As a library assistant, you’ll be responsible for supporting the efficient running of a library by carrying out tasks such as managing loans and returns or maintaining an orderly environment. Your role will often involve providing excellent customer service and working with librarians to improve the overall library experience.

If you’re looking to write a winning library assistant CV to secure an entry-level position supporting the day-to-day operations of a library, you’ve come to the right place. Our expertly designed example CVs and templates will make writing your application quick and easy. Our resources also include a step-by-step guide to help you better understand how to approach recruitment. If you want to write a library assistant CV that will fly off the shelves, myPerfectCV makes it quick and easy. 

Keep reading for:

  • Sample library assistant CV
  • Library assistant CV templates
  • The best format for your library assistant CV
  • How to write a winning CV for a library assistant
  • Top dos and don’ts for library assistant CV writing

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    Sample library assistant CV

    library assistant cv template

    Angela Lombardo
    82 Boleyn Road
    London N1 2JG
    07912 345 678
    angela.lombardo@example-example.co.uk

    Professional Summary

    Customer-centred Library Assistant with 10 years of experience, adept at working with diverse personality types and able to provide top-notch service. Knowledgeable in circulation procedures and payment processing.

    Work History

    Library Assistant, 06/2018 – Current
    Hendon Library, London

    • Handled check-in and check-out process of library books and materials at the circulation desk.
    • Organised summer reading programmes for children between the ages of 8 and 12 which drew a positive public response.
    • Gained a strong understanding of various methods for cataloguing books and other materials.

    Library Assistant, 03/2014 – 05/2018
    The British Library, London

    • Created fliers to post throughout the library to inform visitors and patrons of upcoming events including book clubs, meetings and special programmes
    • Assisted patrons with library computers and provided information on logging onto Internet-connected devices.
    • Placed returned books on proper circulation shelf locations.

    Library Services Assistant, 12/2010 – 02/2014
    Marylebone Library, London

    • Answered questions from patrons and helped locate desired materials.
    • Marketed the library’s services to visitors and patrons through active communication.
    • Greeted patrons warmly and offered to assist with any issues or needs.

    Education

    A-Levels, Modern Languages and History, 2010
    Couldson College, London

    Skills

    • Customer service
    • Scheduling
    • Children’s programmes
    • Inter-library loans
    • Written and verbal communication
    • Shelf reading
    • Database management
    • Reference assistance
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    Library assistant CV templates

    If you’re unsure where to start or don’t want to create a CV from scratch, using our tried and tested CV templates will make the CV writing process seamless. Simply choose one of the templates below or browse our design library to find a CV that reflects your personality and the nature of the library assistant job.

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    The best format for your library assistant CV

    It’s said you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover – but when recruiters spend just up to six seconds looking at a CV, a professional CV template is a must. Always follow a clear structure with subheadings and bullet points to make your information easier to read. It’s also vital to know how to organise the sections of your CV and the best way to do it is to decide which CV format you want to adopt.

    The two most popular CV formats are reverse chronological and functional. The reverse chronological format is the standard format for many professions, including librarianship. It lists your work experience immediately below your personal statement, starting with your most recent job and working backwards. It highlights your career path, making it an ideal format if you already have a strong and consistent work history. Here are the key benefits of using the reverse chronological format:

    • It showcases your career growth and relevant experience.
    • It’s easy to follow when a job you’re applying to requires direct experience.
    • Most employers and recruiters prefer this format because they’re familiar with it.

    The functional (or skills-based) format focuses on your skills and achievements rather than your work history. It organises your CV information into skill categories, making it easier to showcase job-related skills. It can be ideal if you have gaps in your employment history, are changing careers, or if you’re entering the workforce for the first time straight out of school. Here’s why you may use the skills-based format:

    • It highlights key skills tailored to the role you wish to secure.
    • It’s ideal for candidates with non-linear career paths.
    • It draws attention away from any unrelated work history or career gaps.
    Choose your format now

    How to write an effective CV for a library assistant

    To help you with your job search, we’ve created a guide that covers all the elements of a successful library assistant CV. From learning how to structure your CV to listing specific skills, our expert tips will help you create a winning application that highlights your strengths as a library assistant. This section covers:

    Adding contact details to your library assistant CV

    Start your CV for a library assistant role by providing your contact details: your full name, address, email, and phone number. Make sure you use a professional email, preferably with just your first and last name. Here’s how it should look:

    Example of contact section for a library assistant CV

    Angela Lombardo
    82 Boleyn Road
    London N1 2JG
    07912 345 678
    angela.lombardo@example-example.co.uk

    Writing your library assistant CV’s personal statement

    Your personal statement is the first section of your library assistant CV. Like an opening line in a book, this paragraph needs to grab your recruiter’s attention and make them want to read on. That means it’s important to include your most important information here.

    In two to three sentences, you should outline your professional background, key areas of expertise, and any particular achievements. Make sure to avoid clichés to help your application stand out from the crowd.

    Example of personal statement for a library assistant CV

    Organised and customer-focused library assistant with over two years of experience in public and academic libraries. Skilled in cataloguing materials, assisting patrons in locating resources and managing circulation systems. Committed to supporting library operations and promoting a love of reading and lifelong learning in the community.

    OR

    Enthusiastic and detail-oriented individual with a strong passion for literature and information management seeking an entry-level role as a library assistant. Skilled at providing excellent customer service, organising materials, and learning new systems quickly. Committed to creating a positive experience for library users while supporting the day-to-day operations of the library.

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    Adding an experience section to your library assistant CV

    Work experience is an important part of any library assistant CV, even if you don’t have any formal work experience. This section provides an opportunity to highlight any relevant volunteering or unpaid work that demonstrates your ability to support the library’s work. Volunteer experience can help you highlight your skills in organising materials, assisting library users, or helping with library events.

    This section lets you emphasise your potential and passion for working in a library. When listing your roles, start with your most recent or current position and work backwards. For each position, include

    • Job title, company name, and location
    • The start and end dates
    • A concise list of duties and responsibilities
    • Achievements or promotions (optional)

    Use these additional tips to create a concise and dynamic work experience section to stand out to employers:

    • Avoid repetition: If you’ve worked or volunteered in different areas of the library, use each opportunity to highlight different skills. For example, one role might emphasise customer service, while another might focus on helping with cataloguing or shelving.
    • Quantify your experience: Whenever possible, include measurable outcomes. For example, “assisted 50+ patrons daily” or “organised over 200 new book acquisitions” can help give employers a clear picture of your impact.
    • Highlight your versatility: Mention how you adapt to different library environments, whether public libraries, schools or universities, and how you meet the specific needs of each location or user group.

    Example of work experience for a library assistant CV

    Volunteer Library Assistant
    Greenwood Community Library, Springfield
    June 2023 – Current

    • Assisted library staff with cataloguing and shelving books, ensuring materials were organised and easily accessible.
    • Provided customer service by answering patrons’ enquiries and directing them to the appropriate resources.
    • Supported the organisation of library events, including book clubs and reading sessions for children and adults.

    Library Assistant Intern
    Sunnydale High School Library, Sunnydale
    September 2022 – May 2023

    • Assisted with the maintenance of the library’s digital catalogue and helped students locate research materials for coursework.
    • Managed the daily inventory of library materials, ensuring new books were added and outdated ones were removed.
    • Supported library outreach by promoting reading initiatives and assisting students with book recommendations.

    Top skills for your library assistant CV

    Library assistant positions require a blend of technical skills and personal qualities that make you effective, reliable and approachable. By highlighting these skills on your CV and matching your strengths to the specific requirements of the role, you will demonstrate your suitability for the position and make a strong impression on potential employers.

    Successful library assistants have strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a good understanding of library systems and technology. Computer skills and knowledge of library management software and digital catalogues are also important in this role. In addition, familiarity with current trends in library resources and digital media can make you stand out. 

    Tick each box by exploring the essential library assistant skills below:

    Essential skills for a library assistant

    • Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
    • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
    • Proficiency in database and library management systems
    • Computer literacy, including software and digital tools
    • Effective self-organisation and multitasking abilities
    • Experience with event planning and coordination

    Desirable aptitudes to set you apart

    • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
    • Ability to read aloud and engage in public speaking
    • Strong knowledge of literature and library resources
    • Effective time management and prioritisation skills
    • Experience with scheduling and managing appointments 

     

    Outlining education on a library assistant CV

    In the UK, a degree is generally not required to work as a library assistant. Most library assistant roles have no formal educational requirements beyond GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. Some roles might require A levels or vocational qualifications, such as NVQs in library services.

    Certain roles in more specialised areas of library work, such as library management or information services, may require a degree or specific qualifications in library and information studies, like a degree accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP). Obtaining one of these may be helpful if you’re planning to progress within the library profession, but in most cases, it can be done while you’re working as a library assistant.

    For a library assistant job, even short courses in areas such as customer service, organisation or library management systems can be valuable. These qualifications not only demonstrate your skills but also show employers that you’re committed to personal development. Here are some additional tips for shaping your CV’s education section:

    • Focus on transferable skills: Mention any training related to library work, such as information management, customer service or organisational skills.
    • Highlight on-the-job training: If you’ve gained skills through volunteering or internships, highlight this experience to demonstrate practical knowledge.
    • Mention continuing education: If you’re currently studying for a qualification or developing new skills, mention this to show your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

    Example of education for a library assistant CV

    Library and Information Services Diploma (Level 3)
    London College of Information Management
    September 2022 – June 2023

    • Focused on library management, cataloguing, information retrieval, and customer service
    • Gained practical skills in using library management software and maintaining library collections

    GCSEs
    Springfield Secondary School, Springfield
    September 2017 – June 2022

    • 8 GCSEs, including English (6), Mathematics (4), and Science (7)

    Top dos and don’ts for library assistant CV writing

    Do

    • DO mention the metrics

      To help your library assistant CV stand out, always include key metrics from your previous positions – whether you served an average of 10 customers a day or maintained a database of 10,000 titles. This will make it easy for your recruiter to quantify your impact.

    • DO use keywords from the library assistant job description

      Your recruiter might use an ATS (applicant tracking system) to find the most relevant CVs. Ensure yours makes the cut by including a range of keywords and phrases from the library assistant job description.

    Don't

    • DON'T avoid proofreading

      From logging ISBN numbers into a database to writing promotional materials, it’s vital to have strong attention to detail as a library assistant. Make the right impression by carefully proofreading your CV before you send it to your recruiter.

    • DON'T forget to show off your customer service skills

      Many library assistant duties are customer-facing. Show recruiters you have the right character for the role by including some positive adjectives to describe your work ethic and personality when writing your personal statement.

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    Your library assistant CV questions answered

    How do I write a good CV for a library assistant job?

    To write a CV for a library assistant job, you’ll need to include the following sections:

    • A personal statement that outlines your current employment, areas of expertise, and key skills.
    • A work experience section that includes your previous positions in reverse chronological order. If you’re a recent graduate without any work experience, you can include Saturday jobs or any extracurricular responsibilities at school or university.
    • A skills section that lists your top eight hard and soft skills.
    • An education section that highlights your most recent academic and professional qualifications.

    How can I highlight transferable skills if I don’t have prior library experience?

    If you don’t have any previous library experience, focus on customer service skills from retail or hospitality jobs, organisational skills from managing events or stock, and attention to detail from tasks such as data entry or proofreading. Communication skills from tutoring, teaching or team-based roles are also key, as is any experience of technology, such as using digital systems or office software.

    What are the duties of a library assistant?

    The duties and responsibilities of a library assistant relate to the daily running of the library. They can include unloading deliveries, processing books that are being borrowed or returned, stacking shelves, and carrying out administrative tasks to support the librarian. Some library assistants may also be responsible for helping to plan events, writing promotional materials, or leading story time in a children’s library.

    What qualification do I need to be a library assistant?

    There are no particular library assistant qualifications required for the role, although a relevant diploma (such as a certificate in libraries, archives, or information services) could help your application stand out. If you’re applying for a role in a specialist library, an employer may prefer you to have a qualification that relates to the subject matter. For example, a history degree could be useful if you want to work at the library in a university history faculty.

    How do I apply for a library assistant job?

    Many library assistant jobs will be advertised on online jobs boards. If this is the case, you can apply by submitting your CV to a recruiter. If you want to work at a particular library, you could approach the librarian directly to find out if there are any vacancies. Lots of libraries will accept students for work experience placements if you want to see whether this career is right for you.

    What is the average salary for a library assistant?

    As of December 2024, the average salary for a library assistant in the UK is between £17,000 and £23,000 a year according to the National Careers Service. Assistants in a specialist university or national library are likely to earn more than those in a local public library.

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