New chapter for State Library Victoria

State Library Victoria has appointed internationally recognised library leader Vicki McDonald AM FALIA as its new chief executive officer following an extensive global search.

Ms McDonald will begin in the role on September 8, taking over from Acting CEO Alistair Mytton.

She joins State Library Victoria after a decade as State Librarian and CEO of the State Library of Queensland, where she oversaw a period of strong strategic direction, expanded public reach and innovative, patron-focused service delivery.

Library Board of Victoria president Helen Silver AO said Ms McDonald brought deep technical expertise and significant experience leading complex cultural and public institutions.

“Vicki McDonald is an internationally recognised library leader who brings both deep technical expertise and extensive experience leading complex organisations to her appointment as CEO of State Library Victoria,” Ms Silver said.

Ms Silver said the Library Board looked forward to working with Ms McDonald, staff and volunteers to continue the institution’s mission of enriching the lives of Victorians and visitors, providing access to knowledge, supporting research and conserving its world-leading collections.

Ms McDonald said she was thrilled to be joining State Library Victoria, describing it as an iconic cultural institution with a powerful legacy of impact across Victoria and beyond.

“I look forward to working with Helen Silver AO, the Library Board and all Library staff and volunteers,” she said.

Her appointment brings to Melbourne one of Australia’s most senior library figures.

Before leading the State Library of Queensland, Ms McDonald held senior executive roles at the State Library of New South Wales, where she was responsible for internationally significant collections valued at more than $2 billion.

She has also served as president of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions from 2023 to 2025, during which time she helped rebuild member confidence through a focus on governance and repositioning the association.

She was also president of the Australian Library and Information Association from 2017 to 2018 and was awarded an ALIA Fellowship in 2019 in recognition of her high standard of proficiency in library and information science.

In 2020, Ms McDonald was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to librarianship and professional associations.

State Library Victoria is one of Melbourne’s most important civic and cultural institutions. Founded in 1854, it is one of the oldest public libraries in Australia and among the first free public libraries in the world.

The library preserves and shares stories of Victoria and the world, while providing free access to knowledge, collections, exhibitions, learning programs and public spaces.

Ms McDonald’s appointment comes as libraries continue to evolve beyond their traditional role as repositories of books and records, increasingly serving as civic spaces for learning, debate, research, digital access, cultural programming and community connection.