Title

Art libraries and archives: Nicholas Sparks appointed Manager, Research Library and Archive, National Gallery of Australia.

Author

Australian Prints

Publication date

February 2026

Type

News

Country of context

Australia

Abstract

Nicholas Sparks has been appointed Manager, Research Library and Archive, National Gallery of Australia.
He notes:
I'm a cultural heritage professional with over two decades of experience working across government and non-government sectors, particularly in universities, libraries, and cultural institutions.
I hold a PhD from the University of Cambridge and M.LIS from the University of Canberra, with degrees recognised by professional peak bodies for Australian Libraries (ALIA), Archives (ASA) and Records and Information Management (RIMPA).
I am a Cultural Gifts Program (CGP) - Approved Valuer, and an Associate Member of the Australian Valuers and Auctioneers Association (AVAA).
I am strongly committed to working with Aboriginal peoples and communities to care for, steward, and respectfully share Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) collections in responsible, culturally safe ways.
[Linkedin]
As the Manager, Research Library & Archives at the National Gallery, I lead a small team of information professionals in the management, care, and provision of access to the Gallery's collections, of library, collected archives, and special collections materials, and make them available to the Gallery community and beyond.
My brief is to:
• Lead the Research Library & Archives consistent with the strategic and operational objectives of the National Gallery inclusive of workforce planning, operations, budget and staff management.
• Advise and direct on professional and technical requirements for the general research library, special collections and archives activities to Research Library & Archives staff, Gallery staff, sector peers and external researchers.
• Develop, refine and manage Research Library & Archives strategies, policies and procedures to build a leading special collections and archives collection with clearly defined priorities balanced with available resources and preservation requirements.
• Work collaboratively with staff across the Gallery to integrate the collection and activities of the Research Library & Archives, within the artistic program and other Gallery activities.
• Manage the contract and system administration of all library management systems including the web-based public online catalogue.
• Manage Research Library & Archives activities related to preservation, digitisation, collection development and rationalisation, and public research enquiries and access.
[Linkedin

Web address

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-nicholas-a-sparks/

Last Updated

07 Aug 2026