A well-structured librarian CV helps you showcase the organisational, research, and people skills that make libraries run smoothly. Whether you’re applying for a public library, university archive, or school position, your CV should highlight your ability to manage information and support visitors effectively.

Follow our guide to learn how to format your CV, write each section with confidence, and use our expert examples as inspiration.

In this guide, you will find:

  • Librarian CV examples
  • Editable librarian CV templates
  • How to write a librarian CV step by step
  • Choosing the best librarian CV format
  • FAQs about CVs for library jobs

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    Librarian CV example

    Librarian cv example

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    Librarian CV templates

    Explore our selection of professional CV templates designed to showcase your experience clearly and neatly. Each layout is fully customisable, helping you present your skills and career history with confidence.

    How to write a librarian CV (step by step)

    Writing a professional CV is all about presenting your skills, experience and passion for organisation in a clear, structured way. Follow these steps to make your CV both readable and persuasive.

    • Add your contact details

      Start your CV with your essential details — full name, location, phone number, and a professional email address. If relevant, include a LinkedIn profile or online portfolio that showcases projects, publications, or community work. Keep this section clean and simple to maintain a professional first impression.

    • Write a strong personal statement

      Your personal statement (or CV summary) sits at the top of your librarian CV and should quickly show who you are and why you’re right for the role. In 3 or 4 sentences, describe your background, your areas of expertise, and what makes you a valuable addition to the library team.

      Example:

      “Detail-oriented librarian with 6 years’ experience in academic and public library environments. Skilled in digital cataloguing, information literacy training and user support. Dedicated to improving access to resources and promoting a love of reading across all ages.”

      Tailor this section to the specific job, highlighting the skills and experience most relevant to the role you’re applying for.

    • Present your work experience

      This is the core of your librarian CV, where you show how your work experience translates into results. List your roles in reverse-chronological order (most recent first) and use concise bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements.

      Example bullets:

      • Oversaw a collection of 40,000+ titles, ensuring accurate cataloguing using Dewey Decimal and MARC21.
      • Trained 200+ students annually in information retrieval and database searching.
      • Introduced a digital borrowing system that reduced queue times by 30%.
      • Partnered with local schools to promote literacy programmes and reading clubs.

      Use measurable results where possible — they help employers see the real impact of your work.

    • Highlight key librarian skills

      Your skills section is where you showcase the abilities that make you a great librarian. Combine technical, organisational, and interpersonal skills to show a well-rounded profile.

      Examples of skills to include:

      • Cataloguing & metadata (Dewey Decimal, RDA, MARC21)
      • Library management systems (Koha, Alma, Sierra, WorldCat)
      • Research support & database use (JSTOR, ProQuest, EBSCO)
      • Customer service & user support
      • Information literacy & digital learning
      • Collection management & archiving
      • Teamwork, accuracy, and attention to detail

      Focus on skills that match the job description — customisation shows professionalism and improves your CV’s performance in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

    • Include education and qualifications

      Your skills section is where you showcase the abilities that make you a great employee. Employers prefer strong academic backgrounds in relevant subjects. List your degrees, certifications, and any ongoing professional development courses.


      Example:

      • MA Library and Information Studies – University College London (2020)
      • CILIP Chartered Member (MCILIP)
      • Certificate in Digital Information Management
      • Short courses: Metadata Standards, Digital Preservation, User Experience in Libraries

      If you’re early in your career, move the education section above your work experience to highlight your academic credentials.

    • Optional extras

      If space allows, add short sections for:

      • Achievements: e.g. “Introduced a new classification system improving search accuracy by 25%.”
      • Professional memberships, such as CILIP or ALA.
      • Volunteering: great if you’ve supported reading initiatives or local community programmes.

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    What skills should my librarian CV include?

    To impress hiring managers, your librarian CV should demonstrate both the technical precision and the people skills needed to run an efficient, welcoming library. The best CVs balance core professional abilities with the personal qualities that make you approachable and adaptable.

    Must-have skills for your librarian CV

    • Meticulous organisation
    • Computer and database use
    • Archiving and filing know-how
    • Wide-ranging book knowledge
    • Customer service
    • Attention to detail

    Soft skills to set you apart

    • CILIP qualified
    • Friendly and approachable
    • A passion for literature
    • Great with numbers
    • Teamworking skill

    Your librarian CV questions, answered

    What makes a great librarian CV?

    Like any good library, librarian CVs need to be fully stocked and well-organised. Sections on experience, key skills, and a professional summary should be packed with everything the recruiter is looking for.

    What are the key responsibilities of a librarian?

    Librarians are responsible for organising, distributing, and collecting books. They may also be in charge of other items like films, CDs, magazines, and academic material. Librarians will often conduct audits as well as managing finance and ordering new resources.

    What are the top qualities of a librarian?

    Organisation is top of the list for any librarian. That should be paired with a friendly, approachable manner, good mathematical skills, and of course a love for all kinds of books.

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    Curate your skills with an impressive CV

    Ready to take the next step as a librarian? Let myPerfectCV help you find what you’re looking for. Our quick and easy CV builder combines professional templates and pre-written content tailored to librarian roles. Build and check out the CV you need in no time!

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