Library Cover Letter Examples & Templates

Library jobs require a variety of hard skills and soft skills depending on the specific role and facility. Here are a few examples of common skills for library jobs:

• Information literacy: Library professionals must be adept at locating, evaluating and effectively using information from various sources. 
• Customer service: Providing excellent customer service is a core aspect of library work. It is essential to be approachable, helpful and responsive to patrons’ inquiries.
• Organization: Libraries house vast collections of materials that require careful organization and management to maintain order in the collection. 
• Technology proficiency: Library professionals must be proficient in using library management systems, online databases, digital resources and other technology tools.

These skills are fundamental to success in library jobs, enabling library professionals to effectively fulfill their roles as information professionals and community advocates.

While specific certifications may not be required for many library jobs, having certain credentials can enhance your qualifications and competitiveness in the field. 

Here are some common certifications and credentials that may be beneficial for library professionals:

• Master of Library Science (MLS)
• Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
• State Librarian Certification 
• Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) Certification
• American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Certification
• Digital Archives Specialist (DAS)
• Certified Information Professional (CIP)

It’s important to research the specific requirements and preferences of the library job you’re interested in, as well as any relevant state or regional regulations. 

We recommend browsing our library of cover letter examples to learn how to mention relevant certifications in your cover letter. 

Your library cover letter format should follow the professional business letter format. Remember to include the following in your cover letter:

• Header: At the top of the cover letter, include your name and contact details. Below your contact information, include the date and the recipient’s contact details.
• Salutation: Address the recipient by name whenever possible. If you don’t have a specific name, use a generic salutation such as “Dear Hiring Manager.”
• Introduction: Provide a brief overview of your background and qualifications, highlighting why you’re a good fit for the role.
• Body paragraphs: Use one or two paragraphs to highlight your relevant experience. Showcase your knowledge of the library’s services, collections and resources. 
• Closing: Reiterate your interest in the position and your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the library’s mission and values. 
• Signature: If submitting a physical cover letter, leave space for your handwritten signature above your typed name. For electronic submissions, include a typed version.

We recommend using one of our professional cover letter templates to simplify the process of formatting your library cover letter. 

When describing working in a library on a cover letter, clearly articulate how your previous experience, whether in libraries or related fields, has equipped you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the position you’re applying for. 

Libraries are service-oriented environments, so highlight your customer service skills and your ability to work effectively with patrons of all ages and backgrounds. Provide examples of how you’ve gone above and beyond to meet the needs of library users.

Showcase your proficiency in assisting patrons with research, information retrieval and technology use. Discuss any experience you have with library catalog systems, databases and digital resources. See what to include in a cover letter for additional guidance and examples to help craft a compelling letter.  

Even if you don’t have direct library experience, you likely have transferable skills that are relevant to the job such as communication skills, organizational abilities, attention to detail and proficiency with technology. Provide specific examples of how you’ve used these skills in previous roles or academic projects.

If you’ve taken courses related to library science, information science or any other relevant subjects, highlight them in your cover letter. Discuss how these courses have prepared you for the responsibilities of the position and how you plan to apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting.

Express your willingness to learn and grow in the role. Mention any steps you’ve taken to familiarize yourself with library practices, such as attending workshops, joining professional organizations or conducting informational interviews with librarians.