Librarian Resume Examples & Templates
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Librarians acquire, organize, manage, and distribute library resources, assisting people in finding media materials for entertainment and educational purposes. This role involves keeping track of resources, managing public programs, interfacing with other libraries and educational institutions, and supervising library staff.
Use our resume examples and tips to build a distinguished resume for your librarian career:
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Librarian example (text version)
Name: NATALIE DENNIS
Address: City, State, Zip Code
Phone: 000-000-0000
E-Mail: email@email.com
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Hardworking Librarian with comprehensive background in acquisition
and collections management. Highly organized and articulate.
Experience in corporate law, science and governmental library
management.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
- Background in program development and donor relations within a
multi-location library system. - Adept at coordinating catalog, organizing materials and maintaining
equipment for school use. - Experienced in locating sources, removing old materials and
cataloging books and collection items with accuracy and efficiency.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Research
Company Name, City, State
- Completed electronic research using databases such as Westlaw,
LexisNexis and Bloomberg. - Researched, planned and set up 12 informative library exhibits per
week.
Data Operations
Company Name, City, State
- Tested programs and databases to identify issues and make
necessary modifications. - Modified existing databases to meet unique needs and goals
determined during initial evaluation and planning process.
Management
Company Name, City, State
- Oversaw total library program, including media, catalog and
instructional areas. - Organized library catalog, supplies, equipment and records.
- Drove expansion of library collections and programs in response to
student and faculty needs and special requests.
SKILLS
- Cataloging Reference Books
- Assisting Faculty Research
- Answering Research Questions
- Reading groups
- Guiding students
- Advanced knowledge of
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Literary knowledge
- Problem-solving skills
WORK HISTORY
Danville Library.
Librarian | 04/2019 – Current
Plymouth Public Library.
Librarian Assistant | 06/2016 -06/2018
EDUCATION
Master of Arts:
Library Science,City, State
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Librarian Resume FAQ
1.What skills should you highlight in a librarian resume?
- Communication skills
- Recruitment and selection
- Listening skills
- Team management
- Knowledge of library resources and related cataloging programs
- Meeting user needs
- Presentation skills
- Research skills
- Data analysis
- Familiarity with library instruction and reference tools
- Database searching
- Analytical ability
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently
- Multitasking
- Assisting in the selection of appropriate material
2. What format should I use for my resume?
If you have substantial work experience as a librarian or in a related field, use the popular chronological resume format, which organizes your resume around an extensive work history section. If you’re new to the profession or lack experience, highlight job-specific skills, training and education using the functional resume format, which breaks out your skills and qualifications into categories. A combination resume format is a good choice if you have a few years of library work under your belt, and can feature valuable skills and work experiences.
For more information about formatting your resume, visit our resume format page.
3. How do I use my resume as an elevator pitch?
Just as an elevator pitch is a quick introduction to your abilities, so is your resume’s summary section. Use your summary as your pitch, describing your top experiences and abilities. For example: “Dedicated Librarian with 9 years’ experience supervising staff and supporting library operations for community of 30,000 residents. Well-versed in providing in-person and virtual reference assistance and library instruction to individuals and groups.” Within these few sentences, you’ve given your potential employer a good snapshot of what you’re capable of, and what you’ve already done.
4. Which employers are currently hiring librarians?
- Public libraries
- Research institutes
- Universities and their academic departments
- Higher and further education colleges
- Professional and learned societies
- Specialist departments within the government, hospitals, and large professional firms
To find job listings for this position, and take advantage of tips to help you get the job you want, visit our job search resource center.
5. How should I handle my work history section if this is my first job?
Use a functional format for your resume, and instead of worrying about professional experience, feature volunteer jobs, internships and other activities that show you’ve put in some time to hone skills that will be useful in library work (e.g., a summer job at a library, or an internship at an administrative position).
Do’s and Don’ts for Your Resume
- DO make sure your resume isn’t too long. As a librarian, you know the value of efficiency, so keep your resume efficient — no longer than two-pages long. Use punchy phrases and bullet points instead of verbose sentences, and focus on skills, accomplishments, and work duties that are targeted specifically to the role you want.
- DO quantify your accomplishments. There’s strength in numbers — make your work achievements really sing by quantifying them with numbers and metrics. For example, writing “Trained and led staff of 7 library associates” gives employers a better idea of your abilities than simply writing “Trained and led library associates.” Other examples: “Oversaw library collection of over 2,000 preserved newspapers,” or “Classified and catalogued 5,000 print and media materials.”
- DO focus on intangible skills. Though library work requires professional knowledge and skills, your soft skills will determine how well you interact with others, and approach your work. Highlight soft skills such as time management, being a team player, excellent written and verbal communication, and organizational abilities. Our Top Resume Skills page features more soft skill suggestions.
- DON’T forget to review your resume. Just as you wouldn’t dream of misplacing a book on a shelf, make sure there’s no misplaced spelling or grammar in your resume. Proofread it a few times before you send it in, and use the opportunity to make sure your facts and information about yourself are accurate. For extra security, use our resume builder, which reviews your document for you.
- DON’T get too fancy with your layout. You may be tempted to show off your personality or creativity via your resume design, but flamboyant fonts and graphics can confuse hiring managers, as well as the applicant tracking systems (ATS) they use to review resumes. Instead of going crazy with your layout, use an employer-ready resume template for your resume, and focus on getting your content right.
- DON’T use the same resume for different jobs. Each library position will feature different requirements, so tailor your resume to fit the job. Read through the job description, pick out the job’s prime requirements and skills, and adjust your resume to match. For example, if the job calls for providing computer literacy training, list your skills with computer training in your skills, or feature a job experience such as “Managed computer literacy training sessions.” For more tips on customizing your resume, see How to Create a Targeted Resume.
Top 4 Characteristics of a Best-in-Class Librarian Resume
Summary
Present a blend of top skills and work experiences in your summary statement section, keeping your summary short and persuasive. For example: “Dedicated Librarian with excellent knowledge of cataloging and fundraising activities. Committed to promoting literacy through reading program support.”
Skills
Divide the skills in this section into two categories: professional skills (such as classifying and cataloging materials, exhibition management and knowledge of filing systems) and soft skills (such as excellent communication abilities, customer service, attention to detail, and analytical thinking).
Work History
In this section, focus only on responsibilities and accomplishments that match up with the job you’re applying to. For example, if the job centers on youth reading, you could write: “Selected and ordered age-appropriate materials for children’s department in library serving 50,000 residents.”
Education
Feature your highest academic qualification, such as your master’s degree in library science (MLS), along with any specialized training or certificates in associated fields, such as a Certificate in Library Science, or a Certificate in Library and Information Science.
Cover letter examples for the next step in your library career
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Librarian Resume Example
Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with extensive experience in digital media. She is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.
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