Position Description
The Research Centre manages the Memorial’s library and archive of both published and unpublished records. It provides information and reference services about Australia military history, the Memorial and its collections. The Private Record collection is integral to the fulfilment of Memorial’s purpose and mission. Primarily an archive of unpublished works, it consists of a variety of personal papers, such as diaries and letters, which powerfully convey the personal experience of war. These collections represent individuals from all ranks and services of the Australian armed forces as well as civilians, and cover all conflicts in which Australians have been involved.
The Curator Private Records manages a small team responsible for the care and communication of the Private Records collection, in both physical and digital form. This involves the selection, arrangement, description and control of the collection, as well as its communication via exhibitions, public programs and the Memorial’s website. Over the coming years, this position will contribute to the Memorial’s gallery redevelopment project, helping to improve the experience and understanding of our visitors.
Core Responsibilities
- Lead the Private Records team by providing expert advice and assistance to team members in all aspects of collection management, setting priorities and allocating resources, and monitoring and reporting on progress and outcomes with the goal of building team capacity and sustainability.
- Manage and oversee the appraisal and well-considered selection of appropriate material for inclusion in the Private Records collection in accordance with the Memorial’s Collection Development Plan and other corporate priorities to enhance the value of the National Collection.
- Manage the Private Records collection in accordance with appropriate collection management standards and Memorial guidelines by overseeing the arrangement and description of the collection and its preservation and storage, by maintaining appropriate and accurate catalogue records, assessing conservation needs, and ensuring current and accurate location records.
- Manage and oversee public access to the Private Records collection by meeting appropriate legislative requirements, particularly the Copyright Act, 1968 and communicating and promoting the collection to the wider community by contributing to the Memorial’s public programs including exhibitions, online content via the Memorial’s website and social media platforms, and other avenues such as talks and tours, to facilitate greater understanding of the Australian experience of war.
- Contribute to the development of Collection Policy and Collection Management Systems by analysing, evaluating and reporting on the Private Record collection, to identify its strengths and weaknesses, any underlying issues or risks, and suggesting solutions and system improvements to effectively support collection needs.
- Provide a quality customer service by providing fair and timely reviews for both internal and external clients within legislative and policy guidelines, as well as support for other Research Centre priorities such as the Reference Service.
- Observe APS values and apply the principles of workplace diversity, participative work practices and occupation health and safety.
Additional Requirements:
• May include rostered hours within the standard ordinary hours.
The Memorial is committed to workplace diversity and maintains an environment that values the contribution of people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The Memorial welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, veterans, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds and people with a disability. To be eligible for ongoing or non-ongoing employment, Australian Citizenship is required.
For more information and to apply please refer to https://www.awm.gov.au/get-involved/work-or-volunteer/employment
