17 Library Media Specialist Interview Questions and Answers

A library media specialist is responsible for developing and managing the library’s collection of resources, including books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, and electronic resources. They also work with teachers to develop and support curricula that use the library’s resources.

If you’re interested in this position, it’s important to know what to expect during the interview process. Review the most common library media specialist interview questions and answers to help you prepare.

Are you comfortable working with a diverse range of patrons and age groups?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to work with a variety of people and age groups. This is especially important if the library you’re applying for serves a diverse population. Use examples from previous experiences where you’ve worked with different types of patrons, including those who are younger or older than you.

Example: “I have experience working in libraries that serve both adults and children. In my last position, I was responsible for creating lesson plans for teachers on how to use technology in their classrooms. One day, I had a group of elementary school students come into the library for an after-school program. I helped them learn how to use the computers and showed them some basic coding techniques. The kids were so excited by what they learned that they asked me to teach them more.”

What are some of the most important qualities for a successful library media specialist?

This question can help interviewers determine if you have the qualities they’re looking for in a library media specialist. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention some of the skills and traits that are listed on your resume or cover letter. This can show how you possess these qualities and why they’re important.

Example: “The most important quality for a successful library media specialist is communication. It’s important to be able to communicate with students, teachers and parents about any questions they may have. I also think collaboration is an important skill because it allows me to work well with other professionals. Finally, I believe patience is essential as a library media specialist since we often deal with children who need our assistance.”

How do you help patrons find the right resources for their needs?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills and how you can help patrons find the information they need. Use examples from past experiences where you helped a patron find resources or assisted them in finding what they were looking for.

Example: “I always start by asking questions to get an idea of what the patron is looking for. I then use my knowledge of the library’s resources to help them find what they’re looking for. For example, if a patron was looking for books on dinosaurs, I would first show them our dinosaur book section and then direct them to other resources like online databases and websites that have additional information.”

What is your experience with managing a budget for a library media center?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your experience with financial management. They want to know if you have the skills and knowledge necessary to manage a budget for their library media center. Use your answer to explain how you create budgets, monitor spending and make adjustments when needed.

Example: “I use software that helps me create monthly budgets for my library media centers. I start by determining what percentage of funds we spend on each department. For example, I might allocate 30% of our funds to books, 20% to computers and supplies and 50% to other areas like staff salaries and utilities. Then, I compare these percentages to actual expenses from the previous year to determine whether any changes are necessary. If so, I adjust the percentages accordingly.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to help a patron who was upset because they could not find the book they were looking for.

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you handle challenging situations. They want to know that you can help patrons find what they need and resolve their issues in a calm, helpful manner. In your answer, try to show the interviewer that you are empathetic and willing to help others.

Example: “I once had a patron who was looking for a book about a dog that could talk. The patron said it was a children’s book but did not remember any other details. I asked if he remembered anything else about the book, such as the author or illustrator. He told me that he thought the illustrator might have been Maurice Sendak. I used those clues to search our online catalog and found several books that matched his description. We looked through them together until we found one that seemed like a good match.”

If you saw a student bullying another student, what would you do?

Bullying is a serious issue in schools, and school administrators want to know that you have the skills to intervene when necessary. Your answer should show your ability to handle conflict resolution and ensure student safety.

Example: “I would first make sure I had all of the facts before confronting the students involved. If it was clear that one child was bullying another, I would speak with them privately about their actions. I would explain how their behavior is unacceptable and give them an opportunity to change their ways. If they continued to bully others, I would contact their parents and inform them of the situation.”

What would you do if you saw a student using a cell phone in the library?

This question is a good way to test your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm in stressful situations. It also shows the interviewer how you would handle a situation that could potentially be disruptive for other students. In your answer, try to show that you understand the importance of maintaining focus in the library and are willing to enforce rules when necessary.

Example: “I would first ask the student to step outside with me so we can have a private conversation. I would explain why it’s important to not use cell phones in the library and give them an opportunity to put their phone away. If they refuse, I would confiscate the phone until the end of the day.”

How well do you handle stress while working?

Library media specialists often work in a fast-paced environment. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle stress and stay productive while working. Before your interview, think about how you’ve handled stressful situations in the past. Think of an example where you were able to remain calm and focused despite being under pressure.

Example: “I find that I do my best work when I’m feeling calm and relaxed. When I feel stressed or overwhelmed, it’s hard for me to focus on what I need to get done. In my last position, I had a lot of responsibilities at once. One day, I was feeling particularly stressed out. Instead of trying to rush through everything, I took a few minutes to breathe deeply and relax. After taking some time to myself, I was able to refocus and complete all of my tasks.”

Do you have experience using library management software?

Library media specialists often use software to manage their libraries. This question helps interviewers learn about your experience with library management software and how you might use it in their school. If you have used library management software before, describe what kind of software you’ve used and the benefits of using that type of software. If you haven’t used library management software before, explain why you’re interested in learning more about it.

Example: “I’ve worked in a public library for five years, so I’m familiar with many different types of library management software. In my current position, we use Evergreen, which is an open source library management system. I like this software because it’s free and easy to use. It also has a lot of features that make managing our library easier, such as automated circulation and inventory systems.”

When is it appropriate to ask a student to leave the library?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for students. In your answer, explain the steps you would take to ensure that students are following library rules while also maintaining their safety.

Example: “I have never had to ask a student to leave the library because of misbehavior, but I do have a set of procedures in place should it ever become necessary. First, I would speak with the student privately about the issue and remind them of the library’s policies. If they continue to break the rules after our conversation, I would call the school principal or another administrator to help me remove the student from the library.”

We want to increase the number of adult patrons in the library. What strategies would you use to attract more adults?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your marketing and promotional skills. Use examples from previous experience that show how you can increase attendance among adults in the library.

Example: “I would use social media, email newsletters and word-of-mouth to attract more adult patrons. I would also create a calendar of events for adults, such as book clubs or movie nights, so they know what’s happening at the library. In my last role, I created an event calendar with different activities each month. This helped me reach new audiences and increased the number of adults who attended our programs.”

Describe your process for organizing and cataloging new books and other items.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your organizational skills and how you keep track of materials in the library. Your answer should include a specific process for organizing new books, magazines, DVDs or other items that come into the library.

Example: “I have a system for cataloging all new books as they arrive at the library. I first enter the title of each book into our database so students can search for it by author or title. Then, I place the book on a shelf with similar titles. For example, if I receive a new fiction book, I’ll put it on the same shelf as other fiction books. This helps me organize the library quickly and efficiently.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and why you are the best person for the job. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate. Focus on what makes you unique from other applicants.

Example: “I am passionate about working with children and helping them develop their literacy skills. I have been teaching in public schools for five years now, and I love seeing my students grow as readers and writers. I also understand how important it is to be organized when working with technology. In my previous position, I helped implement a digital learning program where we used laptops and tablets to teach lessons. This experience has given me valuable insight into how to use technology to enhance learning.”

Which age groups do you enjoy working with the most?

Interviewers may ask this question to determine if you are a good fit for their school’s student population. They want someone who can connect with all of the students and help them learn, so they might be looking for someone who enjoys working with all age groups. When answering this question, try to emphasize your ability to work with all ages while also mentioning which ones you enjoy most.

Example: “I have found that I really enjoy working with elementary-aged children because they are at such an exciting time in their lives. They are learning so much and discovering new things every day, so it is fun to be part of that process. However, I also love working with teenagers because they are often eager to learn more about the world around them. I find that many teens don’t know how to use technology or library resources as well as they could, so I like helping them figure out these things.”

What do you think is the most important thing that a library media specialist can do to support students?

This question can help interviewers understand your philosophy of education and how you support students. Your answer should show that you value the role a library media specialist plays in supporting student learning. You can also use this opportunity to share any specific strategies or programs you have used to support students’ learning.

Example: “I think it’s important for library media specialists to provide students with access to resources they need to learn. For example, I always make sure my school has enough computers so every student can get one-on-one time with me when they need it. I also try to create engaging lessons that are relevant to what students are learning in their other classes.”

How often should the library media center be restocked?

This question can help interviewers understand your organizational skills and attention to detail. As a library media specialist, you should be able to keep track of the materials in your collection so that students have access to them when they need them. In your answer, explain how you stay organized and ensure that all materials are available for checkout at any time.

Example: “I believe it’s important to restock the library media center regularly so students always have access to new books and other resources. At my previous school, I restocked the library media center once per week. This allowed me to check each book and resource before putting it back on the shelves. It also gave me an opportunity to organize the library media center by genre or subject matter.”

There is a bug infestation in the library. What is your process for handling this situation?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. Your answer should include a step-by-step process for handling this situation, including how you would communicate the issue to staff members and students.

Example: “I would first assess the severity of the infestation by counting the number of bugs in different areas of the library. I would then meet with my supervisor to discuss our options for pest control. If we decide that it’s best to hire a professional exterminator, I would inform all staff members and students about the situation so they know what to expect during the treatment period. We would also make sure there are plenty of activities available for students while the pests are being treated.”