Librarian Cover Letter and Resume Examples

Librarians were arguably the first search engines, helping patrons find the information they needed quickly and suggesting further areas for study. Today’s librarians are also technical wizards, often responsible for creating web-based content, as well as staying on top of ever-changing information management trends.

When you prepare your application, it’s important to emphasize your more relevant skills, experience, and education.

Looking for a library job? This sample librarian cover letter and resume can help you highlight your qualifications and stand out from the competition.

What to Include in Your Resume and Cover Letter

Review the job advertisement. Take the time to match your qualifications to the job, so your credentials are as close a match as possible to what the employer is seeking in an ideal candidate.
List your qualifications. Your resume should include your previous work experience, education, skills, and any certifications you may have received. In both the "profile" and "skills" sections of your resume, highlight your computer and research skills, as they are both extremely valuable skills to have in this position.
Start with samples or templates. Use these samples as a guide to help you get started but be sure to customize your resume and cover letter for every job application.

Librarian Cover Letter Example

This is an example of a cover letter for a librarian position. Download the librarian cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Download the Word Template

Librarian Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Louisa Applicant
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
louisa.applicant@email.com

December 15, 2020

Sonja Lee
Director, Human Resources
Acme Academy
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Lee,

I read with great interest your posting for a chief librarian at Acme Academy as listed on privateschooljobs.com. I know that my years of experience as an academic librarian and my success developing forward-thinking library projects make me an ideal candidate for this position.

I have over 10 years of experience working as an academic librarian. In my years of experience, I have developed various techniques for best explaining and instilling research skills in students. I have even developed and taught a well-received research course for first-year college students, which would translate well into an upper-level high-school course.

You state in your listing that you want a chief librarian who can adapt the library to today’s technology-driven culture. I am very comfortable with implementing e-technology in a library setting. I even helped develop a streamlined library website at Smalltown Community College, which allowed students to more easily access the college’s online resources. I would love the opportunity to develop similar tools for Acme Academy’s library.

I am confident that my extensive experience makes me a strong candidate for chief librarian at Acme Academy. I have enclosed my resume and other required materials for your review. I look forward to speaking with you further about what I may offer your school. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Best,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Louisa Applicant

Librarian Resume Example

This is an example of a resume for a librarian position. Download the librarian resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).

Screenshot of a sample librarian resume — ©TheBalance 2018

Download the Word Template

Librarian Resume Example (Text Version)

Renee Applicant
123 Main Street
Oakwood Park, IL 12345
(123) 456-7890
renee.applicant@email.com

SCHOOL LIBRARIAN

Managing libraries, helping students with research, setting up compelling displays

Respected Librarian with 10+ years’ secondary and university experience, specializing in developing research tools and courses to strengthen students’ research ability, seeks position with university library.

Key skills include:

Developing Research Tools and Courses for Secondary Schools and Universities
Award-Winning Display Development
Translating Library Services and Policies into Tangible Resources for Students
Experience Training New Librarians

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

123 COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Oak Park, Ill.
REFERENCE LIBRARIAN (February 2016 – Present)
Initiated and helped develop new online catalog to promote efficient student and faculty research; develop instructional materials on research methods in various formats (web, multimedia, and print); write and publish library blog and maintain social media pages.

Notable accomplishments:

Developed and taught library research class for students across all majors.
Received award for “Best New Course” for 2018; named “Librarian of the Year” twice.

XYZ UNIVERSITY THEOLOGY LIBRARY, Chicago, Ill.
ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN (June 2011 – February 2016)
Consulted with colleagues and teachers to develop and construct monthly displays on academic topics.

Notable Accomplishments:

Developed and co-taught course on research methods for incoming freshmen students.
Spearheaded project to streamline magazine subscriptions, saving the library $2,000 annually.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

XYZ UNIVERSITY, Chicago, Ill.
Master of Library Science (GPA: 3.9; Selected “Graduate Student of the Year”), May 2011

XYZ UNIVERSITY, Chicago, Ill.
Bachelor of Arts in English (GPA: 3.8; Dean’s List Each Semester; Graduated Cum Laude) May 2010

Information Technology Skills

Computer Applications: Word, Excel, Google Docs • Web Publishing: HTML, Dreamweaver, WordPress

How to Email Your Resume and Cover Letter

Choose the right subject line. If you're sending your resume and cover letter via email, list your name and the job title in the subject line of the email message:

Subject: Librarian Position - Your Name.

Cut the contact information paragraphs. Instead, include your contact information in your email signature, and don't list the employer contact information. Start your email message with the salutation.
Proofread and test your message before you send. This will ensure that your formatting holds up, as well as giving you an additional chance to catch any typos or errors before the hiring manager reviews your email.