Mastering your librarian cover letter is like cataloging a new library collection — both require precision, passion, and understanding of the content.
As custodians of knowledge, librarians juggle various pivotal responsibilities, from inventory management to creating memorable guest experiences. This guide draws upon effective tips, real-world examples, and customizable templates to help you pen a cover letter that could open the doors to your dream library.
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And so, keep reading to learn all about:
- Properly formatting your cover letter’s header and headline
- Tailoring content elements in your librarian cover letter
- Writing a compelling cover letter introduction
- Describing your relevant skills and accomplishments as a librarian
- Crafting a persuasive cover letter conclusion
- Accessing the best job search resources for librarians
Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.
1. How to properly format your librarian cover letter’s header and headline
Like any good library, a well-written cover letter requires excellent organization — and making your cover letter appear well-organized requires a header and headline.
A cover letter header should always be the first element you include on the page, generally place in the top left corner. This header includes key information, such as:
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact details
- The name of the employer you are sending the letter to
Here is an example of a well-formatted librarian cover letter header
Sam Wise, School Librarian
(123) 456-7890 | samwise@email.com | linkedin.com/in/sam-wise
To: Millway Elementary School
Librarian’s Department
1234 Street Address
Naples, FL 34102
After your header is in place, a few spaces down is where you will place your cover letter headline.
Though widely considered an optional element on a cover letter, a headline can be highly effective at hooking an employer’s attention when a few key details are included, such as:
- A relevant keyword (such as the name of the position)
- An eye-catching number or trigger word (such as “My Top 3 Skills”)
- A memorable adjective or verb (such as “Achieve” or “Apply”)
- A personalized statement that directly addresses the employer
Here is an example of a strong headline from a librarian cover letter
My 3-Step Approach to Optimizing Library Organization & How I Will Apply it at Your Library
Trigger Word/Number: 3-Step Approach
Keyword: Library
Adjective/Verb: Optimizing, Apply
Personalized Statement: Your Library
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2. Tailor your librarian cover letter to the job
The personalization process does not end with the statement found in your headline. To make your cover letter truly memorable for employers, you must include as much personalized information as possible. This may include:
- Specific goals or values of a company
- Key skills or qualifications the company has stated a preference for
- The name of the person at the company who will read your cover letter
Using this last detail, you can create a personalized greeting that addresses this person by name.
Here are 3 examples of personalized librarian cover letter greetings
- Dear Head Librarian Susan Pickle,
- Dear Mrs. Susan Pickle,
- Dear Principal Harold Claymaker,
3. How to write an eye-catching librarian cover letter introduction
With your header and headline in place and your personalized information ready to be used, you can now begin writing your introduction.
A cover letter introduction should only be one paragraph long, comprised of two to four sentences. In this introduction, some of the most important information to include is:
- A concise summary of your professional history, specializations, and credentials
- A statement on why your enthusiasm for this profession
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible) that can speak to your qualifications
Pro Tip: Mutual acquaintances can include a wide variety of people, from professional associates to former employees. Make sure to choose someone who is trusted and respected by the employer. If you do not have a mutual acquaintance, try using LinkedIn to expand your network and gain new connections.
Here is an example of a stellar introduction on a librarian cover letter:
Dear Head Librarian Susan Pickle,
I am a seasoned school librarian with more than 10 years of experience working in middle and high school libraries. With a dual degree in Library Studies and Education, I focus my career on expanding the minds of students through literature. Mr. Logan Rogers — your school’s retired principal — is one of my most treasured professional mentors and recommended I apply for this opening.
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4. How to describe your relevant skills and accomplishments as a librarian
After completing your introduction and hooking the employer’s attention, you can move on to describing your key qualifications in greater detail.
Unlike a resume, a cover letter gives you ample space to fully explain and provide context for your notable skills and accomplishments. As you describe these qualifications, make sure the information you include is highly relevant, concisely worded, and specific to the job you are applying for.
Here are 6 skills to describe in a librarian cover letter:
- Shelf organization
- Re-stocking books
- Managing book waitlists
- Processing late fees
- Membership onboarding
- Library technology
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a librarian cover letter
As the assistant library manager at [Former Employer], I oversaw the ordering of books and designing of book displays. After increasing the library’s inventory by nearly 10%, the library saw a 40% rise in new memberships thanks to my curated selection of new reading materials.
5. How to craft a persuasive librarian cover letter conclusion
You have reached the end of your cover letter — now, it’s time to make sure you hear back from the employer.
The conclusion to your librarian cover letter should be persuasive, encouraging the employer to contact you and giving specific instructions on how to do so. Always include your best form of contact, even if you have already listed it in your header.
Here is an example of a persuasive conclusion from a librarian’s cover letter
With my years of experience with not just keeping libraries well-organized but also expanding public awareness and visitation, I guarantee I will be a valuable addition to your team. I am keen on discussing this position with you further and hope to hear from you by next Thursday. Please contact me at (123) 456-7890 any time during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.
Yours Truly,
[Applicant Name]
If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two.
6. Best job search resources for librarians
Stepping into the info-savvy world of librarianship requires a solid roadmap. Whether you're exploring first-time opportunities or looking to advance your existing library career, here are the prime job search resources that should be on your radar.
- Industry-specific job boards: ALA JobLIST and LISjobs specialize in library and information science opportunities, providing a wide array of relevant listings that span the field.
- General job boards: Platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor might be broad, but they're also treasure troves of varied library job postings.
- Volunteer-driven resources: I Need a Library Job (INALJ) is unique in its approach, run by voluntary library professionals and featuring an extensive database for job seekers in this field.
- Networking: Harness the potential of networking, both online (through LinkedIn) and offline (at-library conferences and seminars). Connecting with peers can reveal hidden opportunities and valuable recommendations.
As librarians, you are masters in the art of information gathering. Remember to apply this skill to your job hunt, and success will be just around the corner.
Librarian Cover Letter FAQ
Your cover letter should include your contact information, the date, and the recipient's details. Introduce yourself, reflect on why you're suitable for the role, highlight relevant skills and experiences, and conclude by thanking the reader and expressing your availability for further discussion.
A well-formatted cover letter follows a standard structure: salutation, introduction, body, and closing. It should be typed in a professional font, sized between 10-12 points. Include a header, align text to the left, and keep your cover letter to a single page.
Highlight both hard and soft skills - like cataloging, database management, customer service, and interpersonal communication. Be sure to align these with the job requirements.
Personalize it. Share specific instances where you've demonstrated relevant skills or made notable achievements. Research the library to understand its culture and needs, then tailor your cover letter to show how you can contribute.
Generally, references are not included in the cover letter. They either go in your resume or are presented when the prospective employer requests them.
