We've had a lot of requests for elementary librarian interview questions lately. These days school librarian and media specialist jobs can be hard to come by so it's important to make the best impression during an interview. Knowing how you'd answer some of the top questions ahead of time can give you a leg up on the competition. Use these questions to ensure you're prepared.
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1. Tell me about yourself.
Here's an opportunity to give the interview committee some personal information about yourself. This part of the interview is critical – it gives the committee a chance to learn more about you as a person, not just a librarian. If the committee is able to connect on a personal level, it will make everyone feel more at ease during the interview process.
I always start by telling the interviewers where I grew up, a little about my college experience, work experience before I started in education, and how I got into education. I also talk about my husband and children, hobbies, and how I’m involved in church and other community activities.
2. Tell us about your qualifications for the position of Library Media Specialist.
Always start with your experience. Experience means much more than education. Have you been a librarian before? Talk about your years of experience. How have you impacted student learning and encouraged reading? Or if you have been a teacher, but not a librarian, talk about your experience as a classroom teacher. If you have never been a librarian or classroom teacher, talk about a practicum experience or other experiences in the library.
3. What is your vision for the school library?
This is a tough question to answer, and may vary based on your personal education philosophy. I recommend having some notes available to refer to, or better yet, a handout that details your mission and vision for a hypothetical school library.
If I were answering this question, I would say something like this:
I believe school libraries are a critical component of student learning in the 21st Century. The library should be at the heart of every school – it belongs to all students and teachers, not solely a librarian. Ir is a place for learning and discovering within the context of our academic standards and beyond. The library is also a place to help students learn to effectively and efficiently find information, both in print and online. However, our most important job as librarians is to help students discover a love for independent reading.
4. How could you, as the school librarian, connect what you do in the library to today’s emphasis on student achievement and the Common Core standards?
The librarian should collaborate with teachers whenever possible in order to make curricular connections and assist with teaching Common Core standards. If the library schedule is flexible, this collaboration could be regularly scheduled. If not, it will have to be more informal. You can find some of our ideas for teacher collaboration on a fixed schedule in this post.
The good news here is that if you are using Elementary Librarian's library lesson plans, they are aligned to both Common Core standards and AASL standards. If the principal/hiring committee is really into standards (I think most are these days), they will appreciate that.
5. How would you promote reading?
I could talk about this one all day long. We use Accelerated Reader at my school, so check out this post for lots of ideas on that. You could also discuss book fairs, book talks, book trailers, summer reading programs, collaboration with the local public library, author visits, book review blogs, etc.
6. How would you integrate technology into your instruction?
This answer to this question may vary based on the technology available, but here’s a sample answer.
I will teach students to use the online library catalog to find books in our library. We will also learn how to efficiently and effectively find information online using online encyclopedias and search engines. I will regularly model the ethical use of information to students and teachers. Also, I plan to attend conferences and professional development events to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in educational technology.
7. What is your collection development and maintenance strategy?
I regularly survey students and teachers to find out the types of books they would like to read. Also, I seek out professional reviews from publications like School Library Journal and Booklist, and read recommendations on collection development tools like Follett Titlewave. Of course, I try to regularly read children’s books for consideration as well. And I regularly weed the library’s collection to make room for the most recent and relevant information.
8. How do you deal with discipline problems?
This question also comes down to personal preference, but here’s what I do.
I put behavior procedures in place starting on day one. You can find all our library behavior information by signing up for our free library lesson plans. Also, check out the post about behavior management in the library and our podcast about How Class Dojo is Changing My Library. The main concern with this question is the interviewer wants to be sure you're able to handle your own classroom issues, with the exception of extreme cases.
9. What are your weaknesses?
Ah, an interview classic. I hate this question for so many reasons, but someone has probably been asked it in almost every interview I've ever been a part of, so be prepared for it. Ask ten people for advice on how to answer this question and you'll get ten different ideas. Respond with a genuine weakness and what can be done to overcome it. This shows that you acknowledge your shortcomings and are constantly trying to improve.
I always say that math is a weak point for me (which is true), and jokingly add, "that's why I became a librarian." Of course, I can then follow that up by talking about how technology has helped me improve my math skills through a love of working with data in spreadsheets (nerd alert!). Math might not be my strong suit, but Excel doesn't make mistakes.
Try to avoid using weakness that could be viewed as a strength, such as, "I'm a total workaholic! My job is amazing. It's the place I want to be more than anywhere else." To me, this is totally fake, desperate, and untrue. Just don't do it.
10. What are your favorite children's books?
Bring a list. Always. Trust me - your mind will go blank in this moment. It's happened to me before and I'm pretty sure it cost me that position. Name and describe a few favorite titles and why you enjoy them. I think it's nice to choose some books that maybe aren't award winners or super well known. If you've worked in an education environment in the past, share student reactions to the books as well.
Another thing to consider on this question: be aware of classic books and have a few in mind to discuss. I totally blanked out on this question at another interview.
Questions for the Panel
Toward the end of the interview, the principal (or main interviewer) will inevitably say, "Do you have any questions?" Always be prepared for this. Have questions written out ahead of time. Some of them may have already been covered during the interview process, but try to ask a couple of questions anyway. This shows you've done your homework and also relays how serious you are about the position.
Scheduling: What type of scheduling would you have - fixed or flexible? A combination? Ask to see a copy if it's available.- Extra duties: Besides the library, what other responsibilities does the librarian have? Is there time built into the schedule for those extra responsibilities?
Help: Is there a library assistant? Are parent volunteers available? Would students be available to help during the school day?
Technology: What kinds of technology are available to use in the library? Does the school subscribe to any online databases or other web based programs?
More Elementary Librarian Interview Tips
It's always a good idea to leave the interview committee with something that demonstrates your work. Once, I lost a position to someone who created a large binder of ideas for the committee. I brought only a resume and a couple of book lists.
Here are some ideas of things you could leave with the committee:
- Sample mission and vision statement for the library
- Lesson plans you've created (or use some of mine)
- Activities you might use in your classroom
- Links to Prezis or LiveBinders you've created (you can find mine here)
- Lists of favorite books
- Library rules
- Links to book trailers or other products you've created
Finally, be prepared for anything. I once went to an interview where they told me I would have 30 minutes to create a presentation outlining the story elements of a book of my choice. Then, I had to present it to the committee. I had no idea I would be doing this, but it just so happened that I had a paper copy of a similar Powerpoint I'd created with me. That would have been really tough to do if I didn't have that outline. Expect the unexpected.
Good luck!
Do you have an elementary librarian interview coming up? What questions do you wish I had covered? If you've been a librarian for a while, what did I leave out? Leave your suggestions in the comments.
This was fantastic!!! Your tips are amazing and so is your site. Thank you so much for your incite.
Here's a question I recently got in an interview: "What would you say to a parent if they had an objection to a certain book being in the library?"
Thank you so much! I received my MLS many years ago but have never actually been a librarian. I have been an out-of-work teacher for some time and am trying to get back in there. An actual media specialist position came up just now (they are VERY rare) and I would really like to wow them if I get selected for an interview. This gave me a huge (and scary) amount of insight to seem like I can really do the job.
I appreciate the time you have taken to share this valuable information! 🙂
helpful questions
I've had all of these questions before and not necessarily at the same interview. Your answers are awesome. I wish that I had had this before. Now I've got an edge that I was missing. (I once left an interview where the principal repeatedly told me"good answer," and I still didn't get the job. I couldn't figure out what I was missing. Thank you!
I have an interview tomorrow and this helps so much! I am still nervous, but I feel more prepared to handle what comes my way! Thank you for taking the time to post this.
Jennifer, how did your interview go? I have an interview tomorrow - would appreciate any tips from your interview.
I have an interview tomorrow and would love more advice too!
Retired Library Media Specialist. Happy to know that you are motivated to keep sclool libraries. I loved my job. Libraries are a special place for srudents.
Reading what you shared made my day. I have been retired 19 years.
I truly believe in your mission statement. Often I find myself telling students the library belongs to them. I manage the books etc for them. If you don't mind I would love to use your mission in my portfolio I am preparing?
Thanks in advance for your consideration in this matter.
C. P.
No problem, Candy. I am happy to help.
thank you very much
how old were you when you first started in a library or owned a library.
Thank you for suggesting to bring some ideas/examples of work. I recently had an interview and, after reading this, I decided to bring some sample lesson plans and booklists. I think it made a difference! I have a second interview with that same school tomorrow...
Thanks for the tips.
Thank you so much for your tips! I have an elementary library media specialist interview tomorrow, and your questions were very helpful!
Your post has been a life saver! I have an interview and didn't know what type of questions I'd be asked. Thank you so much!
Thank You very much for sharing your information with us. I have a librarian job interview this Monday at an Elementary school. I have never been a librarian before, but I love books and I love libraries. I have always seen myself working in a library. I am extremely nervous an very I feel very insecure. Are there any questions about the dewey decimal system, cataloguing, referencing, circulation, and all those library knowledge and functions during the interview dor an elementary librarian position?
I recently went to an interview for an elementary opening. They asked me 10 questions in 10 minutes! These are the ones I remember that differ from yours.
1. Describe a recent event you planned in the library.
2. How would you help a second grade teacher with a struggling reader?
3. In ten years, how do you see the library?
4. How would you manage your time between going to staff developments and presenting for the faculty?
5) You will be working with a library aide. How will you manage the position?
Thank you Martha! These questions are also so helpful.
Thank you so much for this site . I have an interview tomorrow and I can now mentally prepare for this interview.
you have done a great job
That a blessing you have been! I have an interview Monday! The Lord has a plan so I am trusting Him! I graduate the LMIS program in August and I’ve scheduled my praxis exam so if you have any thoughts on how to address the licensure aspect to assure the committee that would be helpful as well! Thank you so kindly!
Thanks; very helpful.
These are great! Very helpful as I’m interviewing to be an assistant media specialist this week. Any specific tips for the (wannabe) assistant?