Librarian Resume Example & Writing Guide

View a professional librarian resume example with proven bullet points, key skills, and expert tips. Copy what works and customize with your own experience.

Education
5% Growth
Avg. Salary: $60,000

Professional Summary Examples

Start your resume with a compelling summary. Here are proven examples you can adapt:

Detail-oriented librarian with 7+ years of experience managing collections of 50,000+ items and serving diverse communities of 10,000+ patrons. Increased digital resource usage by 45% through strategic platform migration and user training programs. Skilled in cataloging, reference services, and community programming.

MLIS-credentialed librarian passionate about information access and digital literacy. Led a library modernization initiative that grew patron engagement by 30% and expanded program attendance by 50%. Experienced in collection development, grant writing, and cross-departmental collaboration.

Public librarian with expertise in youth services and technology integration, serving a community of 25,000+ residents. Launched a STEM maker space attracting 200+ monthly visitors and developed a summer reading program with 500+ participants. Committed to equitable access to information resources.

Work Experience Bullet Points

Use these achievement-focused bullet points as inspiration. Replace the numbers with your own metrics.

  • Managed a collection of 55,000+ physical and digital items, processing 800+ new acquisitions monthly while maintaining 99% cataloging accuracy
  • Increased digital resource usage by 45% year-over-year through migration to a new ILS platform and targeted patron training workshops
  • Developed and facilitated 120+ community programs annually, attracting 5,000+ attendees including book clubs, tech workshops, and author events
  • Launched a STEM maker space equipped with 3D printers, coding kits, and robotics, attracting 200+ monthly visitors within the first 6 months
  • Supervised a team of 8 library staff and 15 volunteers, coordinating schedules across 3 branch locations serving 25,000+ residents
  • Secured $40,000 in state and federal grants for technology upgrades, expanding public computer access by 60%
  • Implemented an information literacy curriculum for 3 local schools, training 1,500+ students annually in research skills and source evaluation
  • Reduced overdue materials by 25% through implementation of automated reminder systems and fine-free borrowing policies
  • Coordinated a summer reading program with 500+ participants that increased youth library card registrations by 35%
  • Conducted 30+ reference consultations weekly, assisting patrons with academic research, job searching, and government services navigation

Key Skills for Librarian Resume

Include these skills on your resume to pass ATS screening and impress recruiters:

Collection DevelopmentCataloging & Classification (MARC, RDA)Reference & Research ServicesDigital Resource ManagementLibrary Management Systems (ILS)Information Literacy InstructionCommunity Outreach & ProgrammingDatabase ManagementArchival PreservationBudget Administration

Recommended Certifications

These certifications can strengthen your librarian resume:

Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
Certified Public Librarian
Library Media Specialist Certification
Digital Archives Specialist (DAS)
Project Management Professional (PMP)

Tips for Your Librarian Resume

  • Quantify your achievements: Use specific numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts to demonstrate impact.
  • Use industry keywords: Include terms from the job description to pass ATS screening.
  • Lead with action verbs: Start bullet points with strong verbs like developed, implemented, increased, reduced.
  • Keep it concise: Aim for one page unless you have 10+ years of relevant experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications should I highlight on a librarian resume?

Lead with your MLIS degree and any state certifications. Highlight technical skills like ILS platforms (Koha, SirsiDynix, Sierra), cataloging standards (MARC, RDA, Dublin Core), and database management. Include experience with collection development, programming, and digital resource management.

How do I make my librarian resume stand out?

Quantify your impact with metrics such as collection size managed, patron engagement numbers, program attendance, grant funding secured, and digital usage growth. Highlight technology initiatives, community partnerships, and any specialized expertise like archival work or youth services.

Should I include volunteer library experience on my resume?

Yes, especially if you are early in your career or transitioning into librarianship. Include volunteer roles that demonstrate relevant skills such as shelving/organization, program facilitation, reference assistance, or technology training. Frame accomplishments with specific metrics.

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