Libraries offer a source of hope for people who appreciate free spaces and access to information within their community. As a librarian, you play a crucial role in maintaining this unique environment. If this sounds like the work environment for you, it's important to craft a strong librarian CV to land that role.
Luckily for you, all you need is some imagination and a top-performing librarian CV can be yours. At Resume.io we provide CV guides and CV examples to millions of job seekers.
Our resources are specifically tailored with industry-specific expert tips for dozens of professions. Paired with our CV builder, you could find that you’ve typed your way onto the hiring manager’s shortlist in a matter of minutes. This CV guide, along with the corresponding CV sample, will cover the following topics:
- What does a librarian do?
- How to write a librarian CV (with a CV sample)
- The best format for a librarian CV
- Advice on each section of your CV (summary, work history, education, skills)
- Professional CV layout and design hints.
What does a librarian do?
As a librarian, books and their organisation are a huge part of who you are as a professional. Job requirements range from curating and cataloguing literature and documents to managing complex library systems. Depending on the type of library you work for, the scope of your job includes other specific or more generalised tasks, too.
For instance, you might be recommending or automating tasks on existing library systems. Alternatively, a librarian role could have a broader outlook. It could involve assessing the resources for your library's needs, or assisting with book clubs and programs.
Either way, as a librarian you will likely be wearing many hats. After all, before Google and Bing, librarians were the original search engines.
How to write a librarian CV
Systemising and recommending books is your forte. So, you know a thing or two about how magic can be created when you put words to paper. Creating a top CV for your librarian profile is not so different. Let’s start crafting your librarian CV by clarifying its structure. Your CV should contain the following elements:
- The CV header
- The CV summary (aka profile or personal statement)
- The employment history section
- The CV skills section
- The education section
Just like any other CV, the style and tone of a librarian CV should match that of the employer you are aiming to work for. Take time to carefully read the job ad and the most prominent materials that the library has made available about their work. This should give you a clue of the type of work culture.
Once you’ve understood how your target library describes itself you’ll have an overview of the prevailing language and ideas they like to use. You can now make an effective decision on how you’ll write your CV, from the register of your word choice, to the examples you draw upon. Whatever decisions you’ll face during the writing process, you will find yourself feeling better informed.
Make sure your CV doesn’t get lost
The ATS is an algorithm that filters out job applications by searching for specific keywords. To increase your chances of being noticed, make sure your CV includes these relevant keywords in a way that makes your CV feel like it still flows naturally and is well organised, just like a well-managed library.
Choosing the best CV format for a librarian
As a librarian, the reverse chronological format will work best for your CV. Nothing says “organised professional” like making your profile easy to skim through. The reverse chronological CV format prioritises your past professional experience and displays it in — you guessed it — reverse chronological order. After all, you’re no stranger to how a well-considered format lets you quickly find the information you're looking for.
CV summary example
As a librarian, you understand the importance of matching readers with the perfect book to suit their needs. Your CV summary should carry out the same function for your prospective employer. Use it to explain how your skills and experience make you the perfect fit for their library in one easy-to-read blurb of your professional profile.
Your summary should be engaging, concise, and to the point. Don't hesitate to inject your own personality and enthusiasm for the written word into your writing. However, also make sure to use industry-relevant keywords so that your application stands out to the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
Remember, hiring managers are busy and won't spend long looking at your CV. So, like a reader browsing a library shelf, use your summary to grab their attention and entice them to learn more about what you have to offer.
There can be a lot of pressure to write a creative summary, but don't worry. Check out the CV example content below for some ideas. You can also read our other CV samples to help get your imagination going.You can get started by reading our academic CV example, teacher CV example, or part-time job CV example.
Dedicated librarian with extensive experience in managing all facets of library operations, strategic planning, funding allocation, programme development and materials acquisition. Provide leadership and mentoring to teams on library and information science. Closely monitor publishing trends and manage acquisitions to curate well-rounded collections of fiction, non-fiction, children's and other areas.
Employment history sample
Your most recent job title should sit at the top of the employment history section. Make sure each position has its own subheading including job title, dates of employer, name of the organisation you worked at, and its location. Underneath each subheading, include bullet points detailing your most important responsibilities and accomplishments in that role.
Including only the most relevant information from each job position is vital to keeping the hiring manager’s attention. Remember to write your bullet points with the specific job you are applying to in mind. You can get some ideas from the CV sample content below.
Head Librarian, Liverpool Central Library
May 2020 - Present, Liverpool
- Oversee library operations, strategic planning and acquisitions for library serving a diverse community.
- Manage budget and controlled expenses to ensure allocation of funds in accordance with overall goals and community needs.
- Supervise librarians and support staff, provide training and ensure adherence to all policies and procedures.
- Interface with patrons to provide assistance in locating items and conducting research using web-based journal and book catalogues.
Librarian, Childwall Library
May 2018 - May 2020, Liverpool
- Assisted patrons in selecting books, journals, and other physical and digital media.
- Collaborated closely with head librarian on acquisitions planning for all sections.
- Managed special collections, including controlling and restricting access to protect valuable material.
CV skills example
While you may possess a library of skills, your CV is only one or two pages long. So, make sure you prioritise your most relevant skills for this particular librarian role. Think about the story you're telling. Your skills should respond to the points required by the job listing and mirror the language that was used, too.
- Library & Information Science
- Rare Books Collections
- Archive Management
- Materials Acquisition
- Digitisation
- Budget Administration
- Staff Management
Soft and hard skills
A great CV includes a mix of hard and soft skills, whether you’re a librarian or in any other profession. Hard skills are technical skills learned by studying or on the job.
Soft skills tend to relate to communication and/or how you problem-solve. They are harder to teach but vital for most roles.
Librarian CV education example
The education section of a librarian CV should list all relevant degrees or qualifications. Include the institution's name, location, the qualification title, and the dates attended. This section is an excellent opportunity to showcase your academic achievements and any relevant coursework, such as library science or information management.
Look at the CV sample content below to see these tips in action.
University of Liverpool, Master of Arts in Archives and Records Management
September 2016 - May 2018 Liverpool
University of Liverpool, Bachelor of Science in Information and Library Studies
September 2012 - May 2016 Liverpool
CV layout and design
You may not judge a book by its cover, but hiring managers will judge your CV by its design. Make sure that your CV layout and design are clean, professional, and visually organised. Visually communicate the professional image you want to present to the reader!
If visual design is not your forte, our CV templates can guide you in organising the information in your CV in a clear and concise manner. After all, isn’t that every librarian’s dream?
Key takeaways for a car sales CV
- Your librarian CV should match the tone and style — both linguistically and visually — of the library you’re applying to.
- Prioritise your most relevant skills to hook the hiring manager’s attention.
- Showcase any relevant academic or professional achievements early on in the summary.
- If in doubt, use a field-tested CV template to get the job done!
