If you do not have any post-secondary education, do you plan on receiving that in the future?

The interviewer is curious if you will pursue further education to become a librarian or pursue another career. Go ahead and candidly share if you have plans to pursue your Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree expressing what degree you hope to receive and your timeline for pursuing post-secondary education.

What management style do you prefer working with?

Do you prefer a little instruction? Do you prefer to figure things out on your own? Do you like interaction with your manager every day? Do you like a manager who sets the example, or do you like to set your own tone? Do you prefer ongoing communication, or do you prefer a formal meeting one time per week? Lay out what you like in a management style for the interviewer. It will help the manager understand how to set you at ease if you are hired for the job.

What is your philosophy to librarianship?

"I think librarians are responsible for setting the tone of their library. They decide if it will be a quiet, tranquil getaway or a hip fun hangout for learning. Librarians are responsible for serving the community they serve through providing books, helping kids love to read, providing a place for student's to study, and creating a sanctuary for adults to explore. I think the librarian's primary goal is to help people love reading and learning."

Explain your definition of a librarians responsibilities. What is the librarian responsible for? Who is the librarian serving? What are the librarian's goals? Your responses to these questions will allow the interviewer understand your librarianship philosophy. You might say something like this, "I think librarians are responsible for setting the tone of their library. They decide if it will be a quiet, tranquil getaway or a hip fun hangout for learning. Librarians are responsible for serving the community they serve through providing books, helping kids love to read, providing a place for student's to study, and creating a sanctuary for adults to explore. I think the librarian's primary goal is to help people love reading and learning."

Who are some of your favorite authors? Favorite books?

The interviewer wants to hear that you have a passion for the field, and this question is designed to explore that passion. Go ahead and share your favorite authors and books! We recommend listing at least 2 authors and 2 books that are your favorites, and be sure to explain what specifically it is that you love about them!

What frustrates you the most as a library assistant? How do you go about fixing it/solving it?

"Overall, I love my job as a library assistant. If I had to pick one thing that occasionally frustrates me, it's probably that people are occasionally disrespectful and just shove books on the shelves wherever they want instead of putting them where they belong. Mostly, I just want people to be able to find things easily. I have hung up clever signs throughout the library encouraging people to respectfully put things back where they belong, and the signs really seem to be helping! Being a library assistant is a great job! There really aren't many frustrating aspects to the job."

Most people have aspects to their job that frustrate them, and that is okay! The key is ensuring that you do not allow your frustrations to get the best of you and spoil your day. Instead, we want to focus on the positives outweighing the negatives. Begin by mentioning that for the most part you really like your job. Next, mention one frustration that you occasionally have sharing that you recognize it comes with the job. Describe how you work through the frustration. Finally, close by mentioning that the positives always outweigh the negatives, and you really enjoy your job! You might say something like this, "Overall, I love my job as a library assistant. If I had to pick one thing that occasionally frustrates me, it's probably that people are occasionally disrespectful and just shove books on the shelves wherever they want instead of putting them where they belong. Mostly, I just want people to be able to find things easily. I have hung up clever signs throughout the library encouraging people to respectfully put things back where they belong, and the signs really seem to be helping! Being a library assistant is a great job! There really aren't many frustrating aspects to the job."

Would there be any situation where you would refuse to answer a patron's question or request?

A great response to a question like this is: Unless the patron's question or response is inappropriate or unethical, I think I would be happy to work with the patron to see what we can do! I know that I won't be able to make every request known, but when possible, I try to help out as much as we can!

Based on the job description, which of the duties do you feel most comfortable with, and which do you feel may take some time to learn?

Candidly share which duties you feel comfortable with and express if there are any duties that you feel might challenge you. Be confidant expressing that you know with a little training you will be great at the job! Your candid response to the question will allow the interviewer to put together a great training plan if you are hired for the job to ensure you are successful in the role!

What are some of your proudest accomplishments as a library assistant?

What things have you received the most recognition for? Was there a special project you completed? Did you update a library service or help launch a new initiative? Did you help create a clever new display or lead a new series? What days have you left your job smiling? These things will help lead you to your proudest accomplishment! Simply tell the interviewer about your proudest accomplishment explaining why you are so proud of your achievement.

What is it about our position that interests you the most?

What drew you to apply to this particular position? Does the library have a great reputation? Does it have special programs that you love? Do they offer services that other libraries do not? Does the job have special duties that other library assistants do not get to assist with? Does the library have great benefits? Have you heard great things through the grapevine about working for this library location? Explain what interests you most about the position at this location!

Why are you interested in leaving your current position?

"I look forward to learning additional skills that I am not able to learn in my current position."

Candidly share why you would like to leave your current job while focusing on how you will better yourself with this transition. For example, you might state, "I look forward to learning additional skills that I am not able to learn in my current position." Or, "I am excited to have a new team of co-workers to collaborate with, bounce new ideas off of, and create a great environment with. It is time for a new challenge!" Focusing on yourself will help the interviewer see that you are excited about being exceptional at your job while being respectful of your current organization.

Tell us about your work experience in libraries.

This one should be easy! Simply walk through your work history sharing where you have worked, what your job title was at each location, and how long you were employed there. Be sure to share 1 thing that you loved about each job as well; it is a quick way to show the interviewer that you are a positive person who loves their career.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

"I hope to become a full-time Librarian and work for this library. I grew up here in Avon Lake, and have always visited this library as a child and into my teenage years. I knew growing up, I would love to work here as an adult. This was my intention and desire as I went away to college. I believe if I can get a job as an assistant, I will earn a spot as a Librarian in five years."

Interviewers want to hear that you will be working at the library! Tell the interviewer that you see yourself actively engaged in the library in five years. Explain how you hope you have grown professionally within the library, and mention that you see yourself having continued to create a positive outlook for the library during your five years in the role.If you are currently a student, express what you are going to school for, when you plan to graduate, and what your career aspirations are upon graduation. If the library offers positions in your field of education, be sure to mention that you would consider a job in your field at the library upon graduation.

What are your career goals?

Candidly express your career goals. Your response will help the interviewer develop your time as a library assistant to help you achieve your career goals. The interviewer can strategically develop a role for you that will help you develop your skills thus improving your resume and your chances of achieving your career goals faster!

When have you used a computer to assist a patron at the library? How did you help them?

"I typically help several patrons each day with searching for books or materials utilizing the library's search system."

Candidly share how you have used computers to assist patrons at the library. The interviewer is simply trying to understand your level of experience and how much training you should be provided if you are hired for the position. Share how often you utilize computers to assist patrons, and describe what sorts of things you are typically using the computer for when assisting patrons. You might share something like this, "I typically help several patrons each day with searching for books or materials utilizing the library's search system."

"I haven’t had the opportunity to do IT support. I am competent that I can help colleagues or students with any issues. I can demonstrate how I use Microsoft packages such as Word and Excel. I can change settings for someone who needs to print a document or change settings on the ribbon. To use a printer to print labels and documents I would have to go into the settings and adjust to size to fit on label or paper sizes. Scanning change settings- for example, scanning a chapter from a book or journal to a document.To email someone for research purposes I use this equipment myself."

Why should we hire you?

Talking about ourselves in this way can be challenging. We recommend reaching out to a few colleagues, family members, and friends. Ask them for their opinion. You'll probably be surprised at the consistency in their responses! Their answers will give you insight into how to answer this question. Tell the interviewer what sets you apart, and explain how your co-workers, family members, and friends have encouraged you with your gift in this area.

"I feel that I have a lot to offer in this position. In the past I have been in charge of helping students select books that would interest them. I am a great team worker but also have great classroom management skills."

What area of the library do you hope to specialize in?

This is a great opportunity to express your hopes and dreams for working in the library. Openly share what you hope to specialize in as well as why that area of the library interests you. Be sure to mention that you are happy to work in whatever areas of the library need assistance, and you hope that one day you can specialize in your dream area.

Have you ever dealt with an upset guest at the library before? What was the problem and how did you handle it?

The interviewer is hoping to hear that you handle these situations with poise and professionalism while not allowing them to get the best of you. Candidly share a time when you had an upset patron at the library. Explain why the person was upset, and express what steps you took to help the guest. Be sure to mention that you know the customer was not directly upset with you; they were upset with the situation. Share that you understand your responsibility is to serve the customer helping them be as happy as possible before leaving the location.

Have you created any special programs in your library before? Were they successful?

As a library assistant, you may have done this before! If you have, that is great! Go ahead and share what programs you have created expressing how successful the programs were. Share where the idea for the program came from as well as how you executed the program, and mention if you would do anything differently in the future if you utilized the same program concept again.If you have not created any special programs, that is okay too! Simply share that you have not had an opportunity to do this yet, but you look forward to having the opportunity to do so some day!

What experiences do you have using a computer in the library?

The interviewer is simply trying to better understand your experience. Think through your computer experience in the library from the perspective of an employee as well as a patron, and share your experience. Have you utilized the check-out system? Have you utilized the return-system? Have you used the computer to follow up with patrons who have past-due items? Have you used the computer to help patrons find books? Have you used the computer to help students with research papers? Simply share your experiences to help the interviewer better understand your experiences.

"I have been using Alma software to use to look for requests, looking for book titles, and class marks. I have been working on looking at updating the Library Stock checks and vehicle checks. I use spreadsheets to record books that are to be sent to libraries, record courier rounds day-to-day tasks and I can scan and deliver my email and then send it to the library scan team."

How would you rate your organizational skills?

Library assistants need to be organized to help keep the library organized! Think about your organizational skills. Where are your organizational strengths? These are the things to focus on! Share 2-3 things that you do to keep yourself organized expressing how well these things work for you! Responding this way will help the interviewer understand that you can be an organized person! Be sure to mention if a past employer has ever commended you for your organizational skills in a performance review too!

"Library assistants work as part of a team, supporting the day-to-day running of the libraries or resource center. The library staff manages all library resources including print, audio-visual, online, and e-learning material. They help pupils and teachers to access all the materials they need to help them learn and teach; including print, audio-visual online, and e-learning material."

What task in the library do you typically dislike doing the most?

Most people have something they dislike about their job, and that is okay! We recommend picking something that is not a large part of the library assistant's job. Start by telling the interviewer that you enjoy your job as a library assistant. Next, express your one dislike about the job again re-iterating that you enjoy your job and will happily do this one thing for the joy you get from the rest of the job! You might state something like this,

As a Library Assistant, what do you believe is your best asset?

This is a great chance to show that you understand who you are. Graciously share your best asset, and explain how this asset affects your library. One possible example may be sharing that your best asset is your ability to create a connection with all types of people which has helped you work with patrons from all walks of life. Struggling to come up with your best asset? Think about the common praises you received in past performance reviews, or ask a respected colleague for their opinion. With this option, tell the interviewer that people have told you this is your best asset, and explain how you feel it has positively affected your library.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

What things are you typically commended for in your performance reviews? What compliments do you often receive? These things will lead you to your three positive words to describe yourself! Focusing on positives is key! Common responses might include:- Friendly- Organized- Team Player- Fast-Paced- Intuitive- Innovative- Helpful- Diligent

How do you keep track of work so that it gets done on time?

We all need a personal organization system. What is yours? Do you use your calendar? Do you keep a to-do list? Simply share what system you use to keep yourself organized and on track! Be sure to mention if you set reminders, use sticky notes, or write messages on your mirror to stay on track too.

What was the last book you read for fun?

Library employees should be reading to keep up with their patrons! Go ahead and share the last book you read for fun! Did you have a chance to read a great romance novel on the beach? Were you deep into a mystery novel on the last rainy day? Did you dive into a home improvement book after recently purchasing a home? Or, maybe you love ongoing learning and read the most recent top-selling business book. Simply share your last fun reading experience.

If I called your boss right now and asked him or her what is an area that you could improve on, what would he or she say?

"My boss would love for me to improve my education, so I can become a librarian. He is always telling me that I have the potential to do it, and he would like to see me dive into studying for that degree!"

Think of a skill that would help you further your career that your boss would like to see you achieve. This is a great item to share! Simply state what skill your boss would like to see you gain in order to achieve a promotion within the company. For example, you might state, "My boss would love for me to improve my education, so I can become a librarian. He is always telling me that I have the potential to do it, and he would like to see me dive into studying for that degree!"

Give me a time when you went above and beyond the requirements for a project.

Interviewers love hiring people who go above and beyond the call of duty! Think about a time when you went above and beyond in your job or in your studies. Share what project you were working on, what your basic requirements were, and how you went above-and-beyond. Be sure to mention why you desired to go above-and-beyond for this project to help the interviewer see your drive to be successful in your work.

"In the past, the school had a building-wide science fair and the 3rd-grade team I worked with had the students research endangered animals for their reports. I found a website that the students would insert their information and they would generate trading cards for the students, we also did PowerPoints and I created a video with music and on a loop to play all of the student's videos."

Library Assistant Interview Questions

Go Back

1. If you do not have any post-secondary education, do you plan on receiving that in the future?
2. What management style do you prefer working with?
3. What is your philosophy to librarianship?
4. Who are some of your favorite authors? Favorite books?
5. What frustrates you the most as a library assistant? How do you go about fixing it/solving it?
6. Would there be any situation where you would refuse to answer a patron's question or request?
7. Based on the job description, which of the duties do you feel most comfortable with, and which do you feel may take some time to learn?
8. What are some of your proudest accomplishments as a library assistant?
9. What is it about our position that interests you the most?
10. Why are you interested in leaving your current position?
11. Tell us about your work experience in libraries.
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. What are your career goals?
14. When have you used a computer to assist a patron at the library? How did you help them?
15. Why should we hire you?
16. What area of the library do you hope to specialize in?
17. Have you ever dealt with an upset guest at the library before? What was the problem and how did you handle it?
18. Have you created any special programs in your library before? Were they successful?
19. What experiences do you have using a computer in the library?
20. How would you rate your organizational skills?
21. What task in the library do you typically dislike doing the most?
22. As a Library Assistant, what do you believe is your best asset?
23. What three words would you use to describe yourself?
24. How do you keep track of work so that it gets done on time?
25. What was the last book you read for fun?
26. If I called your boss right now and asked him or her what is an area that you could improve on, what would he or she say?
27. Give me a time when you went above and beyond the requirements for a project.

Library Assistant Interview Questions

1. If you do not have any post-secondary education, do you plan on receiving that in the future?

2. What management style do you prefer working with?

3. What is your philosophy to librarianship?

4. Who are some of your favorite authors? Favorite books?

5. What frustrates you the most as a library assistant? How do you go about fixing it/solving it?

6. Would there be any situation where you would refuse to answer a patron's question or request?

7. Based on the job description, which of the duties do you feel most comfortable with, and which do you feel may take some time to learn?

8. What are some of your proudest accomplishments as a library assistant?

9. What is it about our position that interests you the most?

10. Why are you interested in leaving your current position?

11. Tell us about your work experience in libraries.

12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

13. What are your career goals?

14. When have you used a computer to assist a patron at the library? How did you help them?

15. Why should we hire you?

16. What area of the library do you hope to specialize in?

17. Have you ever dealt with an upset guest at the library before? What was the problem and how did you handle it?

18. Have you created any special programs in your library before? Were they successful?

19. What experiences do you have using a computer in the library?

20. How would you rate your organizational skills?

21. What task in the library do you typically dislike doing the most?

22. As a Library Assistant, what do you believe is your best asset?

23. What three words would you use to describe yourself?

24. How do you keep track of work so that it gets done on time?

25. What was the last book you read for fun?

26. If I called your boss right now and asked him or her what is an area that you could improve on, what would he or she say?

27. Give me a time when you went above and beyond the requirements for a project.