To write a winning librarian cover letter, you need to craft an engaging document that conveys your passion for both library science and community outreach. Tell your unique story as a librarian by featuring your most notable achievements and experiences. This guide provides expert tips and examples to help you build an eye-catching cover letter and land your next interview.
Librarian Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
How To Write a Librarian Cover Letter
A great librarian cover letter has five main elements:
1. Heading. Use a professional template to enhance the style and presentation of your cover letter. Be sure your heading includes:
- Your name, title, and contact info
- The current date
- The addressee’s details
2. Salutation. Greet the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.”
3. Introduction. Create a compelling introductory paragraph to set the tone for your cover letter and convey your interest in the position. Highlight your years of experience as a librarian and the types of collections you’ve managed. Emphasize your passion for library science and making a positive impact on communities, students, and academics. Be sure to feature one of your most defining achievements to draw the reader in and entice them to read further.
Example
I’m reaching out regarding the library position with Portland University. As an assistant librarian at Reed College, I provided collection development support for a university library with over 2,000 patrons. Also, I coordinated closely with the librarian to acquire new journals, books, and academic texts. I believe my strong background in library science and collection management would be a valuable asset to your team.
4. Body paragraphs. Include up to two body paragraphs detailing your strongest qualifications and career accomplishments. Start by mentioning something about the library’s mission statement or reputation and why this draws you to apply for the opportunity. Focus on highlighting aspects of your experience as a librarian that match the organization’s needs. Consider including a list of bullet points to break up the text on the page.
Example
Temple University’s mission to drive diversity and inclusion within academia and the community strongly resonates with me as an academic professional. I believe I can support the continuation of this mission based on the following accomplishments throughout my career:
- Managed a $2 million annual library budget, liaised with donors, and performed grant writing to secure over $700,000 in funding for community initiatives and collection development efforts
- Led an initiative to provide academic resources, counseling, and tutoring to high school students at local schools within the inner city to prepare for college applications
- Partnered with minority-led academic councils to diversify collections and provide support for underrepresented voices in literature, film, and academia
5. Closing section. Think of your conclusion as a call to action. Ask the hiring manager to contact you so you can learn more about the position. Be sure to thank them for their time and consideration.
Example
I would like to schedule an interview to provide more insights into how my expertise in community outreach can aid the San Diego Public Library. You can contact me with any questions you may have at your earliest convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sarah Taylor
Librarian Cover Letter Tips
1. Emphasize your passion for library science
Librarians have a highly specialized profession that is unique both inside and outside of academia. To make a lasting impression on the hiring manager, it’s important to emphasize your passion for library science and making a positive impact. Tell your unique story as a librarian and how you’ve helped to educate and support communities.
2. Feature collection development and management skills
Developing and managing collections is an essential aspect of any librarian role. As you craft your cover letter, be sure to emphasize the types and sizes of the catalogs you managed using tangible examples from your professional experience. For example, you might mention that you supported efforts to diversify collections and procure works from underrepresented voices.
3. Highlight your technical acumen
The role of the librarian has evolved over time. Although physical books are still managed, librarians also need to have the necessary technical skills to oversee digital collections. Before submitting your cover letter, be sure to carefully review the job description and incorporate specific software and technologies that the library is looking for.
Librarian Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
Sarah Taylor
Librarian | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 Address St., San Diego, CA 12345
January 1, 2024
Jose Marquez
Hiring Manager
San Diego Public Library
(987) 654-3210
[email protected]
Dear Mr. Marquez,
With five years of experience as a librarian, I’ve developed an expertise in collection management. During my time with the Santa Cruz Public Library, I managed library operations for a public institution with over 800 patrons. I led various projects and initiatives to bring resources to the local community, which I believe makes me an ideal candidate for the librarian position at the San Diego Public Library.
Your organization’s mission to provide English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring for the local population strongly resonates with me as a professional librarian. I believe I can help to further these goals and foster positive community relationships based on my professional achievements:
- Integrated new technology for the library, negotiated vendor contracts, and acquired new PCs, laptops, tablets, and whiteboards valued at $250,000
- Developed partnerships with local businesses and academic institutions to drive community outreach for the development of an ESL tutoring program for adults and children
- Managed a collection of 1,000 texts, books, magazines, and films and led collection development efforts to grow the library
I would like to schedule an interview to provide more insights into how my expertise in community outreach can aid the San Diego Public Library. You can contact me with any questions you may have at your earliest convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sarah Taylor
Librarian Cover Letter FAQs
Why should I include a librarian cover letter?-
Although not every job posting will require a cover letter, taking the time to write one can help bolster your chances of landing the interview. This displays your genuine interest in the position and allows you to highlight the nuances of who you are as a professional that you wouldn’t normally include on a resume.
How do I make my librarian cover letter stand out?-
To make your cover letter stand out, customize it for each individual job you apply for. The most important aspect of this is showing the hiring manager how your values and experience align with the library’s culture and mission. For example, if an organization is focused on community outreach, make this aspect a focal point of your cover letter.
Are cover letters becoming obsolete?-
Many believe cover letters are a thing of the past. While cover letters aren’t always required, taking the time to write one demonstrates your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the role you’re applying for. This can sometimes make all the difference in generating interviews during the job search.
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