Category: Job Seekers

A common question asked by job seekers is: If I haven’t had the job before, how am I supposed to have the required experience? Many people interested in library work assume that they need previous library experience to apply to a library position. Although it’s true that some library jobs do require prior library experience, entry-level positions are often looking for skills you may already have or could develop through other relevant work.

Bookstores

A role in a bookstore can be a great stepping stone if you’re interested in library work. Bookstore experience often involves many of the same skills used in libraries, including:

• Reader’s advisory and book recommendations
• Shelving and organizing materials

• Interpersonal and communication skills

• Assisting people with transactions and locating items

Although the systems are different, working at the register of a bookstore shares similarities with operating a circulation desk in a library. Those are valuable experiences to highlight when applying for library positions.

Research

Experience gathering information and navigating resources can translate well to libraries, where staff often help patrons locate materials, use databases, and access information.

Research skills can be developed through experiences such as:

• Academic work
• Teaching
• Archives and museum work
• Journalism
• Genealogy projects

Event Planning or Outreach

Libraries regularly create displays and offer events, workshops, and activities for their communities. Experience planning events, leading activities, or connecting people with community resources can be a great way to build skills for this type of library work.

Think of opportunities you’ve had that may have involved:

• Camps and youth programs
• Arts or community events
• Volunteer coordination
• Nonprofit work
• Social media or marketing

The creativity and adaptability developed through these kinds of experiences can be especially valuable when working in a library.

Customer Service

Many library positions involve working closely with patrons every day. Whether it’s answering questions, explaining policies, solving problems, or assisting people with materials and services, customer service skills are constantly used in library environments.

These skills may include:

• Patience and professionalism
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation
• Working with diverse communities and needs
• Adapting communication styles

Experience in retail, food service, front desk work, education, tutoring, and other public-facing roles can help you develop the people skills to thrive in a library position.

Technology Support

Technology has become an important part of modern library services. In a library, you may find yourself assisting patrons with computers, printers, e-readers, email, digital resources, and other technology-related questions.

Experience working on a help desk, in a computer lab, or other technical customer service can develop your troubleshooting and problem-solving skills which will transfer well to library environments.

Taking the Next Step

The next time you sit down to edit your resume or apply to a library position, take a closer look at the experience you already have and how it connects to library work. Don’t sell yourself short. Make sure those strengths are reflected in your application. There is no single path into libraries, and you may be surprised to find that you already have the skills and experience to help open the door.

In this post, we are sharing strategies to enhance your job search and spotlighting the value of specialized library organizations to broaden your career exploration.

5 Key Tips for Finding a Library Job

Finding a job in the library field takes a mix of planning, persistence, and the right strategy. Here’s how to make your search more effective:

1. Target Your Job Search

Start with library-specific job boards:

• ALA JobLIST
• MBLC Job Board
• Specialized job boards for medical, law, or academic libraries

Also check broader platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and government job sites for special or university library roles.

2. Tailor Your Application Materials

Customize every resume and cover letter to:

• Match the job description’s keywords
• Highlight your most relevant skills (e.g., research, technology, public service)
• Emphasize transferable skills if you’re transitioning from another field

3. Network and Get Involved

• Join national or regional professional associations
• Attend webinars and virtual conferences
• Connect with library professionals via library-related social media groups
• Learn more about working in a Library by talking to professionals in the field and conducting informational interviews

4. Gain Experience

• Apply for part-time, temporary, or substitute library roles
• Volunteer at a local library, archive, or nonprofit
• Look for internships or practicums if you’re currently in school or making a career shift
• If you can’t find a library role, try to gain transferable experience working in a bookstore

Why Join a Specialized Library Organization?

Library organizations do more than advocate for the profession—they offer targeted resources for your specific area of interest. Whether you’re passionate about legal information, medical research, or youth services, there’s an association to support your goals. These organizations often feature:

• Job boards specific to their field
• Professional development opportunities
• Conferences and webinars for networking
• Industry-specific insights and publications

A few to explore:

• American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) – for legal information professionals
• Medical Library Association (MLA) – for those in health sciences librarianship
• Society of American Archivists (SAA) – for those interested in a career in archives

If you have not considered temporary work as a valuable option, you may be surprised at all the perks it has to offer. Whether you’re in between roles, looking to make a transition, or seeking a job that fits into your schedule, temporary work could be the answer!

Here are some of the advantages our BiblioTemps® candidates experience through temporary positions:

1. Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of temporary work is the flexibility, especially for retirees or college students. You can choose a temporary role that works for your schedule and timeline. Many temporary positions are project based and could align perfectly with the short-term needs of your life. 

2. Networking

According to Cornell University, 80% of jobs are filled through connections and not public job ads[i]. This statistic means that networking could play a significant role in your job search. A temporary position is a fantastic way to meet fellow library workers and expand your contact list. You could gain new professional references or even a future job lead.

3. Gain Hands-on Experience

If you have been finding it difficult to get your foot in the door in the library field, a temporary position could be a very helpful stepping-stone.  Even though the position is short-term, it will allow you to continue building your skills, gain more hands-on experience, and make you a more competitive candidate for future opportunities.

4. Test the Waters

If you’re new to the library field or are looking to make a transition, but are unsure of what direction to go, temporary work is a great option to try out different types of roles and see what you like. You can more easily pivot towards what feels right for you and make more informed decisions.

5. Extra Income

If you’re looking to supplement a part-time job, saving for a goal, or finishing your degree, temporary work can help boost your income without having to commit to a long-term position.

6. Expand Your Options

Through a temporary job, you may be exposed to a new environment or library service that you hadn’t previously considered. For example, you might have your heart set on public libraries, but you may find yourself in a temporary position in an academic library and discover that you love it. You may be surprised by the new insights and passions you can uncover through temporary work.

7. Build Your Confidence

Through trying a variety of roles and developing new skill sets, temporary work can be an amazing opportunity to build your confidence in the library field. Consider reading an interview with one of our BiblioTemps library workers to hear how their temporary placements helped them grow as a library professional and discover their strengths.

We hope you’re feeling inspired to try out temporary work and we encourage you to review the open temporary positions on our job board. If we don’t currently have any open positions that interest you, apply to our Candidate Pool to be considered for future opportunities!

[i] Verywell Mind. 9 Tips to Network Like a Pro and Build Your Inner Circle.

If you have a passion for libraries, you likely appreciate the impact a captivating story can have. When it comes to job interviews with libraries, have you considered weaving stories into the conversation? This is where the STAR Method can become your trusty friend. This structured storytelling method can help you present your experiences in a concise and memorable manner. By sharing narratives about your past experiences, challenges you’ve overcome, or projects you’ve completed, you can paint a vivid picture of your capabilities and leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.

What is the STAR Method?

STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. When you’re asked behavioral questions in a job interview, the STAR Method can be used to outline your response.

Examples of a behavioral question could be:

• “Tell me about a time when…”
• “Give me an example of…”
• “Describe a situation where…”

How to Use the Star Method

1. Situation: Begin by setting the scene. Describe the situation or event you were in. This gives the interviewer context and background information for your story. This should be 1 – 2 sentences.
2. Task: Describe the task you were faced with. What was your role in the situation? What challenges were you dealing with? This should be 1 – 2 sentences.
3. Action: Explain the action you took to address the task. What did you do? How did you do it? This is an opportunity to highlight your abilities and problem-solving skills. This should be 3 – 4 sentences.
4. Result: Explain the result of your actions. What was the outcome? This last step can demonstrate not only your achievements, but also your ability to reflect and learn from your experiences. This should be 2 – 3 sentences.

Example

Question:

Tell me about a time when you had to balance multiple tasks in a busy library.

Answer:

Situation: There was a time when I was working at the circulation desk by myself at a university library and it became particularly busy. A few students were waiting to check out, one student approached saying they couldn’t find a textbook on course reserve, and the phone started ringing.

Task: It was my responsibility to manage these competing tasks efficiently, while also staying calm and welcoming to the patrons.

Action: I first answered the phone and calmly asked the caller if they could hold for a few minutes, and they agreed. I told the student looking for the textbook that I could help them shortly and then began checking out books for the students in line, moving quickly but still politely. Once the line was clear, I found the missing textbook that had been misfiled on a nearby cart and gave it to the student. I was then able to return to the caller to help with their question and I thanked them for their patience.

Result: By maintaining my calm, I was able to stay organized and assist everyone efficiently. Each person left with what they needed and one of the students thanked me for being so helpful and composed when they could tell it was such a busy time. The situation made me more confident in my ability to work under pressure and provide a positive experience for patrons.

Why use the STAR Method?

Have you ever started sharing what you intended to be a brief story, only for it to turn into a lengthy narrative? This is precisely what you want to avoid during a job interview. You also want to avoid giving answers that are vague and lack sufficient detail. By utilizing the STAR Method to outline your stories, you can make them easier for interviewers to follow while providing enough depth to illustrate your experience.

Practice

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and nervous in a job interview, so the best way to make sure you leave a great impression is to practice your answers ahead of time. Research common behavioral questions and prepare your response using the STAR Method. We recommend writing your answer out on a piece of paper and editing as needed. Once you’re happy with the answer you’ve formed, say it out loud. Whether it’s to yourself or with someone in your life, practice speaking your answers. The more comfortable you become with your responses, the more confident you will be in the interview.

We hope you find the STAR Method helpful for organizing your thoughts and standing out as you seek your next library position!

From the BiblioTemps® Library Careers LibGuide

Your resume plays a vital role in the job search process. To support your success, we’ve compiled some practical tips for job seekers in the library field.

1. Keep the Style Simple

When it comes to resume design, less is more. An overly stylized resume with multiple fonts, bright colors, or decorative graphics may seem creative, but it can actually be difficult to read—and may distract from your qualifications.

Instead, opt for a clean and professional look:

• Stick to one easy-to-read font.
• Use a consistent layout.
• Avoid excessive formatting or colors.

The goal is to help hiring managers quickly understand your background and achievements without distraction.

2. Avoid Photos

Including a photo might feel like a friendly personal touch, but it can come with downsides. A picture takes up valuable space that could be used for content and may inadvertently introduce bias into the review process. It can also distract from what really matters—your skills, experience, and accomplishments.

We recommend leaving the photo off and letting your qualifications speak for themselves.

3. Less Is More

Your resume doesn’t need to tell your entire life story, it just needs to showcase your most relevant experience in a clear, concise way. In general, aim for one to two pages in length. Use bullet points rather than paragraphs to make information scannable.

For current students or recent graduates:

• It’s okay to include coursework but choose only a few classes that are directly relevant to the role.
• Prioritize internships, projects, and part-time work that demonstrate transferable skills.

4. Try Resume Templates

Not sure where to start? Consider using a template to guide your formatting. One excellent, free option is the Harvard College Bullet Point Resume Template. It walks you through how to structure your resume with step-by-step instructions, making it easier to present your information professionally.

Need More Help?

These tips are just the beginning. Visit our Library Careers LibGuide to explore resume-building tools, a video panel with real-world hiring advice, and more resources to support your job search.

Our Library Careers LibGuide, is a growing collection of resources designed to support current and aspiring library workers at every stage of their career. Whether you’re just entering the field, looking to advance, or exploring new opportunities, this guide offers practical tools, timely advice, and insight into the library field.

Now Available: Resumes & Cover Letters Page, Interview Strategies & Preparation, and Job Searching.

Our first page: Resumes and Cover Letters—because crafting a compelling application is the first step toward landing your next great role.

Here’s what you’ll find on the page:

• Resume-Building Tools to help you format, organize, and tailor your documents effectively.
• Tips for Using Generative AI responsibly and efficiently to enhance your materials.
• Our 2021 Resume Panel Video, featuring experienced library professionals sharing insider perspectives on what employers really look for.
• Best Practices for writing cover letters that stand out and highlight your qualifications with confidence.

Whether you’re polishing an old resume or creating one from scratch, these resources can help ensure your application materials reflect your skills, experience, and potential in the best possible light.

Our LibGuide includes a dedicated page on Interviewing. This section contains:

• Mock Interview Questions tailored to a variety of library roles.
• Tips for Virtual and In-Person Interviews, including how to communicate your strengths clearly and authentically.

Also available on our LibGuide are resources to assist in the job search, including an extensive list of Library related job boards, professional associations, and search tips.

Why We Created This Guide

We are passionate about supporting library workers—not just in job placement, but in long-term professional development. The Library Careers LibGuide is part of our commitment to empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in a rapidly changing field.

We invite you to explore the guide, use what’s helpful, and check back often as we continue to expand the content.

Whether you’re actively job searching, planning your next move, or simply curious about career pathways in libraries, we hope this LibGuide will be a valuable companion on your journey.