To write a winning librarian cover letter, you need to craft an engaging document that conveys your passion for library science and community outreach. Tell your unique story as a librarian by featuring your most notable achievements and experiences. This guide provides expert tips and examples to help you build an eye-catching cover letter and land your next interview.
Librarian Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
How To Write a Librarian Cover Letter
A great librarian cover letter needs to capture the nuances of your professional experience. Beyond simply reiterating details from your resume, you need to weave a compelling narrative that illustrates your unique journey in librarian science. Think about the role you play in your community and the collections you’ve curated. These kinds of details can help you truly stand out in today’s competitive job market. Below, we’ll provide tips to help you craft each section of your librarian cover letter:
1. Contact information and salutation
In the header of your librarian cover letter, list your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Be sure to address the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.” Avoid salutations such as “To Whom It May Concern,” as this language is more direct and personal.
2. Introduction
The introduction is a crucial element of your librarian cover letter. Your opening paragraph sets the tone for your application and serves as your first opportunity to hook the reader. Lead with engaging, high-impact content that tells a compelling story. Highlight your years of experience as a librarian and the types of collections you’ve managed. Emphasize your passion for library science and making a positive impact on communities, students, and academics. Be sure to feature one of your most defining achievements to round out your introduction on a strong note.
Example
I’m reaching out regarding the library position with Portland University. As an assistant librarian at Reed College, I provided collection development support for a university library with over 2,000 patrons. I also coordinated closely with the librarian to acquire new journals, books, and academic texts. My unique background in library science and collection management would make me a valuable asset to your team.
3. Body paragraphs
In the body paragraphs of your librarian cover letter, feature your most notable achievements and qualifications. Start by mentioning something about the library’s mission statement or reputation and why this draws you to apply for the opportunity. Showcase aspects of your experience as a librarian that match the organization’s needs. In the example below, the candidate draws attention to how they helped diversify collections at a college library, which provides unique insights into who they are as a professional.
Example
Temple University’s mission to drive diversity and inclusion within academia and the community strongly resonates with me as an academic professional. I can support the continuation of this mission based on the following accomplishments throughout my career:
- Managed a $2 million annual library budget, liaised with donors, and performed grant writing to secure over $700,000 in funding for community initiatives and collection development efforts
- Led an initiative to provide academic resources, counseling, and tutoring to high school students at local schools within the inner city to prepare for college applications
- Partnered with minority-led academic councils to diversify collections and provide support for underrepresented voices in literature, film, and academia
4. Librarian skills and qualifications
While it’s unnecessary to feature a long list of skills on your librarian cover letter, you can use this as an opportunity to demonstrate how you’ve applied your knowledge of library science in professional settings. Pay close attention to the job description and incorporate key terms that fit naturally in your paragraphs. Below, we’ve compiled a list of skills to consider highlighting in your document:
| Key Skills and Qualifications | |
|---|---|
| Acquisitions | Analytical thinking |
| Cataloging | Circulation procedures |
| Classification criteria | Collection management |
| Communication | Community outreach |
| Database management | Digital collections |
| Interlibrary loans | Labeling |
| Library management systems | Library science |
| Preservation | Research |
| Strategic planning | Teaching |
| Technology | |
5. Closing section
Finalize your librarian cover letter with a call to action that invites the hiring manager to bring you in for an interview. Emphasize how your unique background and expertise in library science could benefit the institution you’re targeting. Be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration in the last sentence.
Example
I would like to schedule an interview to provide more insights into how my expertise in community outreach can aid the San Diego Public Library. You can contact me with any questions you may have at your earliest convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sarah Taylor
Librarian Cover Letter Tips
1. Emphasize your passion for library science
Librarians have a highly specialized profession that is unique both inside and outside of academia. To make a lasting impression on the hiring manager, it’s important to emphasize your passion for library science and making a positive impact. Tell your unique story as a librarian and how you’ve helped to educate and support communities.
2. Feature collection development and management skills
Developing and managing collections is an essential aspect of any librarian role. As you craft your cover letter, be sure to emphasize the types and sizes of the catalogs you managed using tangible examples from your professional experience. For example, you might mention that you supported efforts to diversify collections and procure works from underrepresented voices.
3. Highlight your technical acumen
The role of the librarian has evolved over time. Although physical books are still managed, librarians also need to have the necessary technical skills to oversee digital collections. Before submitting your cover letter, carefully review the job description and incorporate specific software and technologies the library is looking for.
Librarian Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
Sarah Taylor
Librarian | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 Address St., San Diego, CA 12345
January 1, 2024
Jose Marquez
Hiring Manager
San Diego Public Library
(987) 654-3210
[email protected]
Dear Mr. Marquez,
With five years of experience as a librarian, I’ve developed an expertise in collection management. During my time with the Santa Cruz Public Library, I managed library operations for a public institution with over 800 patrons. I led various projects and initiatives to bring resources to the local community, which makes me an ideal candidate for the librarian position at the San Diego Public Library.
Your organization’s mission to provide English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring for the local population strongly resonates with me as a professional librarian. I can help to further these goals and foster positive community relationships based on my professional achievements:
- Integrated new technology for the library, negotiated vendor contracts, and acquired new PCs, laptops, tablets, and whiteboards valued at $250,000
- Developed partnerships with local businesses and academic institutions to drive community outreach for the development of an ESL tutoring program for adults and children
- Managed a collection of 1,000 texts, books, magazines, and films and led collection development efforts to grow the library
I would like to schedule an interview to provide more insights into how my expertise in community outreach can aid the San Diego Public Library. You can contact me with any questions you may have at your earliest convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sarah Taylor
Librarian Cover Letter FAQs
Why should I include a librarian cover letter?-
Although not every job posting will require a cover letter, writing one can help bolster your chances of landing the interview. This displays your genuine interest in the position and allows you to highlight the nuances of who you are as a professional that you wouldn’t normally include on a resume.
How do I make my librarian cover letter stand out?-
To make your cover letter stand out, customize it for each individual job you apply for. The most important aspect of this is showing the hiring manager how your values and experience align with the library’s culture and mission. For example, if an organization is focused on community outreach, make this aspect a focal point of your cover letter.
Are cover letters becoming obsolete?-
Many believe cover letters are a thing of the past. While cover letters aren’t always required, taking the time to write one demonstrates your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the role you’re applying for. This can sometimes make all the difference in generating interviews during the job search.
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