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If I want to work at a library, what are my best options so that I have a better chance at getting the job?

I really want to work at a library, but don't know how to be considered a top candidate for hiring. #librarian #library #bookstore

librarian library bookstore
Thank you comment icon Hi, Janice, My core advice is the standard: (1) have a clean, polished resume that is tailored to the job that you are applying for; (2) go to where you want to work and introduce yourself to the hiring manager; (3) send a "thank you" email to whoever interviewed you (even if you didn't get the job, email them to thank them for the interview); (4) don't apply for jobs through jobs sites (Monster.com, Indeed.com, etc.); (5)search for jobs using those sites, but apply directly through the company website. Hope this helps! Huston
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Jodi’s Answer

There are many types of libraries and you haven't specified which type you are interested in (i.e. public library, academic library (college/university), school library (elementary/high school), special libraries (including government, business/corporate, legal libraries), etc. You also haven't specified what position you are interested in at the library. I am going to assume you want to be a "librarian" in which case a Master of Library Science degree is needed. You can start here looking for schools where you can go to obtain your Masters:
http://www.ala.org/educationcareers/accreditedprograms/directory

Once you know what position you want, gear your education to that position and volunteer in the type of library you are most interested in. Volunteer experience or even junior experience always helps!

Good luck!
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C’s Answer

Hi Janice,


I was just curious on what experiences do you have? Your educational level? Are you currently in the Masters program??


It is actually better to start off while you are young, volunteering at a library. I started as a volunteer in high school for 3 years. At first it was to fulfill a high school graduation requirement but I really loved volunteering at the public library.


You need to understand what are the roles/job titles in the library (such as Librarians, Library Assistants, Library Aides/Clerks/Page, etc.) and also, where you are interested in working at: public libraries, school libraries, college libraries, museums, law libraries, etc.


Public Libraries usually hire people who graduated high school and the job position you could apply for is Library Aide, Library Page, or Library Clerk. After a few years of experience and a bachelors in any study, you could move up and apply for Library Assistant.


I had noticed a lot of people go into the Masters of Library Science Program, but don't have any volunteer experience. It is quite difficult to get your foot in the door to work in a public library. People I know that are currently working in the library as aides would tell me not to get a masters in the Library Science. The struggle is real. A lot of MLIS Program graduates are desperate enough to get their foot in the door by applying for a position as a library aide/page/clerk. Some even work there long enough for a librarian position to open up.


What would give one a fighting chance to get hired? It depends. I work in the Bay Area as a part-time Aide. Even with my experience, its difficult to get hired. What gave me a fighting chance was that I spoke a second language, I had volunteer experience, and a good cover letter that best represents me. I had a coworker, it took her 2 tries to get hired even though she spoke a second language (that is on demand), and have experience. Due to high level of applicants, libraries filter people out based on experience and their test score on the exam they give. After that, they will consider whom they would interview.


If you choose to stick with this long term and go into the Masters Program, I highly recommend that you do an internship at any library of your focus or choosing.
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Dhanesh’s Answer

You will need to know the Dewey decimal system. They will test you on that in the interview. Also there is library clerk where you check out books. You will need to know stuff like excel , word. They will test you on your knowledge.
Other jobs are library assistant and Librarian. You can get a bachelors degree and be a library assistant. To be a Librarian you have to have your masters degree.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Honestly one of the best ways to get started is to either intern or volunteer at a library. It both lets you know if that's what you want to do and it gives you experience when you go to seek a job.


If you want to be a librarian you will need to go to Library School and get a Master's Degree in Library Science. You need to make sure the school is ALA (American Library Association) accredited in order for your degree to be accepted. If you go to the ALA Website you can get a list of accredited schools.

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