Despite the intention of pursuing a career in journalism or teaching, he was encouraged to consider the new field of library science.

Over the next 13 years, Bryan would work steadily to increase the size of the collection, improve funding, and hire new staff.

[2][7] After taking a Qualifying Certificate in Librarianship from the Library Association of Australia in 1951, he then went on to study his M.A in history.

[7] Bryan would give librarianship a higher profile at the University of Sydney over the next 17 years under his leadership.

The Library had been suffering from some decline due to reduced government funding of the book collection and staff cutbacks.

Bryan's appointment would resolve some of the morale issues, as he worked to rebuild the reputation of the collection and its strengths.

Bryan wrote over 300 items of professional literature in library science and history, the most extensive list of any Australian librarian.

This Board set the syllabus and examination papers for those seeking registration as librarians by the Library Association of Australia.

For eight years, Bryan would chair this Board and oversee it as it evaluated courses and qualifications offered by the growing number of schools of librarianship in Australia.

[2] Through contacts forged in Great Britain during a study tour in 1957, his reputation led to his involvement with UNESCO and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs.

He helped to influence a fund through the Department of Foreign Affairs to provide training for senior librarians from Africa, Asia and the Pacific region, in particular, Indonesia.