17 Children’s Librarian Interview Questions and Answers

A children’s librarian is responsible for selecting and organizing materials in a library for children from birth to age 12. They also provide story time, help children with their homework, and teach them how to use the library.

If you are interviewing for a children’s librarian position, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience working with children, your knowledge of children’s literature, and your ability to select materials for different age groups. You will also likely be asked about your experience with computers and technology, as many libraries are incorporating technology into their programming.

To help you prepare for your interview, we have gathered some common questions and sample answers that you can use to develop your own responses.

Are you comfortable working with children of all ages and backgrounds?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your experience working with a diverse group of children. They want to know that you can help all types of kids feel welcome and comfortable in the library. In your answer, try to share an example of how you helped a child overcome their fears or anxieties.

Example: “I have worked at my current library for five years now, and I love seeing new faces each week. Each child has unique interests and personalities, so I enjoy getting to know them as they visit the library. One time, I had a first-grader who was afraid of books because she thought they would bite her. We talked about what kinds of things we do when we are scared, like hiding under blankets, and then I showed her how to use a bookmark to find her favorite parts of a book. She returned the next week ready to read on her own.”

What are some of the most important qualities that a children’s librarian should have?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a strong understanding of what it takes to be successful in this role. When answering, consider highlighting your own unique qualities and how they can benefit the library.

Example: “I believe that one of the most important qualities for a children’s librarian is patience. Children are naturally curious and eager to learn new things, but sometimes they need help finding books or navigating the library. Patience allows me to answer their questions without getting frustrated and helps them feel comfortable asking more questions. Another quality I think is essential is creativity. I always try to find ways to make learning fun for kids so they enjoy coming to the library. For example, I might plan a craft project based on a book we read together.

How would you create a welcoming and engaging environment for children when they visit the library?

The interviewer may ask you this question to learn more about your customer service skills and how you interact with children. Show the interviewer that you can create a fun, exciting environment for kids by describing some of the activities you would offer at the library.

Example: “I believe it’s important to make sure every child feels welcome when they visit the library. To do this, I would hold story time sessions where I read books to small groups of children. This helps me get to know each child individually and allows them to feel comfortable in my presence. I also plan other events like craft days, movie nights and game nights so kids have plenty of opportunities to socialize and have fun.”

What is your experience with using technology in the classroom or library setting?

Technology is an important part of the children’s library setting. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience using technology in a professional environment and that you know how to use it effectively. When answering, explain your experience with technology and what kind of software or programs you’re familiar with. If you don’t have any experience with technology, consider taking some classes on basic computer skills or online research methods.

Example: “I’ve been working as a librarian for five years now, and I’m very comfortable using technology in my work. In fact, I was one of the first teachers at my school to integrate iPads into the classroom. We used them to take notes, complete assignments and learn new concepts. Now, many other classrooms are doing the same thing.

In addition to using technology in the classroom, I also regularly use it in the library. For example, we recently purchased a 3D printer so students can print out models of their favorite characters. I also use various apps and websites to help me find books and resources for our patrons.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to help a child who was upset and crying. How did you handle the situation?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to comfort a child. When answering, it can be helpful to describe the steps you took to help the child feel better and how you helped them overcome their emotions.

Example: “When I was working as a children’s librarian at my previous library, I had a young boy who would come in every day after school. He would always get his favorite book, sit down and read quietly by himself. One day, he came in crying. I asked him what was wrong and if there was anything I could do to help. He told me that he got into a fight with another student on the playground and felt sad about it. I let him know that I understood and then talked to him for a few minutes until he started feeling better.”

If you had unlimited resources, what new programs or initiatives would you implement at our library?

Interviewers ask this question to see how you would use your creativity and problem-solving skills to improve the library. Your answer should include a few ideas that are feasible, such as increasing the number of computers or adding more books.

Example: “If I had unlimited resources, I would add more computers so there was one for every child in the library. I would also increase the amount of children’s books we have by 10% each year. Another idea is to create a reading club where kids can read with other kids their age and discuss what they’re reading.”

What would you do if a parent or guardian complained about a child’s behavior while they were using the library’s resources?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and address challenging situations. In your answer, try to show that you are willing to work with parents or guardians to resolve the situation while also ensuring the child’s safety and comfort.

Example: “I would first ask the parent or guardian what they thought caused their child’s behavior. I would then explain to them our library rules and expectations for children using the facility. If a child is acting out in a way that could be unsafe for themselves or others, I would remove them from the area until they were calm enough to return. I would also speak with the child about appropriate behavior when visiting the library.”

How well do you communicate with other staff members and coordinate your efforts with them?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to work with others and collaborate on projects. Showcase your interpersonal skills, communication abilities and teamwork skills in your response.

Example: “I have excellent communication skills and am always eager to help my colleagues when they need it. In my previous role as a children’s librarian, I worked closely with the school librarian to create an exciting reading program for students. We met weekly to discuss ideas and plan activities together. She would often delegate tasks to me, which I enjoyed because it gave me more responsibility.”

Do you have experience working with databases and other digital tools to find resources for your patrons?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your experience with technology and how you use it in your work. Use examples from previous jobs or school projects to show that you can learn new technologies quickly and apply them to your work.

Example: “I have worked with databases before, but I’ve found that they’re not always the best resource for finding information. For example, when I was working at my last library, a patron asked me where they could find information about a specific dinosaur. I used the database to search for books on dinosaurs, but none of them had the information the patron needed. Instead, I searched online using keywords like ‘dinosaur facts’ and ‘pictures of dinosaurs.’ This led me to websites that had more detailed information than the books.”

When is the appropriate time to give a child a book as a gift?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the library’s policies and procedures. It is important to understand that you should never give a child a book as a gift unless it is related to their age group or reading level. You can answer this question by explaining how you would handle this situation if it ever occurred in your current library.

Example: “I have worked at my current library for five years, and I have never seen someone give a child a book as a gift. However, if I saw someone doing this, I would politely explain our policy and offer them some suggestions on books they could purchase instead.”

We want to increase the number of children who participate in our reading programs. What strategies would you use to reach out to local schools?

The interviewer may ask you this question to understand how you plan to increase the library’s attendance. Use your answer to highlight your communication and marketing skills, as well as your ability to collaborate with other professionals in the community.

Example: “I would start by reaching out to local teachers and librarians to see if they’re interested in collaborating on a reading program for their students. I’ve done this before at my previous library, and it was very successful. We were able to create a fun and engaging reading program that encouraged children to read more books.”

Describe your process for organizing and maintaining a well-stocked library collection.

A children’s librarian needs to have strong organizational skills and the ability to keep track of a large collection of books. Interviewers ask this question to assess your organizational abilities and ensure you can manage a library collection effectively. In your answer, describe how you would organize and maintain a collection of books for children.

Example: “I believe that organization is one of the most important aspects of being a children’s librarian. I always make sure to create an organized system for keeping track of all the books in my collection. For example, I separate fiction books by age group and genre. Then, I place them into categories based on their subject matter. This allows me to find any book quickly when a child or parent requests it.”

What makes you the best candidate for this children’s librarian position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and why you are the best person for the job. When answering, make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience that match what they’re looking for in a candidate. You can also use this opportunity to show how passionate you are about working with children.

Example: “I am the best candidate for this position because I have extensive knowledge of children’s literature and storytelling techniques. In my previous role as a children’s librarian, I developed a program where we read books aloud every day after school. The kids loved it so much that many parents signed up their younger siblings for the same program when they got older. I think I would be an excellent addition to your team.”

Which age groups do you enjoy working with the most and why?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have experience working with children of various ages. They want to know that you can relate to and work well with all types of kids. When answering, try to highlight your ability to connect with a variety of age groups. You might also mention any specific skills or experiences you have that make you qualified for the role.

Example: “I enjoy working with all age groups, but I find that I am especially good at connecting with older children. I feel like I understand their interests better than some other librarians do, which makes it easier for me to recommend books they will love. I also think my background in teaching helps me communicate more effectively with kids who are learning how to read.”

What do you think is the most important part of a children’s librarian’s job?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you understand what it means to be a children’s librarian. It also gives them insight into how you would approach your job if you were hired. When answering this question, make sure to emphasize the importance of reading and literacy in children’s lives.

Example: “I think the most important part of being a children’s librarian is encouraging kids to read. Reading opens up so many opportunities for learning and growth. I believe that every child should have access to books and other resources that help them learn about the world around them. As a children’s librarian, I would do everything I could to ensure that all kids who come through our doors are able to find something they enjoy reading.”

How often should children visit the library?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you feel about children visiting the library. They want to know if you think it’s important for kids to visit often or if they can go less frequently. In your answer, explain that you believe children should visit the library at least once a week. Explain that this is because libraries offer so many resources and experiences that are hard to replicate elsewhere.

Example: “I think children should visit the library at least once a week. Libraries have so much to offer in terms of books, programs and other activities. Kids can learn so much from being here, and I think it’s important to encourage them to come as often as possible. Of course, there will be times when they’re sick or on vacation, but I think we should try to get them into the library as much as we can.”

There is a misprint on the cover of a book. What would be your course of action?

This question is a test of your ability to make decisions and act quickly. Your answer should show that you can think critically, solve problems and communicate clearly with others.

Example: “If there was a misprint on the cover of a book, I would first check if it’s an error in just one copy or multiple copies. If it’s only one copy, I would remove the book from circulation until we could order a new copy. If it’s more than one copy, I would immediately pull all books from circulation so no other patrons checked out the misprinted book. Then, I would call my supervisor to discuss what action to take.”