Community Archivist

About Libraries Tasmania

Libraries Tasmania serves as the statewide library and archival resource for Tasmania, providing lending, research, information, literacy, and educational services within modern, welcoming environments. It integrates the State Library, Tasmanian Archives, the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts, and a comprehensive public library network. With locations throughout Tasmania, it fosters opportunities for diverse communities to gather, learn, and engage in community-based programs. The organization is dedicated to preserving Tasmania's documentary heritage while promoting accessible information and lifelong education.

Role Overview

The Community Archivist is a full-time, on-site position located in Hobart, Tasmania. This role involves collaborating with diverse communities to identify, gather, and safeguard archival records reflecting Tasmania's social, cultural, and historical experiences. Typical duties include evaluating and describing archival collections, preparing finding aids, and ensuring the appropriate storage and care of both physical and digital records. The archivist will organize and conduct outreach events, workshops, and community initiatives that facilitate donating and interpreting local historical materials. Cooperation with colleagues throughout Libraries Tasmania is essential to support reference and research services and to contribute to digital access projects and public programming.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Proficiency in archival methods such as appraisal, description, preservation, and collection management.
• Experience engaging and collaborating with varied community groups.
• Strong skills in research, information management, and documentation within library and archival contexts.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, adaptable to different audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively in teams and foster inclusive, culturally safe services.
• Good digital literacy, including familiarity with collection management software and basic digital preservation principles.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in archives, records management, library and information science, history, or related fields—or comparable experience.
• Highly organised with attention to detail, capable of managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.
• Genuine interest in Tasmanian history, culture, and communities along with dedication to ethical, non-discriminatory archival practices.