21 Librarian Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Librarian interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. When did you realize you wanted to be a librarian?
How to Answer
Share with the interviewer your journey to becoming a librarian. Prior to the interview, be sure to prepare your answer to this question, as it will likely be asked. Try to come up with a compelling and inspiring story that highlights your love of learning, books, and helping others also discover a love for those things. Your answer to this question may just be what makes you stand out from the rest!
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I have always, always loved reading and loved books. I just loved that stories could transport me to different times, different experiences, and I could get to know incredible characters as I turned more pages. I began my career as an elementary school teacher, and I took my class to the school library as often as I could. I wanted my students to love reading just as much as I did. I soon realized I wanted to be in the library more than I wanted to be in the classroom, so I first became the librarian at the school and have since moved on to the community library, where I still see several of my former students. It is a job I love and one I wish to do as long as I am able."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
2. What do you believe is the role of the school, university, or public librarian?
How to Answer
You know why you love this job and why librarians are crucial in the school and local community. State your opinion as to the role of a librarian and don't hold back. Share all of the various tasks you take on in order to meet the needs of students and/or patrons.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"The role of a librarian is to foster a place of learning, connection, and growth for the community. A librarian does this by educating, hosting programs and study groups, engaging readers, teaching research skills, organizing shelves and resources, ordering updated novels and materials, and sharing a variety of resources to better the community. The role of the librarian is vital and necessary for a thriving library and community."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
3. How would you handle a patron objecting to a certain book in the library's collection?
How to Answer
Working with the public often involves navigating challenging situations, like a difference of opinion. While the patron is entitled to their opinion, they do not have the final say. Share how you would calmly approach the patron, listen to their perspective, and explain your unbiased approach to selecting books from a wide variety of beliefs, interests, and perspectives. Allow your customer service skills to really shine when you answer this question.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I would calmly listen to the patron's reasoning, first. I would then explain that people from all walks of life enter the library and should be able to find books that align with their beliefs and interests. The library is a place of learning, and it is important to celebrate differences of opinion and be exposed to all sorts of perspectives, whether they are in line with your beliefs or not. I would then try to direct the patron to something that would be more suitable to their tastes."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
4. How would you describe your experience with technology?
How to Answer
Technology is always evolving and lots of patrons access the library in order to use the technology. As part of your job as librarian, you will have some interaction with devices such as computers and all of their applications, printers, iPads, copiers, and more. The interviewer is looking to get a gauge on your comfortability with these devices. If you are very tech savvy and know your way around a device, be sure to state your experience. If you are not as comfortable, be open and honest, while still highlighting your ability to learn quickly and keep an open mind.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I am comfortable navigating most devices within a library and can even troubleshoot some issues. I am familiar with Google Suite and Microsoft Suite, I can set up a printer, and I have experience working with iPads, copy machines, and scanners. I can usually figure out whatever it is that I need to do, but I'm not afraid to ask for help or contact the IT department if there is an issue. I am generally comfortable with technology and always open to learning new skills."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
5. What do you think your references would say your best skills are?
How to Answer
Always be sure to list references who would describe you positively and accurately. Your references could be former bosses or managers, co-workers, or college professors, counselors, or coaches. You could mention a time when they offered you positive feedback, being sure to explain some context. There is a chance that the interviewer may reach out to the references you have listed, so be sure to be honest about what they would say about you.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"My references would say that I have great interpersonal skills, and I am very reliable. I am an excellent and thorough communicator and I stay very organized. I am clear and direct and treat everyone with respect. I lead by example and hold my team to high expectations so that we can all experience success."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
6. How do you stay current with new books?
How to Answer
Even the most avid reader can't read them all! Share how you stay current with books from all different authors, genres, interests, and categories. Feel free to share lists, resources, databases, and tools that help you stay in the know. As librarian, it is your job to stay on top of current bestsellers, provide recommendations to patrons, and have a healthy collection of popular new and classic novels. Tell the interviewer what you do to manage all of this.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I do my vest best to stay current with new books, up and coming authors, and bestsellers. I reference several popular reading lists regularly and subscribe to a publication that discusses popular young adult reading. I also receive communication from various publishers, which helps me to be aware of release dates and get my hands on new copies as soon as possible. I do all that I can to keep the selection at my library current and relevant."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
7. What is the library's role in educating its students, community, etc?
How to Answer
This question is getting at the core of what the library means to the community. The interviewer wants the library to be a place that serves the community well, and they want to hear your opinion as to a library's role in the community. Share your honest opinion about what the library represents, what its role is in the community, and what your vision is to better serve the community.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"The library will always be a place that fosters learning. Through different programs, clubs, groups, and classes, the library will always be a community hub for learning, growth, education, and connection. The library should be closely connected with the schools, the park district, and local community events. I am confident that with my leadership, the library can be a place where everyone feels welcome to learn and grow."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
8. Tell me about the most rewarding experience you have had while working in a library.
How to Answer
Whenever a question begins with 'tell me about...', the interviewer is wanting to hear an anecdote of a specific time in your career. Think carefully about a specific rewarding experience you've had in your career and describe it the interviewer, including relevant context and why it was rewarding for you. This question provides an opportunity for the interviewer to get a glimpse of who you are and why you love your role. Be honest and sincere, and your true passion will shine through.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"One of the most rewarding experiences I've had on the job was the end of summer celebration for the summer reading program. It was my first summer at the library and I had just revamped the game portion of the program. At the end of the summer, all of the young participants and library volunteers were invited to a party to celebrate all of their hard work. It was so wonderful hearing from parents, children, teenage volunteers, and elderly volunteers as to how this program impacted their summers. Parents were so pleased that their children had fallen in love with reading and volunteers were so grateful for the opportunity to serve and share their love of books. It was a wonderful moment of celebration, and I was recognized by the other librarians for my role in redesigning and revamping the program to be such a success."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
9. What is your best asset as a librarian?
How to Answer
Don't feel the need to be humble here. Now is your chance to really show off your experience and what you are capable of. Tell the interviewer exactly what makes you great at your job. Share any positive feedback you've gotten, awards you've won, or anything that highlights your ability to lead the library to great success.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"My best asset a a librarian is my willingness to do whatever it takes. When I put my mind to something, I am relentless in making it happen. I don't let roadblocks or obstacles get in my way; I work with my team to execute. This attitude is the reason I am able to assist patrons with their inquiries, overcome setbacks and budget cuts, implement successful programming, and foster such a collaborative environment at my library."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
10. If you were in charge of ordering new books, would you hold any personal, political, etc, bias towards any books?
How to Answer
As an avid reader, of course you have your favorites and your preferences. As librarian, however, you will have to set your preferences aside and order books and create groups and clubs that cater to all patrons. It is important to remain unbiased and maintain the mindset of serving all community members, regardless of personal or political beliefs, interests, and preferences.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I strive to remain unbiased in the workplace. Every community member should be able to walk into the library and find something that interests them. I must set my own beliefs, interests, and preferences aside, at times, to ensure that I am truly providing the best experience for all patrons. Quarterly, I make a point to check in on ordering and ensure I have a vast array of genres and perspectives circulating the library."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
11. What do you enjoy the most about being a librarian?
How to Answer
If you truly love what you do, this answer should be simple. Be sure to think about this question and prepare an answer ahead of time, so your answer is clear and concise. If you are open and honest about what you love about the job, your passion and energy will shine through. Share exactly what brings you joy from the job and why it is such a great fit for you.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I love interacting with people most. I love seeing regular patrons come back in and rave about a book recommendation I gave them. I love seeing families come in to pick out books and read together. The entire idea of the library as a community gathering spot is very life giving to me. I am just so grateful for the opportunities it has given me, the people I've met, and all that I've learned over the years."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
12. What type of books are your favorite?
How to Answer
Here, the interviewer is attempting to get to know you better and understand the depth and breadth of your book knowledge. It can't hurt to share a few different genres and authors you especially enjoy. Don't be afraid to truly showcase your vast knowledge of titles and authors. Be sure to explain why you enjoy a particular genre. It is also recommended to tie your answer back to becoming a librarian, so include that you could recommend several titles in any genre to an eager reader.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I enjoy a vast array of genres and authors, but I'm particularly drawn to psychological thrillers and romance novels. I love a suspenseful story that leaves you on the edge of your seat, like The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn or The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. Those books were intense page turners that I did not want to end. I also enjoy a classic romance novel that sucks me in and leaves me speechless. There are countless of both genres that I could highly recommend."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
13. What librarian duties did you dislike the most at your previous job?
How to Answer
It is ok to share something that you dislike, as long as it is not one of your central duties as a librarian. Not everything you will be asked to do will be your cup of tea, so be honest about a duty that is not your favorite. Be sure to express that you are willing and able to do the task, regardless. Everyone has to do things they don't particularly love at work, but displaying a positive and willing attitude will show the interviewer that you are able to take the good with the bad and perform all of your work duties.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"My least favorite duty at the library is dealing with technology issues. It is just not my forte, and I feel badly when people come to the library to get work done and they are unable to because of some sort of tech issue. I troubleshoot the computers, printers, and scanning devices to the extent that I know how and then I call in our IT help to diagnose the issue. I don't like delivering bad news to anybody, especially patrons, but some things are just out of my control. I do my best to help them find a different computer or printer and always do so with a positive attitude."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
14. Do you enjoy helping patrons with their research?
How to Answer
Assisting with research is a common ask of a librarian, so make sure to demonstrate your excitement about challenging research and helping people. This is a great opportunity to show off any tips or tricks you have in helping people with research or any resources you consistently rely on as you provide the best customer service to your patrons.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I do enjoy helping patrons with research. I am so intrigued by the vast array of topics that people come into the library curious about. I love to learn and I have a lot of great resources for research, regardless of the topic at hand. I enjoy passing on my knowledge to help other people, and it is my pleasure to assist them."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
15. Tell me about a difficult time you had while helping someone research a subject.
How to Answer
Think about your experience as a librarian and share a time when a particular research topic left you stumped. Share several different resources or tools you shared as you tried your best to exhaust all options in helping out a patron. Be open and honest and share how you provided your very best customer service and relied on tricks up your sleeve to ultimately help out or provide advice. Assisting with research is a common ask of a librarian, so make sure to demonstrate your excitement about challenging research and helping people. Share a brief anecdote of a recent time you assisted someone with a research dilemma.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I love a good challenge when it comes to research. These days, challenges typically involve helping people find appropriate books to support their research needs. Many high school and college students approach me because book resources are required for their projects. They are so much more fluent with the vast online resources and research that are so easily accessible, so when it comes to finding book sources, they often don't even know where to begin. Sometimes, it can even be challenging for me to direct them to a book that best suits their needs, but I always search with extra keywords and look into other libraries in the area to help them find the best books for their research. This happened a few weeks ago when a student required a very niche book on plants; I was able to locate a book that met the criteria at a nearby library and have it sent over to my library for the student to pick up the next day. I love being able to assist in any way I can."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
16. What programs have you initiated, or would initiate, to help connect the local community to the library?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you are going to add value to the library. Share honestly about what you have previously implemented or have wanted to implement to reveal your passion for engaging the community with the library. There is no need to go into a ton of detail, but the more ideas you can rattle off, the better. This will demonstrate your excitement and drive to bring robust programming into the library. Don't forget to identify programs for people of all different ages and with different interests.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I am incredibly excited to dream up and kick off new programs at the library. I really believe there should be something for everyone at the local library, so I would first ensure that there is a program, class, or group for each and every age group that enters the library. I am particularly excited about year-round kids programming like read alouds, reading games, homework help, study groups, reading mentors, battle of the books, and book clubs for different genres and interest areas. I hope to get the local schools involved, as much as possible, for further support and engagement. For adults, I also plan to implement book clubs, book reviewers, current events discussion groups, music groups, and recruit library volunteers and mentors."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
17. What programs have you implemented for children at your current library?
How to Answer
Even if you have yet to work at a library, surely you have great ideas for programs that could be implemented through the community library. Share a few ideas with the interviewer so they clearly see your passion and excitement for the role. Be sure to get familiar with current programs the library already offers and maybe look for gaps in their offerings. Consider what kind of programs would benefit the greater community and serve as many people as possible.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I know that you already offer a fun summer reading program for elementary-aged kids. I know this program has been widely successful, especially with the local schools promoting it. A successful program that I have implemented for middle school aged students is Battle of the Books. It is essentially a team-based competition that encourages reading for an older age group. Students form small teams, read as much as they can from a list of books, and compete against other teams in answering questions about the books. I think a library should offer something for everyone, and this is a wonderful, age-appropriate program that middle school students really enjoy."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
18. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
How to Answer
Hiring and onboarding new staff is expensive, so your interviewer will be wanting to hear that you are expecting to stay for awhile. Definitely don't promise anything that you can't commit to, but be honest about the time commitment you are willing to give.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I expect to work for your library for the remainder of my career. I want to make an impact on the local library and be a steady presence here for awhile. My kids are all grown up and almost out of the house, so I plan to dedicate my time to building programs at the library and helping the younger generation find a love for reading."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
19. What do you like most about being a librarian?
How to Answer
In your answer to this question, the interviewer will be looking to hear your passion for the job. Be open and honest about why being a Librarian suits you, and why you would be the best person for the job. Be sure to share your excitement and passion for the role and what you would contribute as the community's next librarian.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I most enjoy helping different patrons out to find what they're looking for. I enjoy being the person they can turn to for help and offering up suggestions. However I can contribute to foster a love for reading, sign me up! Working in a library is an ideal environment for me; it allows me an opportunity to share my love for reading and for helping others."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
20. How do you handle stressful situations?
How to Answer
As peaceful as the library can be, there can also be busy and chaotic times when lots of different responsibilities will be thrown your way. There will be crowded times, lots of people looking for books and needing help, books that need to be reshelved, long lines of patrons, and at times, unhappy visitors. Explain to the interviewer how you handle stress. Be sure to include that you are able to remain calm and positive and consider the experience of library visitors before anything else.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I've seen the library get busy and hectic, so I know there is not often downtime. There are always things to be done, and I enjoy keeping busy. When I begin to feel any kind of pressure, I take a moment to step back and prioritize. The experience of people who visit the library should always be top of mind, but so should maintaining a clean and safe space. I would be sure to consider all that needed to be done, prioritize the highest need items, and delegate amongst the entire team to tackle tasks during busy times. Once busy times pass, I would reflect on my performance to ensure I got it right, and readjust next time, if necessary."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
21. Why do you want to work for this Library?
How to Answer
The interviewer will want to hear why you are interested in being a librarian and why you want to work at that particular library. They will be looking to hear that you've done your research and know about specific programs, are familiar with their selections, or you are impressed by their offerings for the community they serve. Whatever it is that has drawn you to a particular library, be specific with your interviewer and share your love for books and their specific library.
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I want to work for this library because I have always been an avid reader, and I grew up coming to this library. I was molded by the books I borrowed here and the programs that supported me to be a lifelong learner. I remember participating in your programs like the summer reading program and Battle of the Books when I was in school; I have been transformed by characters in books I've loved and by several authors. I would love to pass on that future generations and inspire a love for learning in the community."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 1st, 2021