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Library and museum professionals maintain collectible documents and other media such as audio files, videos and artifacts, attend to patrons, prepare and catalogue materials, keep records, supervise budgets, carry out and assist with research, and conduct events like fundraisers. To excel in this field, you need excellent communication skills, and research and organizational abilities, along with technical skills like maintaining databases and administrative support.
To get your own career as a library or museum employee going, use these expert resume examples and tips.
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Top library and museum resume examples
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How to build your resume for a library & museum career
Make sure your resume presents the right information and gets you the job you want, using these tips.
Career Track: Library & Museum Curation
Job roles in this career track include school and head librarians, library clerks, curators and conservators, with a decent employment outlook: librarians are predicted to see a 5% growth in employment opportunities by 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Library Clerk $27,490 Median Salary
Resume Format
Functional Resume
Ideal for first-time job seekers, a functional resume highlights your top skills and training. For this position, emphasize skills that fit what the employer is looking for, such as proficiency with library equipment and databases, inventory management, or a customer-oriented approach.
Summary Statement Tip
Keep this section to the point: two to three sentences. Mention top skills and qualifications that are in sync with what the job posting requires. For example, if the job calls for using an automated computer system for book check-outs, you could write: “Dependable Library Clerk with experience in RFID book check-out systems, cataloging and administrative work.”
Skills to feature
- Database management
- Computer applications like Microsoft Office
- Facilities maintenance
- Customer service
- Organizational skills
- Management skills
- Attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills
Get to the next level
Gain experience and expertise in the following areas, and include them in your resume:
- Complete advanced training in library sciences (e.g., library science certification, or Master’s degree in Library Science).
- Show experience in all facets of library work, including administration and attending to users.
- Show work responsibilities and projects where you took the lead.
School Librarian $59,500 Median Salary
Resume Format
Combination Resume
For a more advanced position like this one, a combination resume can perfectly represent both your skills and experiences. In your resume, emphasize your experience working with (and explaining) library systems and information resources, as well as your administrative abilities and your skill in developing and promoting special programs.
Summary statement tip
In a few sentences, explain your career highlights, including your strengths, workplace achievements, and areas of expertise. For example: “Multitasking Librarian with 4 years of experience maintaining collections of reading material and managing day-to-day operations for community library serving over 10,000 patrons.”
Skills to feature
- Expert communicator
- Interpersonal skills
- Hyper-organized
- Customer support
- eReader lab expert
- Event management
- Administrative skills
- Computer applications such as Microsoft Office or Libby
- Budget solving
- Database management
- Bilingual
- Inventory management
- Reporting and documentation
Get to the next level
Consider gaining expertise in the following to move further in your career as a librarian:
- Complete advanced degree in library science, or related field.
- Gain hands-on experience of working in different settings (e.g., specialized libraries, museums).
- Show examples of responsibilities, projects or events where you displayed leadership.
Curator$49,850 Median Salary
Resume Format
Chronological Resume
Ideal for more senior-level jobs, the chronological resume focuses on work experience and achievements. When putting your resume together, highlight your successes in creating and adding to collections, leading staff in acquisition efforts, putting together educational programs, and administering budgets.
Summary statement tip
In this section, present your best qualifications and expertise in a few sentences, making sure they align with the job you want. For example, if the job emphasizes artifact curation, you could write: “Motivated curator with 7 years’ experience in acquiring, cataloging and maintaining Asian artifacts.”
Skills to feature
- Communication
- Eye for detail
- Research abilities
- Budget management
- Customer service
- Organizational skills
- Fundraising
- Database management
- Staff management
- Event planning
- Collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Vendor and contractor management
Get to the next level
Consider adding the following to your resume:
- Attain Ph.D. in your subject of expertise, with research and publication credits to your name.
- Show examples of successful workshops and events you’ve created and managed.
- Show success in fundraising efforts.
Recommended library and museum resume templates
Give your resume the right look with one of our free, employer-ready templates:
Professional
This elegant, streamlined resume template is suitable for virtually any job. With judicious use of spacing to separate each section, it’s also easy to customize, depending on if you want to emphasize your skills or work history.
Whitespace
This sleek design uses italicized, capitalized section headings for quick reference, without sacrificing readability. Simple but strong lines highlight the header.
Charismatic
A mix of color and black resume fonts for the header ensures that the job applicant’s name will be noticed. Each section is organized using sleek dividing lines.
For more professional layouts you can use, check out our resume template page.
Library and museum resume FAQ
What are some top skills you can use in your library and museum resume?
| Technical skills: | Soft skills: |
| Materials and inventory management | Imaginative and creative |
| Knowledge of applications such as MS PowerPoint | Detail-oriented |
| Curriculum development | Presentation skills |
| Knowledge of fundraising events | Creativity |
| Proficiency in database systems | Collaboration |
| Interviewing and onboarding | Interpersonal skills |
| Cataloging | Written and verbal communication skills |
| Event management | Team management |
| Knowledge of library services and programs | Adaptability |
| Proficiency in several languages | Negotiation skills |
| Administrative skills | |
| Recordkeeping | |
| Training and development |
| Technical skills: |
| Materials and inventory management |
| Knowledge of applications such as MS PowerPoint |
| Curriculum development |
| Knowledge of fundraising events |
| Proficiency in database systems |
| Interviewing and onboarding |
| Cataloging |
| Event management |
| Knowledge of library services and programs |
| Proficiency in several languages |
| Administrative skills |
| Recordkeeping |
| Training and development |
| Soft skills: |
| Imaginative and creative |
| Detail-oriented |
| Presentation skills |
| Time management |
| Creativity |
| Collaboration |
| Interpersonal skills |
| Written and verbal communication skills |
| Team management |
| Adaptability |
| Negotiation skills |
What is ATS, and how do I make my resume ATS-friendly?
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are often used by employers to scan resumes for the right keywords, and filter through worthy job candidates. To get your resume ATS-ready, follow these guidelines:
- Use a professional resume template for your resume: A design using unusual fonts or graphics might confuse ATS.
- Use the right keywords: Look over the job description, pick out phrases that describe the job’s major requirements, and address those keywords in your resume. For example, if the job favors someone who can write web content and use social media, include any skills or experiences you have in this area.
- Use standard headings: Follow the lead of our examples, and use standardized headings for each section (e.g., “Skills,” or “Work History”). Titles like “My Career Story” might confuse ATS.
How do you customize your resume for different job opportunities?
Every time you apply for a job, you should update your resume to feature skills and experiences that match what the job needs. Think of your summary statement, work history and skills sections as “fluid” — much of the same content may stay there when you apply for a different job, but you will likely emphasize different things depending on the job. For example, if the job lays emphasis on “fundraising events,” you should feature skills and experiences that tie in with fundraising prominently in your resume. For more tips on tailoring your resume, see our article How to Create a Targeted Resume.
