17 Library Paraprofessional Interview Questions and Answers

Library paraprofessionals work in a variety of settings, including public, school, and academic libraries. They may shelve books and other materials, help patrons find information, or work with library staff to develop and manage library programs.

No matter which type of library you’re interested in working in, you’ll likely face some common interview questions. We’ve gathered some of the most common questions and provided sample answers to help you prepare.

Are you comfortable working with the public?

Interviewers may ask this question to determine how comfortable you are with interacting with patrons and helping them find information. They want to know that you can work well with others, especially if the library has a large public presence. In your answer, try to show that you enjoy working with people and have experience doing so.

Example: “I love working with the public because I get to help people learn new things and discover resources they didn’t know existed. It’s rewarding to see someone leave the library with a smile on their face after finding what they were looking for. I’ve worked in libraries for five years now, and I feel like I’m quite good at connecting with patrons and answering questions.”

What are some of your qualifications that make you a good candidate for a library paraprofessional position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how they relate to the job. Before you answer, think about what skills and experiences you have that make you a good candidate for this position. Consider mentioning any relevant certifications or training courses you’ve completed in the past.

Example: “I am passionate about working with children and helping them develop their reading skills. I also have experience working as a paraprofessional at an elementary school library where I helped students find books based on their interests. In my role, I learned how to use technology to help students search for books online. This skill is something I can bring to this position.”

How would you handle a situation where a patron is being disruptive and you need to ask them to leave?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your conflict resolution skills. In your answer, try to highlight your ability to remain calm and respectful while enforcing the library’s policies.

Example: “If a patron is being disruptive, I would first politely ask them to stop their behavior. If they continue, I would call for security or management to help me escort the patron from the premises. I have had to do this in my previous role as a paraprofessional at a public library, and it was always difficult to remove patrons who were unwilling to comply with our rules. However, I remained professional and followed company protocol.”

What is your experience with using library catalogs and databases?

The interviewer may ask you this question to learn more about your experience with using library catalogs and databases. This can help them determine if you have the necessary skills for the role, so it’s important to highlight any relevant experience you have in this area. If you don’t have much experience, consider talking about how eager you are to learn new things.

Example: “I’ve used several different library catalogs and databases throughout my career as a paraprofessional. I find that each one has its own unique features, which makes learning them fun. In my current position, we use an online database system called Evergreen. It’s very user-friendly, and I enjoy being able to search for books and other resources quickly.”

Provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond to help a patron and how it made them feel.

Library paraprofessionals are often the first point of contact for patrons. This question can help interviewers learn more about your customer service skills and how you treat others. Use examples from your previous experience that show you’re a helpful, empathetic person who cares about helping others.

Example: “When I worked at my last library, I had a patron come in who was looking for books on grief. She told me she lost her husband to cancer and wanted to read some books to help her cope with her loss. I spent an hour researching different titles and found several that could be beneficial to her situation. When she returned to the library two weeks later, she thanked me profusely for finding those books. She said they helped her feel less alone during such a difficult time.”

If a patron approaches you with a question that you don’t know the answer to, how would you handle it?

Interviewers ask this question to see how you handle situations where you don’t have all the answers. In a library setting, it is likely that you will encounter patrons who are looking for information on topics that you may not be familiar with. It is important to show interviewers that you can admit when you don’t know something and find someone else who does.

Example: “If I didn’t know the answer to a patron’s question, I would first apologize and then try to think of anyone in my department or other departments who might know the answer. If no one knew the answer, I would do some research myself and get back to them as soon as possible.”

What would you do if you noticed a mess that needed to be cleaned up but you didn’t have time to complete the task?

This question can help interviewers understand how you prioritize tasks and manage your time. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure the mess was cleaned up as soon as possible.

Example: “If I noticed a mess that needed to be cleaned but didn’t have time to do it myself, I would ask another paraprofessional or library staff member if they had a few minutes to clean up the mess with me. If no one else was available, I would make sure to note the task so I could complete it later in my shift.”

How well do you handle criticism from your supervisor?

This question can help interviewers determine how you respond to feedback and whether you’re open to making improvements. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a time when your supervisor gave you constructive criticism and how you used their advice to improve your work.

Example: “When my previous supervisor noticed I was having trouble finding information for patrons, they asked me if I would like them to give me some extra training on the library’s database system. I agreed, and she spent an hour going over the basics of searching for articles and books in the online catalog. After that training, I felt much more confident using the database and was able to find information for patrons much faster.”

Do you have any questions for me about the position?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have done your research and are interested in the job. It’s also a chance for you to learn more about the position, including what it entails and how much experience the person interviewing you has. When preparing for this question, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly so you can ask questions related to the responsibilities of the role.

Example: “I was really excited when I saw this position because I’ve always wanted to work in a library setting. I noticed from reading the job description that there are many different tasks involved with this role. One thing I’m curious about is how often you rotate employees between departments. I would love to get some experience working in all areas of the library.”

When performing general maintenance, such as cleaning, how do you stay focused and avoid distractions?

This question can help interviewers understand how you prioritize tasks and manage your time. Your answer should show that you are organized, detail-oriented and able to work independently.

Example: “I find it helpful to create a checklist of all the tasks I need to complete each day. This helps me stay on track and ensures I don’t forget any important steps. In addition, I try to clean one area at a time so I’m not distracted by other areas while cleaning.”

We want to ensure that our patrons feel welcome and comfortable when using our facilities. How would you encourage patrons to interact with others and make friends?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to help patrons feel comfortable in the library. In your answer, try to highlight your communication and listening skills as well as your conflict resolution abilities.

Example: “I think it’s important for libraries to be inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome. I would encourage interaction between patrons by asking them questions about their interests or hobbies. This can help me learn more about my patrons and connect with them on a personal level. If I notice that two patrons are having a conversation, I will step away from them so they can continue uninterrupted.”

Describe your experience with using library catalogs and databases.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with using library catalogs and databases. Use your answer to highlight your knowledge of how to use these tools, including any specific systems you’ve used in the past.

Example: “I have extensive experience using library catalogs and databases. In my last role as a paraprofessional at the public library, I helped patrons find books by searching through the online catalog. I also used several different database systems to help me locate information on various topics. For example, I once helped a patron find information on local wildlife by using an online database system.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for a library paraprofessional position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the job. They want to know what makes you stand out from other candidates and how you can contribute to their library. Before your interview, make a list of all your relevant skills and experiences that relate to the position. Think about which ones are most important for the role and explain why they’re beneficial.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate for this position because I have experience working in libraries. In my previous role as a librarian assistant, I learned many valuable skills that help me succeed in this field. For example, I understand the importance of helping patrons find information quickly and efficiently. I also have excellent communication skills, so I can work well with others on projects. These skills make me a great fit for this position.”

Which library software programs are you most familiar with?

This question can help interviewers determine your level of experience with library software programs. They may ask this to see if you have the necessary skills to complete tasks in their library. Before your interview, make sure you research which library software programs they use and familiarize yourself with them. You can also mention any other software programs that you are comfortable using.

Example: “I am most familiar with Evergreen and Symphony. I’ve used both for years at my previous job, so I’m confident in my ability to use these programs. However, I am always open to learning new things, so I would be happy to learn about whatever system you use here.”

What do you think is the most important trait for a library paraprofessional to 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. You can answer by identifying one or two traits and explaining why they are important for library paraprofessionals.

Example: “I think the most important trait for a library paraprofessional is patience. Patience is essential because we work with students who may not know how to use computers, find books or complete research assignments. I am patient by nature, so I enjoy helping others learn new skills.”

How often do you think a library should be cleaned?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you handle cleaning tasks. They want to know if you have experience with the frequency of library cleanings and whether you can complete them effectively. In your answer, explain that you understand the importance of keeping a library clean for patrons. You can also mention any specific policies or procedures you’ve followed in previous jobs regarding library cleanliness.

Example: “I think it’s important to keep a library clean at all times because it shows respect for both the materials and the people who use the library. I would make sure to clean up after myself and my coworkers so we don’t leave messes behind. At my last job, we had a policy where we cleaned our areas once per day and deep-cleaned the entire library twice per week.”

There is a large crowd waiting to use computers and you need to help patrons, but the library still needs to be closed by a certain time. What would you do?

This question is a great way to see how you prioritize your tasks and manage time. It also shows the interviewer that you understand the importance of closing on time while still providing excellent customer service. In your answer, try to show that you can balance multiple tasks at once and work quickly.

Example: “I would first help patrons with their questions or concerns before moving onto other tasks like logging out computers and turning off printers. I would then begin helping patrons who need assistance finding books or articles in the library’s database. Once all patrons are helped, I would start cleaning up and making sure everything is ready for the next day.”