How To Write a Librarian Resume
As a librarian, your resume is essential in presenting your experiences and skills in library operations, purchasing materials, and more to hiring managers. It should demonstrate your passion for knowledge and a commitment to serving the community while speaking to the needs of the organization you’re applying to.
This guide offers real librarian resume examples and expert insights to help you create your best resume. You’ll learn how to structure your document effectively, feature your strengths as a librarian, and present a polished and professional image to potential employers.
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
1. Summarize your librarian qualifications in a dynamic profile
Your resume profile is a snapshot of who you are and what you offer as a professional. Keep this paragraph concise, using two to three sentences to highlight your value as a librarian. Use keywords to establish your familiarity with library operations and align your profile with the specific needs of employers. Mention your years of experience to add credibility and showcase your depth of knowledge.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an entry-level candidate, calling attention to your work history establishes your foundation in the field. Discuss your commitment to supporting intellectual discovery, fostering a love for reading, and promoting equitable access to information. Remember, your profile should leave a lasting impression and entice hiring managers to read further.
Senior-Level Profile Example:
Seasoned school librarian with over 10 years of experience selecting and managing varied collections, including digital resource databases. Dedicated to teaching and promoting a culture of reading and literature appreciation among students. Extensive knowledge of disability adaptations, with a proven record of ensuring equal access for students with barriers to learning.
Entry-Level Profile Example:
Enthusiastic school librarian with a talent for planning and delivering literature education activities. Skilled at training and orienting new library staff while creating a dynamic, purposeful learning atmosphere. Offer specialized knowledge of IT and digital resource systems management.
2. Create a powerful list of your librarian experience
Start writing your professional experience section by identifying the specific responsibilities and accomplishments that set you apart during your tenure as a librarian. When describing your experiences, focus on the outcomes of your work and quantify results using numbers. For example, you can share the number of patrons served, the percentage increase in program participation, or the improvement in circulation numbers.
This strategy shows your skills in action and communicates the value you bring to your work. Use action verbs to add a dynamic and engaging element to your bullet points. These words make your resume more engaging and emphasize your proactive role and ability to drive initiatives. Start each bullet point with an action verb to make it easy for readers to scan your resume and capture your accomplishments.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example:
School Librarian, Augusta School Department, Augusta, ME | September 2014 – present
- Select, purchase, and catalog diverse materials, including literature, reference books, publications, and digital resources
- Provide student orientation services and offer guidance on using databases to locate resources
- Plan and run events and activities that foster a love of books and reading skills, including author talks, reading circles, and remedial comprehension classes
- Manage department budget
- Oversee staff training and performance management
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example:
School Librarian, Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District, Houston, TX | September 2019 – present
- Collaborate with library departments at partner schools to ensure a comprehensive resource collection and arrange inter-school material loans
- Manage library budget and select high-quality, appropriate, and varied print and digital resources
- Maintain organized cataloging and circulation systems and keep accurate inventory records
- Supervise students’ library use and provide assistance and reading advice as necessary
- Promote reading and literature through extra-curricular activities, including book groups, incentive schemes, and study skills sessions
3. Include librarian-related education and certifications
Including relevant academic information on your resume is vital. This information establishes your qualifications, specializations, and foundation of knowledge in library and information science. Starting with your highest level of education, provide the degree name, institution, location, and completion date.
In addition to formal education, certifications play a significant role in demonstrating your specialized skills and professional development. Include any pertinent credentials you’ve obtained, such as the Certified Public Librarian (CPL) or certifications in archives management, digital preservation, or library technology. Create a separate certifications section and list the certificate name, issuing organization, and date earned.
Education
Template
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
Example
- Master of Science in Library and Information Science
- The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. | June 2010
Certifications
Template
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example
- School Librarian Standard Certificate | 2019
4. Make a list of your librarian-related skills and proficiencies
Highlight your competencies and demonstrate your ability to perform the essential duties of a librarian with a key skills section. Librarianship requires a diverse set of skills that extend beyond traditional book management. Identify the core competencies directly relevant to the field and any specialized skills, such as knowledge of specific library software or expertise in emerging technologies and digital resources. Also, don’t overlook the importance of soft skills. Librarians often interact with diverse patrons and work within teams, making these interpersonal skills invaluable. Explore our list of examples below:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Acquisitions | Analytical thinking |
| Cataloging | Circulation procedures |
| Classification criteria | Collection management |
| Communication | Compliance |
| Data entry | Digital |
| Fee payment processing | Interlibrary loans |
| Interpersonal skills | Labeling |
| Library management systems | Preservation |
| Research | Strategic planning |
| Teaching | Teamwork |
| Technology | |
How To Pick the Best Librarian Resume Template
The best resume template for a librarian is clean and organized, highlighting your most relevant career accomplishments and key skills. A professional and simple design is essential. Opt for a template that avoids overly decorative or flashy designs that may distract from the content. Prioritize readability by selecting a template with legible fonts and sufficient spacing. Remember, the template serves as a foundation, but your customization and attention to detail will make your resume stand out.
Librarian Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Fallon Easton
(678) 901-2345 | [email protected] | 432 Main Road, Tallahassee, FL 65432
Profile
Knowledgeable Academic Librarian with 6+ years’ experience managing resources in a thriving university library. Confident leader with a strong record motivating talent and providing meaningful training opportunities. Work closely with colleagues to ensure a comprehensive resource selection for students.
Professional Experience
Librarian, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL | September 2014 – Present
- Collaborate with academic staff to select and purchase a broad range of materials to complement the course curricula
- Adapt library resources and environment to meet the needs of a diverse student body and ensure equal access. Recently developed a research suite for students with visual impairments
- Conduct promotional activities and events to encourage students to take advantage of library resources, increased footfall by 21% in 2020
- Source, purchase, and catalog print and digital materials
- Oversee the departmental budget
- Manage and deploy the library team and conduct performance reviews, target setting, and professional development programs
Library Page, Tallahassee Community College, Tallahassee, FL | September 2012 – September 2014
- Organized and shelved books and other printed resources and performed regular inspections of the shelving units
- Assisted with student orientation and provide advice and support with resource location
- Processed book loans and returns and administered fines in line with college policies
Education
Master of Science in Library Science
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL | June 2014
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL | June 2012
Frequently Asked Questions: Librarian Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for librarian resumes?-
Action verbs allow you to paint a vivid picture of your contributions and abilities. They help you convey the specific actions you took and the results you achieved in your previous roles. Consider using some of the following verbs in your librarian resume:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Analyze | Assist |
| Catalog | Circulate |
| Classify | Communicate |
| Develop | Evaluate |
| Label | Loan |
| Manage | Organize |
| Plan | Preserve |
| Process | Research |
| Sort | Streamline |
| Teach | Update |
How do you align your resume with a librarian job description?-
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for librarians and library media specialists are projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031. Between job growth and the need to replace workers who retire or change industries, there’s expected to be an average of 14,900 job openings each year over the decade. To stand out as a top candidate, you must align your resume with the organization you’re applying to.
If you have a specific librarian job opening in mind, it’s especially important to customize your resume. To do this, review the job description and requirements to identify the key skills, qualifications, and experiences the employer seeks. For instance, if an organization seeks a librarian with experience managing and developing research collections, mention subject matter and categories specifically. Providing tangible examples from your work history that match the organization’s needs will always be more impactful than simply listing a keyword or skill without context.
What is the best librarian resume format?-
The best resume format for librarians is generally the reverse chronological format. This resume type emphasizes the candidate's work history and career progression, which is important for showcasing the extent of their experience and expertise. A functional resume format is generally ill-advised, as this approach doesn’t enable you to provide concrete, detailed bullet points for your work experience. This is true even at the entry level, as your academic projects or non-related jobs still offer an opportunity to showcase transferable skills and knowledge.
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