Do I need a degree or a library qualification?

Usually not for assistant roles. Customer service, tidy records and a willingness to help people matter most, and qualifications can come later.

What if I have never worked in a library?

Use shop, school, reception or volunteering experience to show that you are friendly, organised and happy to help people with questions.

Should I mention that I love reading?

Briefly, yes, but back it up with something real such as running a book group. Employers also want to see that you enjoy helping other people find something to read.

Library assistant CV example

A strong library assistant CV shows friendly service to all kinds of visitors, care with books and records, and confidence helping people with computers and questions. Include any work with children or community groups, and mention your DBS check if you have one.

Lily Chen

Library assistant

lily@example.com / 07700 900172 / Manchester

Profile

Welcoming library assistant with experience serving a wide range of readers in a busy community library. Confident using a library management system, helping visitors with computers and supporting children's reading sessions. Holds a current enhanced DBS check and enjoys helping people find what they need.

Experience

Library Assistant

a busy public library

Issued, returned and renewed books on the library system and dealt with reservations and fines

Helped visitors find books, use the self-service machines and print, scan and copy documents

Set up and supported weekly rhyme time for around 25 children and parents, greeting families as they arrived

Shelved returned items every day so stock stayed in order and easy to find

Helped older visitors get online, for example to book appointments or fill in forms

Bookshop Assistant

an independent bookshop

Recommended books to customers and ordered titles that were not in stock

Worked the till and handled cash and card payments accurately

Put new deliveries on the shelves and kept displays fresh

Helped run author events by setting out chairs and welcoming guests

Key skills

Customer service

Library management system

Issuing, returning and reserving items

Shelving and stock tidying

Helping with computers and printing

Children's story and rhyme sessions

Answering enquiries

Accurate record keeping

Helping older and vulnerable visitors

Example · fictional candidate · Blocks design · Use this design

Tips for a library assistant CV

Mention the library system or database you have used, even if it was a school or college one
Show that you enjoy helping everyone, from children to older people, with one short example
Include help with computers, such as printing, email and online forms, since many visitors ask for it
If you have worked with children or vulnerable adults, say whether you hold a DBS check
If you are new, add volunteering such as reading help in a school or running a book group
Say if you are happy to work Saturdays and irregular rotas when the advert asks for it

Applying with a cover letter? See our library assistant cover letter example.