State Librarian and CEO

Vicki McDonald AM FALIA

State Librarian and CEO

Vicki McDonald is a key player in the transformation of the library sector in Queensland.

As State Librarian and CEO of State Library of Queensland, she understands the need for a strong, relevant and innovative library service.

Her national and international experience led to her appointment as State Librarian and CEO of State Library of Queensland in 2016 following a career of passionate library advocacy that began with her first job as a library assistant at the Dalby-Wambo Public Library.

Her appointment at State Library renews a long association that started in 2001 when Ms McDonald was seconded from Brisbane City Council. As an Executive Director at State Library, Ms McDonald was involved in policy, client services and collections before taking up a position as Associate Director Library Services (Client Services and Learning Support) at Queensland University of Technology.

Prior to her appointment as State Librarian and CEO, Ms McDonald was Executive Director Library and Information Services at the State Library of New South Wales, managing the library’s collections valued at $3B.

Ms McDonald is excited by the opportunity to elevate the role and importance of State Library of Queensland.

State Library belongs to the people of Queensland. It is inclusive and welcoming, a trusted source for information and a custodian of Queensland’s memory.

Ms McDonald is Past President of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) 2023-25 and has served on various IFLA Standing Committees and the Governing Board since 2004.  Ms McDonald is Past President of the Australian Library Information Association (ALIA).  

In January 2020 Ms McDonald was awarded a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to librarianship, and to professional associations.

In 2019 Ms McDonald was awarded an ALIA Fellowship in recognition of her exceptionally high standard of proficiency in library and information science. 

ALIA noted: “Vicki is known for her warm, empathetic leadership style as well as her ability to drive and implement change. She genuinely loves libraries and she selflessly gives of her time to contribute to her profession and also to mentor younger librarians who see her as ethical, generous and kind.”

To contact Ms McDonald, please email Office of the State Librarian SLCEOOffice@slq.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3840 7901 (Monday-Friday 9 am – 5 pm).