“A truly fulfilling job”: What we love about State Library of Queensland 

It’s Library Lovers' Day on the 14th of February and we’re sharing our love for State Library of Queensland! Our staff members described what they love about working here and in this blog I will capture some of their responses, highlighting why we choose to work at State Library of Queensland and what makes this library such a great place to work. The theme for Library Lovers' Day is “Only you”. For us at State Library of Queensland it’s the Library that is our “Only you”.  

I am a good choice to write this blog as I have worked at not one but three State Libraries. What I love about State Library of Queensland is the people (staff and clients), the relaxed atmosphere and those river views! I also love the chance to feel like I am contributing to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (which are embedded in our Strategic Plan) by helping to reduce inequalities and promote health and wellbeing.  

Staff responses to the question: “What do you love about working for State Library of Queensland?” can be grouped into four themes, each of which shares a different perspective on how our roles here give us a sense of purpose.   

Storytelling  

“The thing I love most about my role at State Library of Queensland is connecting with audiences through storytelling—specifically stories of service from State Library's military collection.”  

Here the theme of storytelling shows how working for State Library of Queensland can help us to make connections and bring communities together. There is also an appreciation for the history that State Library of Queensland houses and how valuable this is to our clients and their families.  

People  

“What I love about SLQ – The chance to work with my SLQ colleagues on such a broad spectrum of meaningful work, from childhood literacy to reconciliation to inspiring creative minds in workshops.”  

It was clear from staff responses that working for State Library of Queensland is seen to be meaningful work. There is a real sense of collective purpose and belonging. People genuinely enjoy the company of their colleagues and know they can rely on them for support and guidance.  

Helping people learn  

“I love creating ways for people to learn about what they wish to know more about whether it is family, local, other forms of history or the increasing areas for which information is now more accessible… I am usually working in areas where there is no quick magic answer to a research question so helping people negotiate the research route as productively as possible is of value.”   

Librarians at State Library of Queensland should never be underestimated! As well as assisting people to find information we teach them how to use research tools and equipment. We also help them with information and media literacies.  

Solving mysteries  

“Being a librarian at State Library is a truly fulfilling job. Who doesn’t love helping people, solving fascinating mysteries and seeing amazing items from our collections?”  

Believe it or not, that’s what we do best! Whether it’s family history or that mysterious book with the blue cover, we track down information and hunt out answers to our clients’ questions. One way we do this is through our Ask Us service where you can submit a research question and we will answer it. It’s one of the fun parts of our job!  

I hope this blog has given you some idea of why we love working for State Library of Queensland and why we’re celebrating that love this Library Lovers' Day. Please share with us in the comments why you love State Library of Queensland and have a very happy Library Lovers' Day!  

Interested in finding out more about State Library? Why not pay us a visit and explore our exhibition spaces, enjoy coffee & cake at the Library Café, or soak up the river views from the airconditioned comfort of our Reading Rooms.