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Librarian Resume Example
Updated: March 2026
Build your CVLibrarian Resume - Entry Level
Jane Doe
jane.doe@email.com | +1 555 412 7836 | Boston, Massachusetts
Professional Summary
Detail-oriented MLIS graduate with practicum experience in reference services, MARC 21 cataloging, and patron instruction at an academic library. Proficient in Sierra ILS, EBSCOhost, and LibGuides. Passionate about equitable access to information and information literacy instruction. Ready to contribute cataloging expertise and patron-centered service to a public or academic library.
Education
M.Sc. in Library and Information Science
Sep 2023 – May 2025Simmons University
GPA: 3.8 / 4.0
Specialization: Academic Librarianship
Relevant Courses: Cataloging & Classification, Reference & Information Services, Collection Development, Digital Libraries, Information Literacy Instruction
B.A. in English Literature
Sep 2019 – May 2023Boston University
GPA: 3.6 / 4.0
Work Experience
Library Practicum Student - Reference & Cataloging
Jan 2025 – May 2025Boston Public Library
- • Cataloged 120+ new monographs using MARC 21 and RDA standards in Sierra ILS, ensuring full LCSH subject heading compliance
- • Provided reference assistance to 30-40 patrons per week at the main reference desk, including database instruction on EBSCOhost and ProQuest
- • Developed 3 LibGuides subject portals for local history, genealogy, and digital literacy resources, increasing page visits by 18% within 6 weeks
Skills & Languages
MARC 21 / RDA Cataloging ●●●●
Sierra ILS ●●●●
EBSCOhost / ProQuest ●●●●
LibGuides (Springshare) ●●●●
Collection Development ●●●●
English– Native
French– Intermediate
Certifications
ALA-Accredited MLIS – Simmons University (ALA COA), 2025
CPR / First Aid – American Red Cross, 2024
Massachusetts Public Librarian Certification – Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, 2025
Librarian Resume - Senior Professional
John Doe
Professional Summary
Senior Librarian with 10+ years of experience in academic and public library settings. Expertise in collection development, information literacy instruction aligned with the ACRL Framework, and integrated library system administration using Alma and Sierra. Proven record of growing patron engagement, leading cross-departmental digital initiatives, and supervising library staff teams of up to 8. Committed to equitable access and the ALA Code of Ethics.
Work Experience
Head of Reference and Instruction Services
Aug 2019 – PresentUniversity of Minnesota Libraries
- • Supervised a team of 8 reference librarians and 4 library assistants across 3 branch locations serving 52,000+ enrolled students
- • Developed and delivered 90+ information literacy instruction sessions per academic year, increasing student research competency assessment scores by 22%
- • Managed a $320,000 annual electronic resources budget, renegotiating 4 database vendor contracts and saving $45,000 in subscription costs
Reference and Cataloging Librarian
Jul 2015 – Jul 2019Hennepin County Library
- • Cataloged 800+ items annually using MARC 21, RDA, and Dewey Decimal Classification in Sierra ILS, maintaining a 99.5% accuracy rate
- • Led a branch-wide OverDrive digital lending expansion that increased e-book checkouts by 38% over 12 months
- • Coordinated 24 community outreach programs annually, reaching 1,200+ patrons across underserved neighborhoods
Education
M.Sc. in Library and Information Science
Sep 2013 – May 2015University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Specialization: Academic Libraries and Digital Information Services
Skills & Languages
Alma & Sierra ILS ●●●●
ACRL Information Literacy Instruction ●●●●
Collection Development & Budget Management ●●●●
OCLC WorldCat / EBSCOhost / JSTOR ●●●●
English– Native
Mandarin– Advanced
Certifications
Professional Librarian Certification – Minnesota Department of Education, 2015
ALA Member - Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) – American Library Association, 2016
CPR / First Aid – American Red Cross, 2024
How to Write a Librarian Resume
A strong librarian resume demonstrates mastery of information organization, patron services, and the specific technologies that modern libraries run on. Hiring managers scan for your degree first: 97% of professional librarian positions require an ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) as the baseline credential. Lead with your degree, specialization, and any state certification prominently in your summary and education sections.
For new MLIS graduates, lean into your practicum or internship placements, coursework in cataloging and reference services, and hands-on exposure to integrated library systems (ILS) like Sierra, Polaris, Alma, or Koha. Familiarity with cataloging standards - MARC 21, RDA, Dewey Decimal Classification, and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) - signals technical readiness to hiring committees. If you completed a capstone project or a subject-area specialization (youth services, digital archives, academic instruction), describe it with concrete details.
Experienced librarians should lead with quantifiable outcomes: patron programming attendance figures, collection development budgets managed, database instruction sessions delivered, or interlibrary loan volumes processed. Specify your ILS proficiency, research databases you support (EBSCOhost, ProQuest, JSTOR, OCLC WorldCat), and any LibGuides or digital resource portals you have built. Leadership experience supervising library staff, managing branch operations, or directing community outreach programs sets senior candidates apart.
Both templates below are free to customize and download. Tailor the skills and certifications sections to match the library type you are targeting - public, academic, school, or special - since each sector emphasizes different competencies.
For new MLIS graduates, lean into your practicum or internship placements, coursework in cataloging and reference services, and hands-on exposure to integrated library systems (ILS) like Sierra, Polaris, Alma, or Koha. Familiarity with cataloging standards - MARC 21, RDA, Dewey Decimal Classification, and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) - signals technical readiness to hiring committees. If you completed a capstone project or a subject-area specialization (youth services, digital archives, academic instruction), describe it with concrete details.
Experienced librarians should lead with quantifiable outcomes: patron programming attendance figures, collection development budgets managed, database instruction sessions delivered, or interlibrary loan volumes processed. Specify your ILS proficiency, research databases you support (EBSCOhost, ProQuest, JSTOR, OCLC WorldCat), and any LibGuides or digital resource portals you have built. Leadership experience supervising library staff, managing branch operations, or directing community outreach programs sets senior candidates apart.
Both templates below are free to customize and download. Tailor the skills and certifications sections to match the library type you are targeting - public, academic, school, or special - since each sector emphasizes different competencies.
The information on this page is general career guidance and does not replace official regulatory advice. Verify current requirements with the relevant professional body.
FAQ
Do I need an ALA-accredited MLIS to become a librarian in the United States?
Yes, for virtually all professional librarian positions. Surveys of librarian job postings show that 97% require an ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or Master of Library Science (MLS). Library assistant or technician roles may require only an associate degree or certificate, but these are paraprofessional positions, not professional librarian titles. www.ala.org ↗
What salary can I expect as a librarian in the United States?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for librarians is $64,320 as of May 2024. Entry-level positions typically start in the $45,000-$55,000 range, while experienced academic or special librarians in major metro areas can earn $75,000-$90,000 or more. School librarians' salaries often align with the teacher pay scale in their district. www.bls.gov ↗
What is the difference between a public librarian and an academic librarian on a resume?
Public librarians should emphasize community programming, patron services across all age groups, collection development for diverse populations, and outreach initiatives. Academic librarians should highlight information literacy instruction aligned with the ACRL Framework, subject liaison work, research consultation, and database instruction for faculty and students. Tailor your skills section and work bullets to match the sector you are targeting.
What software and cataloging tools should I list on a librarian resume?
List your integrated library system (ILS) by name - Sierra, Polaris, Alma, Koha, or SirsiDynix Symphony are the most common in the U.S. Include cataloging standards you work with: MARC 21, RDA, Dewey Decimal Classification, or Library of Congress Classification. Research databases (EBSCOhost, ProQuest, JSTOR, OCLC WorldCat) and patron-facing tools like LibGuides and OverDrive/Libby also belong in your skills section.
Do librarians need continuing education to maintain certification?
Yes, in most states that require librarian certification. Requirements vary - Georgia requires 10 contact hours every 2 years, New York has its own NYS Public Librarian Certification renewal requirements, and Pennsylvania uses a tiered certification system with continuing education for advancement. Check your state library commission's website for specific renewal rules. www.everylibraryinstitute.org ↗