The open letter called for transparency about the planned changes, arguing a new governance structure was needed. A similar petition on Change.org had 9517 signatories, while another set up by the Community and Public Services Union, which represents library staff, had 4425.
Christian, who announced in June that she would be stepping down, said young library users want experiential-based learning, so instead of going into the library and speaking to a reference librarian, many go online instead. To her mind, innovations such as Mouthful of Dust – the library’s “cinematic web experience” about Ned Kelly – are critical, adding that the number of downloads for that project had been extraordinary.
“They are accessing the library in a very different way,” she said. “We are still committed to our role as Victoria’s major research and reference library; that is a key focus.”
The State Library will celebrate its 170th anniversary next year.Credit: Eamon Gallagher
Of the five-strong current library executive management team, three are in acting positions, including CEO John Wicks, previously chief operating officer. Wicks took over as CEO from Paul Duldig in August. Kath Brown is acting chief operating officer and director, people and partnerships; Canberra-based Roxanne Missingham is acting head of collections; Joel McGuinness is head of engagement; and Paula Bray is chief digital officer.
Those three positions – CEO, chief operating officer and head of collections – have been advertised, locally and internationally, according to Christian. “We pride ourselves on now being recognised as a world-class library.”
According to the State Library’s annual report 2024-25, there is surging demand for reference librarians year on year, with a 30 per cent increase in online research guide usage and page views (1,141,354), a 40 per cent increase in hours spent on deferred inquiries (6300 inquiries), and 52,000 total inquiries at reference desks. Librarian desk and phone inquiries are up 68 per cent, and research guide views are up 30 per cent.
The Booklist is a weekly newsletter for book lovers from Jason Steger. Get it delivered every Friday.
