Librarian Resume Example & Writing Guide
- What should your librarian resume include?
- Why use this librarian resume example?
- Which key skills are relevant to a librarian’s resume?
Librarians are an important part of just about every community because they are a valuable source of information. If this is the perfect job for you, this resume example and writing guide is here to help! In this guide, we will show you exactly what you should include in your resume as well as how to organize it so you have the best chance of landing your dream job as a librarian.
What should your librarian resume include?
Much of a librarian’s job revolves around discovering books and conducting research to assist a library's patrons. On your resume, you should include skills that show your expertise in a wide range of topics, the latest releases, and research tactics. You should also show that you have a passion for literature and a desire to foster a sense of community. Above all, librarians need to have an enthusiasm for reading.
Why use this librarian resume example?
At the top of this resume example, you will find a location to put your career summary. You can use this section to highlight some of the projects you’ve taken on as a librarian in the past. It’s designed in an easy-to-read bullet point format, which makes it easy to draw attention to your skills and qualifications that are most relevant to the role. The final bullet is a great place to list all the technology you are proficient in. Remember to review the specific job advertisement and include any skills they mention in the ad.
Next, you should list your education and credentials. Many librarians spend several years in school and many hold multiple degrees. You can list your degrees and certifications here, so you can show that you have the education needed to be an effective librarian. Be sure to list your degrees as well as the school you obtained them from and their location. If you graduated recently, you can include the year as well.
Finally, you will have a section that is devoted to your professional experience. List positions you’ve held over the last 10-15 years and use them to show you have the transferable skills needed to be a great librarian. Use a brief paragraph to describe your ongoing job duties. Then, to highlight specific achievements or projects, use bullet points to call attention to them. Did you create a new program for young readers or launch a series of cultural events? Be sure to include those wins!
Which key skills are relevant to a librarian’s resume?
As a librarian, you will need to have skills related to research and library management, but those aren’t the only skills you should consider adding to your resume. Here are some of the other skills you should incorporate into your resume when you are applying to become a librarian.
Grant writing and research
Fundraising planning
Proposals and analysis
Library operation coordination
Collection management
Summary example
Highly dedicated librarian with deep commitment to ensuring alignment of library collections, programs, and services with community needs.
Employment history example
Librarian at Halifax Public Libraries, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada 2020 - Present
Provide information and reader advisory services, deliver outstanding patron assistance, and contribute to collection management. Help patrons with book selection, respond to diverse inquiries, and instruct patrons in use of library catalogue / electronic resources. Perform circulation operations, including check-in, check-out, hold processing, shelving / retrieval, and library material maintenance. Organize special collection displays. Coordinate facility preparation for special programs, meetings, and events.
Received fast-track promotion from Library Assistant to Librarian within first year of employment.
Leveraged the Readalike list to introduce readers to new authors.
Utilized all library print / electronic resources, including academic library's Novanet catalogue.
Served as English Language Learning (ELL) Tutor for adult learners and volunteered for community programs, developing lessons to enhance community engagement.
Sales Associate at Old Navy Canada, Inc., Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada 2014 - 2020
Maintained sales floor and provided outstanding customer-acing service to generate sales and satisfaction. Performed all operations across shipping / receiving, replenishment, sales floor maintenance, cash balancing, and product merchandising.
Education example
Master of Library Information Studies at Bay State College, Boston, MA
Master of Administrative Management at Zhengzhou University, School of Public Administration, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
Bachelor of Information Management & Information Systems at Wuhan University of Science & Technology, School of Management, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Skills example
Supporting diverse library function
Fundraising
Activity and special event coordination
Public relations
Community organizations
Communicator with multicultural expertise
Bilingual in English and Mandarin Chinese
Providing translation / interpretation services
Windows, Mac OS, HTML, and Microsoft Office Suite
