Librarian Cover Letter Example and Template

Librarians organize collections of books, scholarly journals, magazines, films and music and help library guests find the material they're seeking. They typically have advanced education and expertise in research, archive management and computers, and they might organize and lead community programs. People who enjoy reading, categorizing content and learning new information may find library science to be an engaging career path. Reviewing resume samples to help prepare a resume and cover letter that detail your education, work experience and skills could help you find a job as a librarian. In this article, we share what to include in a librarian cover letter, offer some tips that may be helpful when writing your own and share an example cover letter that you can use as a guide to help prepare a document that will demonstrate your qualifications to employers. When you've completed your application materials, upload a resume file or build an Indeed Resume. Annabel Maynord
344-555-0142
annabelmaynord@email.com
Boston, Massachusetts May 1, 2023 Dearing Hiring Manager, My name is Annabel Maynord, and I'm a Librarian with an MLS and eight years of experience optimizing catalogs for schools and public libraries. I volunteered at Grant Valley Point Library from 2013 to 2016, and your community-focused approach to education programming inspired me to pursue library science. I'm applying to become the new Librarian at Grant Valley Point Library, and I'm confident that, with my organizational and interpersonal skills, I can infuse order into your vast collection. In my five years at Washville East Library, I trained and supervised a team of eleven library assistants, improving the average retrieval speed by 22%. My approach relies on mastery of materials, technical literacy and a searchable catalog. I revamped Washville East's digital catalog to make it easier for guests to find non-text materials. Grant Valley Point Library has an impressive collection of works in unique mediums, and I'm excited by the opportunity to help guests find items like manuscripts, photography collections and films more easily. I also admire the robust event calendar your library maintains. At Washville East Library, I created a series of 12 monthly education events for children and teenagers promoting literacy and encouraging philanthropy. This series brought in $3,550 in donations for the library, funding a new phone system in our offices. I also teach free weekly classes on research and basic computer usage, where I've equipped over 275 community members with vital life skills and encouraged regular library visitation. With a background in library events, organization and customer service, I'm confident that my workplace values align with yours at Grant Valley Point Library. I'm enthusiastic about the opportunity to help your team continue modernizing the public library and encouraging literacy. If you have any questions, please contact me by phone or email. Thank you for reading my letter, and I hope to hear from you soon. Respectfully, Annabel Maynord To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

What to include in a librarian cover letter

Here are elements that may be beneficial to include in your librarian cover letter:

A compelling introduction

Your opening paragraph is an opportunity to synthesize your accomplishments and pique the hiring manager's interest. Consider beginning with a unique personal detail that showcases your connection to the job and sincere interest in the library's history and operations. For example, you could mention that you've been a member for years and are eager to assist with their upcoming renovations. You could also attempt to capture the reader's attention by mentioning impressive credentials or accomplishments, like a specialized degree you hold or an award you've won. Related: FAQ: Best Undergraduate Degree for Library Science

Keywords from the job description

Consider mentioning the required credentials and core skills in your letter to communicate your fit for the job. Reading and analyzing the job description could inform the cover letter and help you highlight essential competencies. Having a cover letter that accurately summarizes your background while also featuring keywords from the employer could help you capture a hiring manager's attention. Read more: Your Guide to Cover Letter Keywords

Skills

Your resume typically includes a list of your core skills, while your cover letter offers an opportunity to discuss these capabilities in detail. Plan to discuss relevant skills and share examples of times you used these strengths at work. Here are some skills that may be valuable for librarians:

Research
Writing
Computer skills
Organization
Archive management
Documentation
Customer service
Conflict resolution
Analysis
Mobile technology
Information curation
Education
Pop culture
Listening
Patience
Attention to detail

Numerical data

Including objective data that supports your claims could help you persuade hiring managers of your value. Quantify your achievements with metrics to show that your ideas and actions can increase productivity, reduce waste and save money. You could also use numerical data to demonstrate your ability to manage large projects or work with a high volume of visitors. Related: Librarian Job Requirements for a Successful Career

Tips for writing a librarian cover letter

Below are several tips to help guide you when creating your own librarian cover letter:

Mention your education

Most librarians hold a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree. These programs train future librarians to categorize content, research effectively, manage collections and document new information. Because many libraries require librarians to hold this advanced degree, mentioning it on your cover letter may increase your chances of progressing in the hiring process. Related: What You Can Do With a Master's Degree in Library Science

Express your passion for literature

Librarians often encourage children, teenagers and adults to read for enjoyment, so it might be helpful to express your interest in books. Individuals who know about different genres and enjoy making recommendations to readers of different age groups according to their interests may thrive in the role. Consider discussing your passion for reading, research and media in your cover letter. Related: 29 of the Best Jobs for Book Lovers

Proofread your letter

Librarians typically have a strong command of language and stay current on style guides. Using proper grammar, punctuation and spelling could help show employers that you're a competent writer and editor. Proofread your cover letter carefully before submitting and look for areas where you can improve your phrasing.