Ways of working

State Library Victoria offers a diverse range of programs that cater to the entire community, from early learners to older adults. With more than 1500 public programs each year, State Library Victoria is one of the busiest libraries in the world.

To support these public programs, this suite of tools articulates clear ways of working, outlines the Library’s commitment to freedom of expression and respectful conduct and provides an overview of some of the Library’s curatorial principles. These tools are living documents that evolve with our programs and services. 

The State Library Victoria’s Board has endorsed a statement that sets out the foundational commitments the Library stands for – freedom of expression, the transformative power of ideas, and the right to feel valued and heard in a respectful environment. 

The Ways of Working Commitment is a code of conduct that clearly outlines expectations and mutual obligations, for individually and collectively ensuring trust, understanding and responsibility in how we engage with each other within the Library and externally with stakeholders. This is embedded into how we develop our programs, initiatives and activities and in how we enter into agreements, contracts and arrangements with internal and external communities and stakeholders. 

As a Victorian State Government agency, the Library has a duty of care to the community. The Freedom of Expression and Respectful Conduct Schedule sets out the Library’s expectations for all partners and their personnel engaging with the Library both onsite and online. It states that freedom of expression is a founding principle for State Library Victoria and clarifies expectations regarding respectful conduct and mutual obligations. 

The Curatorial Statement is a living document that frames the Library’s curatorial principles and practices within the context of our mission, vision, collections and the unique spaces of the Library in the heart of the knowledge precinct in Melbourne, Victoria.