How to become a Library Services Manager

Plans, organises, directs, controls and evaluates the operations of a library or library system.

Main tasks

• Ensures effective planning for the provision of high quality library services within identified priorities and community needs
• Leads, directs and coordinates staff and the allocation of resources
• Manages risk, budget, resources and facilities, and continuously improves the cost effective and efficient provision of library services
• Directs the investigation, evaluation and implementation of new and alternative methods of service delivery
• Manages, develops and evaluates print, audio visual and electronic collections to ensure that they meet community needs
• Oversees the selection, training and performance of staff
• Develops strategic plans and policies, and prepares budget submissions and briefings

Ways in

• University: Arts & Humanities degrees, Offered by 38 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420); Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) (BSB80120)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $95,732 a year
• About 11,300 people work in this job group now, and about 14,200 are projected by 2035. (+25.9%)
• Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Library Services Manager?

Ways in include: Arts & Humanities degrees; Diploma of Leadership and Management; Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning).

How much does a Library Services Manager earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $95,732 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Library Services Manager a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 26% by 2035, from about 11,300 to about 14,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Library Services Manager?

Usually. 79% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Library Services Manager?

Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04