribute to the lifestyle and wellbeing of a community. You will play a key role in providing facilities, programs and activities for community members and visitors to the area.
Types of roles:
Art Gallery Curator
Museum Manager/Assistant
Cultural Project Officer
Arts and Programs Officer
Cultural Events and Marketing Officer
Community Development Officer
Community Arts Centre Coordinator
What we do:
- Operate art galleries, museums and theatres.
- Deliver festivals, fairs, markets.
- Organise events to celebrate target groups or national events e.g. NAIDOC Week, Seniors Week, Youth Week.
- Run community programs including cultural tours.
- Consult with the community about cultural needs and services.
- Increase public awareness of cultural heritage and programs in the local community.
Qualifications
Educational requirements will vary according to the role but relevant tertiary qualifications include degrees in Business, Arts, Fine Arts, Social Sciences.
Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications relevant in this field include:
- Certificate II in Information and Cultural Services
- Certificate III/IV/Diploma of Arts and Cultural Administration
- Certificate III/IV/Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services
- Certificate III in Events
- Diploma /Advanced Diploma of Event Management
Tourism
Tourism and community events generate significant income and employment within our local area. Play a role in promoting the area to visitors and providing local events for residents.
Types of roles:
Tourism and Visitor Information Centre Officer/Manager
Events Officer/Coordinator/Manager
What we do:
- Operate visitor centres and tourist attractions.
- Organise events such as outdoor cinemas, concerts and fun runs.
- Produce marketing assets to promote the local area (website, brochures, social media).
Qualifications
Educational requirements will vary according to the field of work but tertiary qualifications desirable for senior roles in this field are in Tourism and Event Management, Business, Commerce, Communications and Marketing.
Vocational education and training (VET) qualifications relevant for entry-level positions include:
- Certificate II, III in Tourism
- Certificate IV in Travel and Tourism
- Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management
- Certificate III in Events
- Diploma /Advanced Diploma of Event Management
The Universities Admission Centre
For more information about university courses visit The Universities Admission Centre.
My Skills
For more information about VET courses and training providers visit My Skills.
Some current Libraries, Culture and Tourism vacancies
Tourism, Culture & Recreation People Stories
Working in Councils
The scale and diversity of work on offer in Local Government is impressive as is the direct and positive impact this work has on the communities we serve.
Is council right for you?
Local Government’s 189,000 employees have many different skills and backgrounds, but together they share certain values and attributes that enable them to succeed at Council.
