As a librarian, you may struggle to convey the breadth of your digital literacy skills on a resume, a vital keyword for your profession. Our guide provides tailored strategies to effectively highlight your competencies, ensuring that your resume accurately reflects your expertise in digital information management.
- Find different librarian resume examples to serve as inspiration to your professional presentation.
- How to use the summary or objective to highlight your career achievements.
- How to create the experience section to tell your story.
- Must have certificates and what to include in the education section of your resume.
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The importance of format and layout in your librarian resume
Consider you're an HR professional at company X, evaluating two librarian candidate resumes. John Smith presents a simple, traditional, and easy-to-read resume. Edward Price, however, uses a non-conventional, often illegible format. Whose resume would you spend more time on to understand their experience? This scenario underscores the importance of your librarian resume’s design. It should be simply formatted and clearly communicate why you are the ideal candidate for the role.Achieve this balance by:
- Listing your experience, beginning with the most recent and relevant, in reverse chronological order;
- Ensuring your header contains essential information, such as contact details, a headline, and a portfolio link. Include a professional photo in the librarian resume header if you have one;
- Including only the most important and relevant resume sections to showcase your expertise and stand out from other candidates;
- Editing your librarian resume to be no longer than two pages if you have extensive relevant experience. Use your limited resume space judiciously.
Also, remember that your librarian resume might initially be scanned by an Applicant Tracker System (ATS).
When it comes to ATS:
- Opt for simple and legible fonts like Raleway, Rubik, Lato, etc., making your experience easy for the ATS to scan;
- Use serif and sans-serif fonts, both of which are ATS-friendly;
- Avoid overused options like Arial and Times New Roman, which, while suitable, may lack personality.
Contrary to a common myth, our recent study shows that the ATS can effectively process both one-column and two-column resumes. Learn more about this in the ATS myths guide.
Finally, when submitting your librarian resume, always export it as a PDF to ensure all information remains intact, making the document easier to print, read, and scan.
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Highlight any significant extracurricular activities that demonstrate valuable skills or leadership.
Essential sections that should make up your librarian resume include:
- The header - with your contact details (e.g. email and telephone number), link to your portfolio, and headline
- The summary (or objective) - to spotlight the peaks of your professional career, so far
- The experience section - with up to six bullets per role to detail specific outcomes
- The skills list - to provide a healthy mix between your personal and professional talents
- The education and certification - showing your most relevant degrees and certificates to the librarian role
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Understanding of library cataloging systems and database management.
- Knowledge of library resources and materials acquisition.
- Proficiency in information literacy instruction and research assistance.
- Customer service experience and community engagement initiatives.
- Experience with digital library technologies and electronic resource management.
Experts' advice on writing your librarian resume experience
While the excitement and motivation for writing your librarian resume was present in the first hour (or so), you now find yourself staring at the blank page.
The resume experience section is the one that allows you to make a memorable impression by matching job requirement with your past jobs and accomplishments.
To help you write this resume section, here are four mistakes you need to avoid:
- Listing every job you have had so far, including the irrelevant ones. Before that, consider each of your past roles based on relevancy to the role. It may be the case that the job you had 15 years ago may have taught you invaluable skills that are appropriate for the role;
- Including irrelevant work experience items. Those are past jobs that aren't linked with the role you're applying for (or so they seem). Consider how your past jobs will serve your professional presentation: will they be filling in a gap in your work history, or just taking up space?
- Focusing on responsibilities instead of accomplishments. Your librarian resume shouldn't just be telling recruiters what you did in the past - as it's most often the case that candidates have had similar responsibilities. But, rather, the experience section should showcase the success you've attained in each past role, thanks to your unique skill set;
- Consider listing just your professional experience. Any role you've had in the past - e.g. volunteering, internships, etc. - can make it into your librarian resume experience section. Make sure to include it alongside numbers and results.
Two more things you need to remember about your resume experience section.
The first are keywords. Or those specific job requirements that are crucial for the role . Ensure you've integrated them across your experience section to get sorted closer to the ideal candidate profile by the Applicant Tracker System (ATS).
The second are action verbs. Each of your experience bullets should start with a strong action verb, followed by your specific skill and your on the job achievements. Follow this formula to hint to recruiters what your unique value as a professional is.
Still with us? In the next section, we will show you how industry-leading professionals have avoided the four most common mistakes, while integrating keywords and action verbs in their experience section.
- Initiated and completed the digitization of over 20,000 print materials, enhancing the accessibility for remote learners and increasing resource usage by 40%.
- Led a cross-departmental team in developing an innovative online literacy program that reached 10,000+ students during the pandemic period, achieving 95% satisfaction rate.
- Managed a budget of $500,000 for digital resources, carefully maximizing the ROI by negotiating cost-effective licensing deals with publishers.
- Supervised the update and maintenance of the library's computer systems, serving over 5,000 daily users and resulting in a 30% decrease in technical issues reported.
- Developed and implemented a training program for library staff in using the newly introduced library management software, improving operational efficiency by 25%.
- Collaborated with 3rd-party vendors to integrate an e-book lending platform, resulting in a 50% increase in e-book circulation within one year.
- Curated a diverse collection of over 5,000 young adult titles, reflecting current trends and driving a 35% increase in teen patronage.
- Organized and led weekly reading groups for at-risk youths, which contributed to a community partnership with local schools and a notable improvement in participants' literacy levels.
- Spearheaded the 'Summer Reading Challenge' for 3 consecutive years, registering over 800 participants annually and contributing to a marked improvement in community engagement.
- Conducted in-depth research consultations that assisted over 1,500 university students and faculty per semester, supporting academic success and research breakthroughs.
- Pioneered a digital literacy outreach program that taught essential skills to over 3,000 community members, thereby reducing the local digital divide significantly.
- Facilitated the expansion of the library's community meeting spaces which bolstered event hosting by 50%, thereby becoming a central hub for local gatherings and seminars.
- Created expert subject guides that supported curriculum needs across 15 academic departments, leading to a 20% increase in library resource utilization by students and faculty alike.
- Implemented a faculty partnership program which resulted in the development of 200+ customized library instruction sessions annually, directly supporting course objectives and student learning outcomes.
- Conducted an analytical study of reference service interactions, leading to a restructured service model that improved user satisfaction by 15%.
- Coordinated the acquisition process for all new library materials, managing an annual budget of $300,000 and reducing costs by 10% through effective negotiation and selection.
- Implemented a new inventory tracking system for acquisitions which led to a 20% reduction in processing time for newly acquired resources.
- Cultivated relationships with over 50 publishers and vendors to maintain a robust and current library collection that adequately meets patron demands.
- Formulated a strategic collection development plan that focused on service priorities, resulting in the curation of an inclusive collection praised by community leaders.
- Evaluated and renegotiated journal subscription packages, achieving annual savings of $50,000 while still offering access to high-demand content.
- Managed and coordinated special projects to retire outdated material while preserving valuable historical content, which significantly streamlined the collection and enhanced user experience.
- Led the initiative to incorporate augmented reality (AR) experiences into the library, increasing interactive learning opportunities and drawing in a younger demographic of users.
- Collaborated with the IT department to deploy RFID self-checkout systems across the library, resulting in a 35% reduction in wait times at checkout counters.
- Developed and facilitated workshops on the use of 3D printing and open-source hardware, empowering patrons to engage in innovative projects and expanding the library's role as a maker space.
Quantifying impact on your resume
- Include the number of items managed within the library's collection to demonstrate your organizational skills.
- State the percentage of increase in library membership after implementing new programs to show recruitment success.
- Highlight any budget you've managed, underscoring your financial accountability.
- Mention the number of research assistance or instruction sessions held to reflect your teaching experience.
- Quantify the amount of digital resources added to the library's system to indicate adaptability to technological changes.
- Report on the percentage improvement in patron satisfaction scores to show customer service efforts.
- Detail the number of volunteers or staff you've supervised to establish leadership capabilities.
- Document the growth in social media followers or website traffic due to your online outreach initiatives.
Action verbs for your librarian resume
Experience section for candidates with zero-to-none experience
While you may have less professional experience in the field, that doesn't mean you should leave this section of your resume empty or blank.
Consider these four strategies on how to substitute the lack of experience with:
- Volunteer roles - as part of the community, you've probably gained valuable people (and sometimes even technological capabilities) that could answer the job requirements
- Research projects - while in your university days, you may have been part of some cutting-edge project to benefit the field. Curate this within your experience section as a substitute for real-world experience
- Internships - while you may consider that that summer internship in New York was solely mandatory to your degree, make sure to include it as part of your experience, if it's relevant to the role
- Irrelevant previous jobs - instead of detailing the technologies you've learned, think about the transferable skills you've gained.
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Mention specific courses or projects that are pertinent to the job you're applying for.
Defining your unique librarian skill set with hard skills and soft skills
In any job advertisement, a blend of specific technologies and interpersonal communication skills is typically sought after. Hard skills represent your technical expertise and indicate your job performance capacity. Soft skills, on the other hand, demonstrate how well you would integrate within the company culture.
Incorporating a balanced mix of both skill types in your librarian resume is crucial. Here's how you can do it:
- In your resume summary or objective, incorporate up to three hard and/or soft skills. Make sure to quantify these skills with relevant or impressive achievements; less
- The skills section should list your technical know-how.
- The strengths section is an ideal place to quantify your competencies by focusing on the achievements facilitated by these skills.
Top skills for your librarian resume:
Information Organization
Cataloging and Classification
Database Management
Reference Services
Digital Archiving
Collection Development
Research Methodologies
Library Management Systems
Information Retrieval
Bibliographic Instruction
Communication
Customer Service
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving
Adaptability
Interpersonal Skills
Time Management
Critical Thinking
Teamwork
Continuous Learning
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If you happen to have plenty of certificates, select the ones that are most applicable and sought-after across the industry. Organize them by relevance to the role you're applying for.
The librarian resume sections you may underestimate: certifications and education
Your education and certifications provide insight into both your technical capabilities and personal attributes, such as perseverance. When crafting your librarian resume, consider how you present these elements:
- For your higher education degrees, prioritize listing those most relevant to the job or indicative of your academic dedication;
- Include applicable coursework as a stand-in for relevant experience or if it might impress recruiters;
- Include incomplete higher education only if it's pertinent to meeting job requirements;
- If your degree is from a renowned university, mention how often you made the Dean's list to underline academic excellence.
Regarding certifications, it's not necessary to list all of them. Instead, match up to three of your most recent or significant certificates with the technical skills required in the job description.
Below, we've selected some of the top industry certifications that could be vital additions to your librarian resume.
The top 5 certifications for your librarian resume:
- Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA) - American Library Association-Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA)
- Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) - American Library Association-Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA)
- Specialist Certificate: School Librarians (CSL) - American Association of School Librarians (AASL)
- Professional Certificate in Cataloguing and Classification - Library Juice Academy
- Certificate of Advanced Study in Library Science (CAS) - Various academic institutions with ALA-accredited programs
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Always remember that your librarian certifications can be quantified across different resume sections, like your experience, summary, or objective. For example, you could include concise details within the expertise bullets of how the specific certificate has improved your on-the-job performance.
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The librarian resume summary or objective: integrating keywords, achievements, and more
Deciding whether to include a resume summary or an objective in your librarian resume is crucial. Both serve as key introductory elements at the top of your resume, encapsulating your profile in up to five sentences and incorporating relevant keywords from the job advert.
Here are the key differences between the two:
- The resume summary focuses on aligning your achievements and experience with the job requirements. It provides recruiters with a snapshot of your expertise, helping you stand out as an ideal candidate for the role.
- The resume objective, on the other hand, centers on your career goals and aspirations, detailing how the role aligns with your career progression. It's particularly suitable for candidates with less professional experience or those new to the job market.
Below are examples demonstrating best practices in utilizing the resume summary and/or objective to make a strong first impression with your librarian resume.
Resume summaries for a librarian job
- Seasoned Librarian with over 10 years of experience in academic libraries, holding an MLIS from a top-ranked program and specializing in digital archiving. Adept at leading digitization projects, having successfully transitioned a historical photograph collection online, resulting in a 30% increase in library engagement.
- Dynamic Former Bookstore Manager transitioning to Librarianship with profound respect for literary preservation and community engagement. With 8 years of experience in customer service and inventory management brings a unique perspective on user-experience optimization, seeking to enrich patrons' learning environments.
- Experienced Research Librarian with 12 years of dedicated service in public libraries. Expertise in reference desk management and user education, having spearheaded a library literacy program that boosted user visits by 40%. Possesses a strong command of database management and a track record of impeccable cataloging accuracy.
- Accomplished Human Resources Professional aiming to leverage extensive experience in employee training and development into a new career path as a Librarian. Eager to apply organizational skills and knowledge transformation techniques to curate and disseminate information resources in a community-focused library setting.
- Eager to launch a career in Library Science, armed with a recent MLIS degree and a passion for preserving and organizing knowledge. Aspiring to combine fresh skillset with technological proficiency to modernize library services and contribute to a diverse and information-rich patron experience.
- Motivated individual with a deep appreciation for literature and information access, seeking to apply a background in education and strong digital literacy skills in a librarian role. Aiming to cultivate a collaborative environment that empowers users to harness resources and foster lifelong learning habits.
Extra librarian resume sections and elements
Creating a winning librarian resume isn't about following a rigid formula. The key is to tailor it to the job requirements while maintaining your unique personality.
Consider including these additional resume sections to enhance your profile:
- Awards - Highlight industry-specific awards as well as any personal accolades to demonstrate recognition of your expertise and achievements;
- Hobbies and interests - Share your interests outside of work. This can provide insights into your personality and indicate whether you'd be a good cultural fit for the organization;
- Projects - Detail significant projects you've been involved in, focusing on your contributions and the outcomes;
- Publications - If you've authored or co-authored academic papers or other publications, include them to establish your credibility and in-depth knowledge of the field.
These sections can give a more comprehensive view of your capabilities and character, complementing the standard resume content.
Key takeaways
- The layout of your resume should take into consideration your professional background while integrating vital sections and design elements;
- Highlight your most pertinent achievements for the role all through different sections;
- Be very specific when selecting your certifications, hard skills, and soft skills to showcase the best of your talents;
- Include within the top one-third of your librarian resume a header and summary to help recruiters understand your experience and allocate your contact details. A skills box is optional, but it will help you align your expertise with the role;
- Detail the full extent of your professional experience with specific bullets that focus on tasks, actions, and outcomes.
Librarian resume examples
Explore additional librarian resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Role
Library Director
The role of a Library Director often comes from a foundation of librarianship. Therefore, advancements in library sciences and management practices directly influence this job.
When applying for Library Director positions, invest in your understanding of library management schemes. Key principles include collection development, public program coordination, and stakeholder engagement. Highlight any experience or training you’ve had in these areas. Don't forget to express your familiarity with technologies used for tracking books, users, and library usage. Show the techniques you've used to promote community participation in library activities.
Don't just list your skills. Show how they’ve influenced library operations; e.g., increased community involvement after..., reduced overdue books with... etc. Follow the 'skill-action-results' pattern.
Library Manager
The position of Library Manager is usually extrapolated from a strong background in library services. As such, evolving practices in this field shape the role significantly.
When seeking Library Manager jobs, hone in on your knowledge of library operations such as circulation, acquisition, cataloging, and reference services. Similarly, your ability to manage a team effectively is crucial. Feature any relevant management training and team-building exercises you've participated in. Emphasize your adeptness with library management software and technologies.
Avoid just list your abilities. Instead, evidence how your skills have impacted library processes; eg.,
