Recognising the Gaps: A Study on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Representation in Australian Libraries

ABSTRACT

This article discusses the outcomes of the research project National Survey on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment in Australian Libraries, conducted from 2020 to 2021. The research provided a snapshot of the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people employed in Australian libraries and identifies the current employment types across various library settings. It describes trends in current employment roles, and identifies gaps to understand more about the experiences of Indigenous people working in libraries across Australia.

KEYWORDS:

• Indigenous employment in libraries
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Indigenous librarianship
• Indigenous cultural work
• Yarning research methods

Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters, cultures, and communities. Respect and acknowledgement are also given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to Elders past and present. Deep thanks and gratitude to the participants of the research including those who completed the online survey and others who participated in research interviews. The time, insights and knowledge that were shared are deeply respected. The author also acknowledges and thank the members of the Indigenous Expert Working Group that was formed to guide and support the research.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This project is supported by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) research grant. This study has been approved in line with the University of Technology Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee [UTS HREC] guidelines [UTS REC REF NO. ETH20-4964].

Notes on contributors

Kirsten Thorpe

Kirsten Thorpe is a Senior Researcher Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education & Research, Indigenous Archives and Data Stewardship Hub.