Navigating the Future of Information Management, Library, and Records Management Roles in Australia

The landscape of Information Management, including Library and Records Management roles in Australia, is changing very fast. It is evident that practitioners in these fields are among the most able in the management and conservation of information in the quickly changing dimensions of digital transformation and data governance within their areas of practice. Of course, it is important for anyone interested or already working in these industries to understand the current employment trends, gender disparities, and regional distribution of such jobs.

Employment Trends and Occupational Information

Archivists, Curators, and Records Managers:

• Current Employment: 8,700
• Part-time Employment: 24%
• Female Representation: 65%
• Median Weekly Earnings: $1,995
• Median Age: 47 years
• Annual Employment Growth: 500 new jobs

Librarians:

• Current Employment: 12,300
• Part-time Employment: 40%
• Female Representation: 86%
• Median Weekly Earnings: $1,780
• Median Age: 50 years
• Annual Employment Decline: -400 jobs

Gallery, Library, and Museum Technicians:

• Current Employment: 8,600
• Part-time Employment: 49%
• Female Representation: 83%
• Median Weekly Earnings: $1,459
• Median Age: 51 years
• Annual Employment Growth: 500 new jobs

Library Assistants:

• Current Employment: 6,700
• Part-time Employment: 57%
• Female Representation: 95%
• Median Weekly Earnings: $1,412
• Median Age: 47 yearsAnnual Employment Growth: Stable with no significant increase

Regional Distribution and Industry Sectors

The distribution of employment across the Australian states varies, with concentrations in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC) leading in most categories. For instance, 41.4% of Archivists, Curators, and Records Managers work in NSW, 26.1% in VIC. Similarly, for Librarians, the corresponding percentages are 33% and 29.3% for VIC and NSW. This clearly shows the location significance on the job opportunities with respect to this kind of profession.
The primary industries for these occupations are:

• Arts and Recreation Services
• Health Care and Social Assistance
• Information Media and Telecommunications
• Education and Training

These sectors are crucial for the future relevance of Information Management professionals, all with their unique challenges and rewards.

Gender Dynamics and Earnings

One of the defining traits of these occupations is gender representation, with the majority of workers within these occupations being female, particularly in Library Assistants, of whom 95% are female, and in the field of Librarians, with 86% being female. However, the median weekly earnings have some variation since the Archivists, Curators, and Records Managers earn the highest weekly of $1,995, which tends to reflect that the jobs are different and may have various levels of responsibilities and expertise.

Career Outlook and Opportunities

The demand for the skilled workforce working in the capacity of Information Management in various sectors has increased and is likely to continue so in the future too, given the digital transformation wave has become an integral part of various industries. The rise of the annual employment growth to job roles such as Archivists and Technicians indicates a better overall job market, except for trivial bumps like the loss in Librarian jobs.

Ignite Your Career with Ignite

In an industry that is gradually shaping itself, one must need to remain informed and adaptable. Ignite offers you a better-than-most opportunity set for Library and Records Management professionals. With over 40 years’ experience, Ignite will connect you with leading employers across various sectors, providing the support and expertise needed to further your career.

DISCLAIMER: The data findings in this article have been compiled from several reports released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Jobs and Skills Australia website.

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