The APS Employee Census surveys all APS employees to track their perceptions about leadership, workplace conditions, culture and environment. The Census results assist with framing priorities and areas of focus for future Library workforce and workplace initiatives. 

The Library has a proactive approach to Employee Census results, sharing them with all staff and actively consulting through a staff Consultative Committee. The Committee includes nominated staff representatives, union delegate representatives and members of the NLA Executive, and is chaired by the Library’s Director-General, Dr Marie-Louise Ayres. 

The Library actively promotes participation in the Employee Census and in 2023, 71% of eligible staff participated in the Census.

Insights from the 2023 Census

For the first time, the Library’s contractors and labour hire staff were invited to participate in the survey.   Also for the first time, the Library’s results are now being compared to the other National Cultural Institutions (NCIs), whereas in previous years we were compared to ‘specialist’ agencies.   

When compared to the 2022 Census results, the Library's 2023 results for four of the six indexes have improved. 

Engagement Wellbeing Innovation Communication Leadership - SES Leadership - Supervisor
2022 74% 66% 65% 65% 69% 76%
2023 76% 67% 65% 68% 71% 75%

The following opinions were held by many respondents to the Library’s 2023 APS Employee Census: 

Things we are doing well
  • Fostering a workforce which is proud to work at the Library and go the extra mile 
  • Providing high-quality service to our clients and promoting our services 
  • Adapting to change 
Things we have improved on from last year 
  • The effectiveness of internal communication 
  • Consultation and change management 
  • An inclusive workplace culture 
  • Promoting health and wellbeing 
Areas we could improve 
  • Communication, including across the Library 
  • Fit-for-purpose resourcing, which includes technology, software and staffing (type, numbers, knowledge) 
  • Consistent application of flexible work arrangements 

Action Plan 

To respond to our Census results the Library has developed the 2023 Census Action Plan.  Through this plan the Library aims to: 

  • Have consistent and effective change management processes and communication channels that are used across the Library.
  • Promote and improve the health and wellbeing of the Library’s workforce and in doing so improve staff resilience and engagement. 
  • Improve the support and knowledge of available IT tools. 

Progress against the Action Plan will be monitored by the Library’s Executive and reported to our Consultative Committee. 

The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Cultural Notification

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.

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