How can you make your resume stand out and look impressive? Also look for resume builders. That way, you won't miss any important details. Also, these librarian resume templates can help you make your resume clearer, more creative, and more professional. Further increase your chances of being interviewed by enclosing a well-written cover letter.
Additional Information About the Librarian Resume Sample
While most libraries aren't what they used to be decades ago, librarians enjoy a fairly stable job with more than decent pay. Based on over 1,500 salary profiles in 2021, librarians enjoy a median pay of around $51,000. This amount can be as high as $72,000 or more depending on your location, skills, position, and the company you'll be working with.
To manage your expectations when it comes to librarian salaries, you should know that experience and years in the industry are very important. If you want to pursue a career in search of stability, being a librarian would be an excellent option. Payscale identifies these numbers as the average salary for librarians based on years of experience:
- Entry level (less than 1 year of experience): $44,000
Early career (1-4 years of experience): $47,000
Intermediate career (5-9 years of experience): $52,000
End of Degree (10-19 years of experience): $56,000
Experienced (20+ years of experience): $61,000
Librarian Resume Example
elizabeth holmes
senior librarian
elizabeth@holmes.com
+1 234 56 78 99
Professional resume
Diligent and detail-oriented librarian professional with 5+ years of related experience. Experience in managing and maintaining resources and performing daily library tasks. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and a strong motivation to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction. Highly organized and effective team leader with the goal of achieving efficiency in library functions.
Work experience
senior librarian
- J. Paul Leonard Library, San Francisco State University
2018-present
- Coordinated with university administrations on library circulation, policies and other published materials.
Trained junior librarians and student assistants.
I worked with the web development team to maintain the library's website.
Prepared and finalized the budget for the library in coordination with the Finance Department of the university.
Education
Master in Library Science
San Jose State University School of Information, San Jose, CA
2018 a 2020
Associate of Arts in Library Science
San Francisco City College, San Francisco, CA
2016 a 2018
Skills
- word processor
computer skills
billing management
automated library systems
Databases and library programming.
multitask management
lead development
GALILEO databases
CRM systems
Strong oral and written communication skills
How to write a librarian resume
As mentioned above, one of the best traits of a librarian is organization. Therefore, this quality should be evident in his resume. Using resume templates is great so you don't have a hard time creating your resume from scratch.
Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when creating your resume:
- Make your resume look professional by using a resume builder.
- Pay attention to detail when writing your resume. It must be flawless.
- Highlight your education, certifications, and skills so they are easily seen.
- Make sure your contact details are clear and up to date. This is the only way the hiring manager can contact you for an interview.
Designing a library resume
These days, resumes are no longer just black and white text on a sheet of bond paper. Candidates go to great lengths to make their resumes look as creative and professional as possible. Remember, the fact that you can create an outstanding resume is a skill in itself.
The ideal design for a librarian resume includes the simple features found on most resumes.
It is important to pay attention to details. From the font of your choice to the correct margins and spacing, all of this is important as you are expected to be an extremely organized person.
The structure of a librarian resume
Your CV structure should also be created in such a way that all your skills and experience are highlighted. When you want the hiring manager to see what she can offer, you should also pay attention to the structure of your resume.
You can follow the standard or regular resume structure, or you can also mix it up a bit to highlight your special skills. Some librarian candidates would highlight their education, others would want their experience to stand out.
Many more candidates, especially those who have recognized the importance of adding more skills than the average librarian, would like to have those skills, and some certifications even stand out.
take a look at ourresume templateshere to give you a better idea of what the best resume structure looks like.
Start with a Librarian Resume Header
The first and most important part of your resume is the header. As the name suggests, this is the part that typically includes your name, CV title, and your contact details.
It goes without saying that the header must be impeccable. You can't make a mistake on this part of your resume, as it's the first thing any hiring manager sees when looking at a stack of resumes.
Librarian Header Example
Here is an example of a good header.
CORRECT
elizabeth holmes
experienced librarian
+1-123-123-1234
elizabeth.holmes@contact.com
San Francisco, California
A good headline is simple and direct. You can be more creative with the title, but you can also keep it simple.
A bad headline, on the other hand, is one that lacks relevant details and is difficult to read. Here is an example.
INCORRECT
Elizabeth Holmes, librarian
1231231234
elizabeth.holmes@contact.com
Is a photo required on librarian resumes?
It is not recommended to include a photo on your resume.
Over 80% of US recruiters would not consider it appropriate to hire you if you include a photo. Strict anti-discrimination laws prevent employers from asking for a photo before hiring them. However, you should know that only 20% of companies can see a benefit from adding a photo to your resume. However, it is allowed and there are still 20% of employers who can still consider it. A photo shows a face behind the name and all the information you have added to your resume.
If you want to display your photo on your resume, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use a formal headshot.
- Make sure you bring something professional.
- A neutral background for your photo would be best.
- Use a recent, unedited, and unfiltered photo.
You might want the hiring manager to think you're a smart librarian but also know how to have fun, but save that for later when you're already hired. It's best to share selfies or photos at a party or on vacation with friends, not potential employers. Avatars and cartoons are also not recommended.
In fact, many people advise against using photos for resumes. Many say that it is not necessary. You are hired for your skills, education, and experience as a librarian, not for your appearance. In addition, images can be used to discriminate against candidates, whether deliberately or not.
Choosing Your Librarian Resume Title
Your resume title can also be as simple as the position or position you are applying for. Again, make this as simple and straightforward as possible. These are clever phrases, basically a headline.
While going out of your way to show off your creativity and intelligence when crafting a resume headline might be a good idea, you never know if it's something a hiring manager would appreciate or not. We recommend keeping it simple.
For example, you could simply write "Experienced Librarian," "____Certified Library Technician," or something similar.
Professional Resume for a Librarian Resume
Let us reiterate once again the importance of simple professionalism in your candidate's librarian resume. If you want to show off your wits and writing skills, this is the part you can and should customize. You can also choose to keep it simple. Here are some examples:
CORRECT
Diligent and detail-oriented librarian professional with 5+ years of related experience. Experience in managing and maintaining resources and performing daily library tasks. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and a strong motivation to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction. Highly organized and effective team leader with the goal of achieving efficiency in library functions.
CORRECT
Senior Librarian with solid experience assisting librarians and patrons. Familiar with day-to-day administrative and business tasks, including organizing library materials, completing paperwork, and handling currency. Team oriented, self-motivated and prioritizes building relationships with colleagues and clients.
When writing a professional resume, be sure to take into account the details included in the job description. This not only shows your ability to pay close attention to detail, but it also shows that you might be the perfect person for the job.
You may understandably feel some pressure when writing a professional resume. After all, this is also at the top of your resume and can make or break your chances of getting interviewed and ultimately hired. In addition to using librarian resume builders or resume templates, you can also view competitor examples or other librarian resumes.
If you don't have a lot of experience or skills yet, you can also choose to write a librarian resume objective instead of a professional resume.
Here is an example of a simple librarian resume objective.
Enthusiastic librarian seeking employment with the Academic Library System. Demonstrated organizational skills with great attention to detail.

Work experience in librarian resumes
While recent graduates and those with very little experience in the library industry still have openings available, it's undeniable that experience goes a long way to give you an edge over other applicants.
Therefore, it is important to include and highlight your professional experience on your resume as a librarian candidate.
Describe your professional experience on your librarian resume
We mentioned several times before that your professional experience plays an important role in your application as a librarian. So if you have a good track record or work history, make sure it's highlighted on your resume.
Ideally, your background should be as a librarian or any role you've held in a library. However, as librarians these days have a variety of tasks that involve more than just sorting and classifying books and shipping them in and out of the library, it may also include other work experience relevant to what the employer is looking for. .
For example, if you have experience in IT, project management, web content management, database management, and strategic planning, among others, you should definitely add them to your professional experience list.
When listing your work experience, be sure to describe each one as well. Include a job description, relevant skills and accomplishments, the name of the library, and the years you spent in the position.
Work Experience Examples for a Professional Librarian Resume
If you don't have much experience as a librarian yet, you can simply write down what you have done so far. The following example shows the experience of a student assistant in a library.
student library worker
- J. Paul Leonard Library, San Francisco State University
2018-2020
- Student assistant to the head librarian with tasks such as organizing paperwork, scheduling meetings, and coordinating with other librarians.
- Entry and exit of library books for students and university professors.
- I worked with other library assistants in the organization and classification of books.
- I took duty shifts online 24/7 on the library website.
- Assistance in monitoring the circulation of collections and articles for distribution to other libraries.
- Updated customer accounts and collected fines for overdue books and items, and made suggestions to reduce future fines.
- Librarian assistant answering telephone and face-to-face requests for information and materials available for subscription.
While it came from a former student who may now be applying for a librarian position at a public, school, or private library, it also shows that he or she has gained a lot of experience in such a short time. He or she was able to demonstrate this by describing in detail her experience while helping out in the library.
If you feel this section is missing, you can always volunteer at a public library to gain knowledge and experience. Many professional librarians started out that way. They just hung out in the libraries and volunteered when they could.
Now, if you have a lot of experience as a librarian, it would be best to include all of them on your resume. You can follow the reverse chronological order, with your most recent work experience listed first. Here is an example.
senior librarian
- J. Paul Leonard Library, San Francisco State University
2018-present
- Coordinated with university administrations on library circulation, policies and other published materials.
- Trained junior librarians and student assistants.
- I worked with the web development team to maintain the library's website.
- Prepared and finalized the budget for the library in coordination with the Finance Department of the university.
senior librarian
Library, City College of San Francisco
2012-2018
- Promoted to Junior Librarian and then Senior Librarian Assistant.
- Led the creation of the CCSF Virtual Campus Library.
- Trained junior librarians and student assistants.
- Prepared and finalized the budget for the library in coordination with the Finance Department of the Faculty.
- Management of charitable campaigns and book donation programs.
- I managed the acquisition and configuration of more than 100 library computers.

Education in the librarian's curriculum
Most, if not all, of the librarian resume examples you will come across always include an education section. Education is very important if you want to become a librarian. Some librarian jobs require a bachelor's degree; however, if you are looking to grow your career in the future, you may also want to consider pursuing a master's degree. If you have them, you should definitely include them on your resume.
Don't be discouraged if you don't have a degree yet. There are many librarians who started out with entry level librarianship while earning a college degree. Also, you can check in the job description if a degree was specifically mentioned as a requirement.
Should you start with education or work experience on a librarian resume?
When looking at sample librarian resumes, you'll see that the order of the sections can vary, specifically with the educational background and work experience sections.
Which should you put first? Once again, take a look at the job description. Get an idea of what the employer values more: education or experience. If you just can't say it, you can base your decision on what you think carries the most weight on your resume.
For example, if you have a lot of work experience and want to put it on your resume, put your experience before your education. However, if you still have little to no work experience, you can prioritize the education section over the experience section.
How to Correctly Include Your Education on a Librarian Resume
When listing your educational background, include all relevant details, such as the name of your course, the university you attended, and the years you studied there. Include significant achievements and awards if they are relevant to the position for which you are applying.
If you have multiple degrees, training, and certifications to add to your librarian resume, it's best to list them by importance or relevance to the job description. For example, a medical degree may sound impressive, but your Master of Education or even a certificate in the Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) Program carries more weight on a librarian's resume.
Example of the education section of a librarian resume
When listing your educational background, include all relevant details, especially those that are specifically stated as requirements in the job description. Here is an education section for a sample librarian resume.
Master in Library Science
San Jose State University School of Information, San Jose, CA
2018 a 2020
Associate of Arts in Library Science
San Francisco City College, San Francisco, CA
2016 a 2018
Keep in mind that your degree may or may not be related to library science. An academic librarian can also be successful in his career with almost any degree he has earned. For better opportunities to continue your career in library services, consider earning a master's degree or library-related certification.
If you have significant achievements and awards, you can include them in this section.
Skills to Put on a Librarian Resume
In addition to your education and experience, your skills are very important on your librarian resume. You can search for sample librarian resumes and the best ones always include a list of hard and soft skills that are great for a librarian.
Make your librarian resume stand out by listing some of your best skills. Make sure they are relevant to the position, tailored to the job opening, and likely to be useful when you become a librarian.
When it comes to hard skills, here are some of the best ones to put on your librarian resume:
- word processor
- computer skills
- billing management
- automated library systems
- Databases and library programming.
- multitask management
- lead development
- GALILEO databases
- CRM systems
- Strong oral and written communication skills
On the other hand, your soft skills are also important. Even an entry-level librarian's resume can be very impressive when it highlights the key skills that are important to have as a professional librarian. Here are some examples.
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational skills.
- Participating in Community Organizations
- great team player
- Efficient and Accurate
- Learns fast
- creative problem solving
- Customer satisfaction
- Establish relationships with library users
- Time management
Be careful which key skills you add to your resume. While the librarian's unique skills are important, try to include those that are likely to show up in applicant tracking systems. That way, your prospective employer will have an easier time finding your resume among a pool of many applicants.
Skills of a Junior Librarian
If you're looking for a library job and still have little to no experience, you might want to try starting a library career as a junior librarian. Here are some librarian skills you might consider adding to your resume.
- computer skills
- organizational skills
- interpersonal skills
- Professional Assistance
- Knowledge in Library Operations
Skills for a Qualified Senior Librarian
Some of the best examples of senior librarians include unique and special skills that can be gained from professional experience. Here are some examples.
- Reference Services Domain
- Master of Library Reference Materials
- Knowledge of several languages.
- Ability to prepare comprehensive reports.
- Ability to develop and implement library services and programs.
Write the Ideal Resume Hook for a Librarian
An ideal resume hook can help entice potential employers to view your resume and invite you in for an interview. It can be a short phrase that appears near or directly below your name.
Example of a slogan for a junior librarian
A junior employee tagline might look like this:
Retail Library Student with experience in library services.
Example of a tagline for a senior librarian
If you are a senior librarian, please include your most notable experience.
Successful senior librarian with more than 10 years of experience in physical and virtual libraries
Additional titles for your librarian resume
When you want to submit the perfect librarian resume, whether you're applying for a school librarian position or the other librarian jobs available, it's best to do your best to take advantage of all the available space on your resume.
That's why many library resume examples include additional headings, such as certifications, computer skills, interests, and even languages. Your personal details and other reference materials to demonstrate that you have these skills and experience are important, but these titles may entice hiring managers to review your resume.
Computer skills and certifications for a librarian
In addition to relevant librarian certifications and other library materials and resources you've mastered over time, your librarian resume may also include specific computer skills and certifications. You can use a resume builder so you don't have a hard time filling in all the information and keep your resume format organized.
Some computer skills and certifications that are great for a librarian include:
- e-book apps
- Event management and scheduling software
- Messaging programs for users
- Integrated Library Systems
- Web design and management
- literacy software
Interests in a Librarian Resume
Should you add your personal interests to your resume? Again, this is not required and many sample librarian resumes do not include this part. However, as mentioned above, as long as you follow the correct resume format, you still have more space available and want to create the perfect librarian resume that will spark interest in manager hiring, so go ahead and add your interest.
You need to make sure the interests included are relevant to the librarian's job description. For example, it may include reading books, being around children if you are applying for a school librarian position, creating websites, etc.
Again, only mention your interests when it fits your profile. You can skip this section and just mention a few of your interests in your librarian cover letter if you want your potential employer to know more about you.
languages for a librarian
If you speak or write more than one language, it's best to include those on your librarian resume as well.
You can use proficiency levels such as Beginning, Intermediate, Proficient, Fluent, or Native to label each language you speak and/or write. If you've completed language certification tests, such as TOEFL or IELTS for English or SIELE for Spanish, these are also ideal to include on your librarian resume.

Summary: Key Points for Writing the Perfect Librarian Resume
If you want to get hired for the best librarian jobs, you must first write an impressive librarian resume. Here are some key points to remember.
- Use a resume builder and review sample librarian resumes.
Write an impressive librarian resume summary or resume objective.
Check out sample librarian resumes as a basis for your own resume so you can get an idea of what looks good and what doesn't.
A sample librarian resume can also give you an idea of how to format or design your resume.
Highlight your education, work experiences, and technical and soft skills on your resume.
It is recommended not to include a photo on your resume, however it is allowed.
Additional titles for your resume could include computer skills and certifications, interests, and languages. Only include them when they fit your profile or librarian job description as advertised.
take a look at ourresume examplesGet an idea of what an ideal resume would look like.
Write a cover letter that matches your librarian resume
Just like you, many others are busy looking for jobs for assistant librarian, junior librarian, school librarian, reference librarian, or even senior librarian positions. If you want to get hired for the best librarian job, your resume should be better than the common librarian resume samples you'll find there. To stand out, you can use a resume builder. In addition, you must attach a powerful cover letter from the librarian.
In addition to using the perfect resume template to create your resume, you can also use the perfect cover letter template. These templates will guide you as you write your cover letter to your potential employer.
A cover letter summarizes your resume and this gives you an opportunity to introduce yourself to hiring managers. This is another great way to impress them so you can land an interview.
Frequently Asked Questions Librarian CV
How do you write a librarian resume?
You can reference a sample librarian resume or use a resume builder to create the perfect resume design and format. Just fill in details like your personal details, work experience, education, relevant library skills, and more.
What are the skills of a librarian?
Librarian skills include both soft skills and hard skills that you may or may not have acquired through professional experience. They can be specific software or programs. It may also include skills such as the ability to provide exceptional customer service to library patrons, computer skills, and more.
What skills should I include on my resume?
Include hard skills and soft skills on your librarian resume. You can check out a sample librarian resume to get an idea of the best skills to include.
What are your goals as a librarian?
The purpose of your librarian resume may be your desire to serve library patrons and develop a career in library services.