Correcting the False Narrative: A Statement from State Library Victoria

Quote attributable to Acting CEO John Wicks: ‘A false and misleading narrative has emerged suggesting that the Library is planning widespread cuts to staff and services. This portrayal is factually incorrect and ignores the detail and intent of the Reorganisation Proposal.

‘State Library Victoria’s commitment to the people of this state has never been stronger. As Victoria’s major research and reference library, we remain a world-class collecting institution and a trusted guardian of our state’s history. Our mission is clear and enduring: to enrich the cultural, educational, social and economic lives of all Victorians.’

1. Misrepresentation of Librarian Roles

Claims that the Library intends to ‘halve reference librarians’ are inaccurate and misleading.

The Reorganisation Proposal does not halve librarian numbers. Instead, it modernises how librarian expertise is organised and delivered, reflecting the way research and reference needs have changed, especially where demand for digital access to information and services continues to increase exponentially.

Under the proposed structure, the Library would maintain at least 71 Librarian roles across the organisation. Within Research and Reader Experience specifically, 20 Librarians are proposed to support research and reference interactions. This is not a reduction of professional capability – it is a redeployment of skills to better meet contemporary demand.

2. Staff Numbers

It is being reported that 39 jobs will be lost, this is incorrect. The proposal lists 39 roles as no longer required across the organisation, 34 New roles will be created. Where possible, staff in those roles will be offered pathways for appointment to roles in the new structure.

3. Mischaracterisation of Technology and Digital Access

Contrary to claims circulating publicly:

• The Library will continue to provide public-access computers to support research, learning and digital inclusion.
• Digitisation capacity and digital-access services remain core to our mission. The Proposal will significantly strengthen these services.
• Digital capability: The proposal includes investment in new skills and technologies to improve public access to our collections and reduce retrieval time.
• Digital is not a separate function – it is core to our purpose and integral to how people find and use the Library’s collection. Digital work augments, not replaces, ‘traditional’ library expertise.

Our decisions reflect user demand, visitor behaviours and changing trends in collection access – not cost-cutting or service withdrawal.

4. Unsubstantiated Attacks on Board and Management

Recent public criticism of the Library’s Board and Executive team is unfounded. State Library Victoria is a demonstrably successful and adaptive institution. The Library is a great success story, and that has been achieved by being innovative and adaptive to community needs, whilst being faithful to its founding purposes.

• Since COVID, Library visitation and usage have surged. In 2025, visits are projected to reach 3 million.
• The Library was recently recognised internationally as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
• 79% of onsite visitors and 93% of online visitors agree that the Library actively promotes learning, knowledge and culture as primary service.
• Exhibitions, programs and events have reached record audiences, delivering exceptional cultural value across the state.
• The management team has successfully implemented the Library’s strategy, ensuring greater access, stronger collections and vibrant community participation. Boards and management should be evaluated on performance, outcomes and public value – not personal attacks, assumptions or mischaracterisations of professional experience.

Our Commitment to Victorians

Our founder Sir Redmond Barry imagined an ‘emporium of learning’, free and open to all. That vision continues to guide us. As demand for our services surges and the ways Victorians learn, connect and create rapidly evolve, we must adapt with purpose, responsibility and ambition.

Our Path Forward

Quote attributable to President of the Library Board of Victoria, Christine Christian AO: ‘The Library is evolving and changing – just as our community, our technology and our cultural context are evolving. Our responsibility is to prepare the organisation for the future so that it can continue to deliver on its founding purpose: to be a place for learning, discovery, creativity and connection, open to every Victorian.

‘The Reorganisation Proposal does exactly that. It strengthens our services, modernises our structure and positions the Library to meet the needs of the next generation.’