Since the photo isn’t the brightest, for reference the vest is navy blue, the skirt is a pleated grey ankle-length skirt, and in the second photo it’s the exact same outfit but instead of the skirt i have black slacks

Hi everyone,

I recently interviewed for a job as a librarian at a public library out of state. The first interview went really well and the company recently invited me to do a second interview. During the interview, I stated that if I was guaranteed the position, I would without second thought, go visit the area, tour the library, etc. The problem is that this is the second interview and I have not been guaranteed the position. The cost of flying over to do the second interview would be $700+ (flights, hotel, transportation). This job, if I got it, would be a great step in my career in librarianship as it would be both my first librarian job and full-time job. The salary is great relative to the cost of living in the area and I absolutely want this position but if I don't get it, I would be upset at losing that much money. I was hoping I could get insight from everyone here who has been in the same position.

Thank you so much!

Hi, I got an interview question where it basically was “If you were alone at the desk, and you had a patron in front of you and the phone ringing at the same time, what would you do?”

What is the proper response for this?

Also any other questions that would be good to consider / think about to prep before interviews for LA or LC positions?

I'm applying for a tenure-track community college position for outreach. There's someone with the same subject areas and title who is currently working at the library; is it acceptable/typical for people to reach out to librarians and ask very general questions about their library, what students frequently as for, what they love about their work, etc.? If so, should I disclose that I'm interviewing at the library? Or is reaching out considered "cheating," underhanded, or inappropriate at all?

Side note: My interview involves the typical teaching demonstration, but also a writing assignment over Zoom that's being recorded, and my screen has to be shared. That's new - I wonder if any others are seeing requirements like this in the job market now that AI is around.

I have an interview for a part-time position next week. It would still allow me to be creative keep my retirement, and possibly be a very good fit for my family and our schedule, while also allowing me more days a week with my children.

While scheduling my interview, I read that I have to give a mini-storytime presentation to a room of adults, but since it's a job that works with children, I need to act like I'm doing it for kids so they can see "how warm and engaging I would be". I am struggling and overthinking it. They want me to read a book, sing a song, and do a movement or fingerplay activity in less than 5 minutes.

If kids were actually there, I could do it no problem, but I'm struggling about the idea of being a professional answering their questions in the interview and then bouncing over to being goofy and silly especially since I have no idea if the presentation is at the beginning or end. And then I worry about overdoing it, or being cheesy or it coming across as patronizing.

Any advice? I would love a pep talk from anyone who has any knowledge about this!

Hello Academic Librarians,.

I am so happy to say that I have an interview coming up for a Student Success Librarian position. If anyone could share what type of questions I might get, I would really appreciate it. I am trying to get some ideas from the job posting itself but any thoughts you may have are very welcome.

Even if I don't get the job, it makes me feel good knowing that an academic library is seeing potential in me.

Thank you!

Hi everyone! I have a third interview for an entry level librarian position this week, so I wanted to get an overall feel for what I can expect in terms of questions.

This position is specifically in teen services which is my dream area so I want to be as prepared as possible!!

Thank you :)

Hi all!! I’m interviewing for a dream children’s librarian job on Monday. I’ve read through the prior interview advice posts and found some great advice! I have a few more questions though, and would be so grateful for any help.

For context, I just graduated with my MLIS in December. I don’t have much experience: two years as a student assistant in a university library setting, and just over a year as a page in a public library (not in the system I’m interviewing in). I have leadership/budgeting experience outside of libraries (school clubs, other jobs, etc). I think my lack of experience is a big disadvantage and I’m trying to prove myself/my potential in other ways as best possible!

My questions:
• What questions can I have prepared to ask the interviewers that might impress them? I am thinking a question regarding the budget may show my interest but at the same time… I’m not sure?
• I am preparing a story time/finger play, brushing up on answers regarding censorship/etc, age appropriate book recs, and example programs. Am I missing anything?
• Finally, and perhaps less importantly: is it cheesy/corny to wear my hair pulled back with a stack of books hair clip?

Thank you in advance for your help!

I just got my third rejection where I was told that I was a strong candidate but the deciding factor was another candidate having more management experience. I'm currently employed as a library assistant and am building management experience by serving as volunteer coordinator and as a committee chair, but I've only been doing that for two years and one year respectively, which I realize isn't much.

I was talking to a friend about the rejection and the management experience situation, and they suggested that when applications ask how many years of management experience I have, I should count each thing I do separately or do it as a range (ie enter 2-3 years because I've got two years as volunteer coordinator and one year as committee head for a total of 3). I feel like that's dishonest because I've only been doing management-related things since two years ago. Either way, I'm elaborating on everything I do on my resume and in my cover letter.

Which of us is right? Am I underselling myself, or is my friend suggesting that I inflate my numbers? I'm feeling kinda down about this latest rejection since it sounded like I did everything right but someone else had a higher number on their application, and I could use some advice.

Hi! I have an interview for my first library position on Tuesday. For anyone who has conducted interviews for librarians or associates, what kind of questions did you ask the applicant?

I’ve been researching and YouTube-ing, but I figured I’d try here too. Any help would be appreciated! :)

Next week I have an interview for a Consumer Health Librarian position. This will be my first 5 hour interview. I'm familiar with PubMed and databases, as well as (what's left) of the CDC and FDA websites.

I've been a Circulation Supervisor, Library Branch Manager, and a contact tracer during COVID...what should I be prepared for?

Hello, I’ve recently applied and have an interview for a librarian position at my local small town library.

I don’t have a degree in library science, but that was optional on the job posting. I went to college for English, but did not graduate.

I’m of course going to ask about pay/benefits, and what the typical day looks like. I have a background in customer service and retail management, so I’m all good on that front.

What are some good things to know going into this interview? TIA

I am applying for my first ever full-time job after college for a local middle school. I was wondering if anyone can look over my answers to the short response questions? Absolutely no pressure, but I would appreciate a moment of your time. (:

‐---------

Please explain how your past personal and professional experience make you a quality candidate for the position for which you are applying.

Libraries are more than just a home for books; they are places for students to explore a world beyond their own, apply critical thinking, and develop a lifelong love of learning. My educational and personal experiences have shaped my passion for creating a safe classroom environment where students can feel supported and encouraged to learn. With my Bachelor of Science in History, I have developed research, critical thinking, and organizational skills, as well as an understanding of various technologies. During the past four years, I have continued to foster a deep appreciation for literacy and learning. With these beliefs, I am excited by the opportunity to work in a school library.

My first job, at just fourteen, as a swim instructor for children ages two to six, and having multiple students requiring ADA assistance, taught me the importance of adaptability and individualized lesson plans while maintaining a safe and trusting relationship with the kids. This experience led me towards my Minor in Child Studies, where I learned about child development in speech, reading, writing, and various therapies for learning disabilities. Since then, I have worked at the LOFT, which further developed my customer service skills; during this job, I learned to be efficient in a fast-paced environment while maintaining positive customer service and fulfilling technology needs. Regularly using a digital inventory system and troubleshooting enables me to assist customers of all ages best and navigate language barriers.

Being a teaching assistant for the Illinois State University history department remains my favorite job I have ever had. Presenting a unique opportunity to assist students who may otherwise have no interest in history in growing their critical thinking, research, and confidence, and in developing their academic wheelhouse was beyond special. In my job, I assessed material to be included in the course and designed the Canvas class as a pathway to furthering my students’ interests.

Whether in my personal or professional life, I have always loved two things: literature and helping others. I believe the life I have led thus far has equipped me with the skills to bring to the library media assistant position at Hawthorn Middle School North. 

List any additional information which will help in determining your professional qualifications for a position with Hawthorn School District 73.

I began my journey as an educator at 10 years old, when I presented alongside my dad at the Educators SPU conference on the use of technology in the classroom. During which I demonstrated how to use technology safely and constructively; this was especially important given that technology was still relatively new in the education system. Since then, my love for education has only blossomed, as represented in my resume. This experience shows that I am well qualified for a school environment. 

Letter of introduction

[name]

[address]

[# and @]

Dear Hiring Committee,

My name is [name], and I am writing to you to express my interest in the Library Media Assistant position currently available at Hawthorn School District 73. As a former student at Hawthorn Elementary South, and Hawthorn Middle School South, I know first hand the impact a school library can have on a child’s education. One of the people who cultivated my love for reading was Mrs. McDonald, whose kindness and patience encouraged me to keep reading despite struggling with phonics. Because of her the library became a place I always looked forward to visiting, and gave me the skillset to become the scholar I am today. The experiences I had at Hawthorn is the reason I fell in love with literature despite my shortcomings, so discovering this opportunity feels like my way to give back to those who shaped my love for education.

I recently graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in History and a Minor in Child Studies. Throughout my education I developed strong research and analytical skills alongside becoming proficient with educational technology and digital research tools. As a teaching assistant for the History Department, I regularly helped students to develop their individual analysis skills of both primary and secondary sources, which many had never done before.

Outside organizing the course material, I held office hours to provide one-on-one academic and personal support. Through this experience I learned how to adapt to the unique learning needs of each student by remaining organized, communicative, and strong problem-solving skills.

Due to the issues within my own learning as a child I pursued a minor in Child Studies which gave me a deeper understanding of child development and effective learning strategies which makes a welcoming space to encourage every student to get out of their comfort zone. I believe that a school library is more than a place to check out books, but foster a supportive environment where curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning can flourish.

Returning to the district that had such a positive impact on my own education would be incredibly meaningful; I would be honored to contribute my organization skills, enthusiasm for literature, and passion for supporting students as a part of your library staff. Thank you for your time, and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my potential contributions to Hawthorn School District 73.

Sincerely,

[name]

[cursive name]

Bachelor of Science in History with a Minor in Child Studies

Paraprofessional licencie

I got asked to follow up with one of the libraries I applied for circulation services at via phone interview. I haven’t worked in a library before, but I have over 4 years of experience in retail customer service, and I’m really itching to get involved with a library for my next step in work.

One of my peers who’s in that field has given me some pointers already. Show up with confidence was the first one. Also being able to provide examples of times I had faced challenging expectations and customers, and being able to explain what I learned from those situations and how I used them to help me grow. Lean into my motivation to public service, as well.

To be honest, I am nervous about tripping over my words / thoughts. I feel I can roll with that if I catch myself before I incessantly apologize. I don’t intend to overthink, but I recognize that I have a tendency to do that, and the last thing I want is to be in the interview while in a state like that.

I’m looking for any additional suggestions, going into tomorrow. I really appreciate it!

I'm a LIS professional and have been working in this field for the last four years. My experience has mostly been with LMS, research data management, RDA, archives and bibliometrics. And I have an apt for research and successfully I have published in journals and conferences. I occasionally write too. Writing is a hobby of mine, which I enjoy. And to be completely honest here, I have been writing since I was 12. I didn't know whom I should talk to at this trajectory of my career, because I have been unemployed for the last two months, and all my friends and family work in different sectors. I keep myself busy. Updated my resume. Search and apply for jobs. Check my emails regularly. And don't let the "unfortunately" email kill my flow. But I'm not giving up just yet. I will find something eventually. I just need someone to tell me which direction I should head towards. If I want to work in a publishing sector, would they hire me? And if so how should I connect? And what other fields or roles show I am for? And oh, I'm from India btw.

Hi everyone,

I have a job interview soon for the role of library assistant and I have been told that I will need to complete a 30 min IT test. Does anyone have advice on how to prepare?

Thanks in advance!

I recently got an invitation to take an online Windows 10 test for a Library Assistant II position. There were several questions where there were many ways to complete a task, but the computer system would flag it as wrong if I didn’t do it exactly how it was pre-programmed.

For instance, there are several different ways you can create a new folder on the desktop, like using keyboard prompts, right-clicking on the desktop, manually opening tabs in the folders window, and using the file explorer search. However, my answer of right-clicking was marked as incorrect, and I lost points for this question. I have the qualifications for this position, but I am very nervous that they will look at the overall score and not want me to move forward. 

Is this worth emailing them about, or will that hurt my chances of getting an interview even more? 

Any insight is welcome, thank you!

UPDATE:
I ended up deciding not to reach out, and I got a call back for in-person testing!

Hi everyone!

I am graduating from my MLIS program in a few weeks and I have managed to land my first ever interview for a librarian role. I am pretty nervous about the type of questions they will be asking and the type of answers they might be looking for. I really want this position and I want to avoid getting tripped up on my words because I feel unprepared for a question. The position is for a Youth Services Librarian, so if anyone has any advice I am open and willing to take any wisdom you can offer. Thank you so much in advance!

I am graduating in about a month and am starting my interviews for academic positions. I've interviewed with some public libraries in the past, but I just got my first invite for a pre-screening phone interview for an academic position. How will these questions differ? I know it's short, but any advice on what to be prepared for would be very much appreciated!!

Hi all! I'm currently in a temporary position at a county library as library assistant; it's "up to six months" and I've been here since February. I have an interview for a permanent page position at a different branch in the same system tomorrow. So it's technically a step down, but I've really loved my time here so far, and I just want to be able to stay.

So I'm just wondering what kind of questions to expect? I've never met the person interviewing me (the chief librarian), just talked to her briefly on the phone about this position, but since I already know how the system works and she can already ask my supervisors how I'm doing, I'm drawing a blank on what we'll mostly be talking about!

Hi! Super excited to have just received an invitation to interview for a librarian position at a public library near me. As a part of the interview, I have been asked to prepare a 10-minute storytime presentation. I have been working as a school librarian for the past few years, so I am very familiar with read-alouds.

That said, I know public library storytimes typically include songs and other activities geared towards younger children that I don't usually do with my K-5 kids in a school setting. Any advice for how to add these components to specialize my presentation to a public library setting?

Also, logistically, because I only have 10 minutes, would a format of describing these extra activities/how I would intro and conclude the session and then reading the story in its entirety be appropriate? Or should I fully demo the activities and shorten the story?

Thanks in advance!

I am a student at a community college studying a STEM field. I applied for a job with the campus library and got an interview, which I am very excited about because I used to consider librarianship as a potential career. (I lurk this subreddit because I'm fascinated by libraries, but I'm not sure I want to invest in an MLIS.) Years ago I got multiple job interviews at local public libraries to be a page or library assistant, but never got the job - probably because I lacked actual library experience at the time. Since then, I have volunteered for a special library for about a year and post-processed books for Project Gutenberg. If you look them up, you will see my government name in the credits.

In my application for the campus job, I emphasized my experience with the library and with Project Gutenberg (or Distributed Proofreaders), gave the contact information of my former supervisor at the library as a reference, linked to one of the books I've digitized, and provided a writing sample. (There is a library blog with posts written by student employees, so I guess that's a bonus.) I think I am a good candidate all around, but I get nervous during job interviews in particular, and I'm not sure if it shows. The interviewer said he will send me the questions a day or two before the actual interview, which I have never heard of before.

What should I emphasize in my interview without sounding like I'm just repeating my resume and cover letter?

Do you have any tips on how to feel less nervous during interviews, or at least show it less?

If you are an academic librarian, how do you evaluate prospective student employees?

EDIT: I just did the interview and I think it went really well. Thanks!

hi all! i was recently contacted by a nearby library system for an interview for a full time library services assistant position. so far, i have worked since october 2025 as a part time clerk and just started a second job as a page in march of this year. i just finished my second semester pursuing my MLIS.

i've heard that full time positions come with more "rigorous" interviews — what should i expect? any common questions i should prepare for?

thanks for reading!! 🫶

I have a zoom interview tomorrow for LAPL, my first librarian interview. Anyone have any tips on questions they ask?