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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.

Top library and museum resume examples

Library Clerk

Curator

School Librarian

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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.

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 managementImaginative and creative
Knowledge of applications such as MS PowerPointDetail-oriented
Curriculum developmentPresentation skills
Knowledge of fundraising eventsCreativity
Proficiency in database systemsCollaboration
Interviewing and onboardingInterpersonal skills
CatalogingWritten and verbal communication skills
Event managementTeam management
Knowledge of library services and programsAdaptability
Proficiency in several languagesNegotiation 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.