Share an experience when you applied new technology or information in your job. Share an experience in which you assisted patrons in the use of library resources. Describe a time when you ordered library materials, checked prices, figured costs, prepared order slips, and made payments.
Top 6 Most Asked Librarian (or Library Assistant) Interview Questions and Answers
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I have worked as a library shelver for St. Louis Public Library for 2 years, and in this time, I have been actively involved in not just handling book shelving activities, but also organizing reading clubs. My duties have included sorting out books and materials according to alphabetical orders or by authors and ensuring that they are properly stacked in their places. In addition to this, I have been responsible for handling book repairs and replacements and ensuring that all returned books and materials are properly checked and placed in their right places.
If not, you might as well get back to the drawing board. Here is a set of interview questions and answers for a library shelver position that you can look through:
A Library Shelver interview can do great favors for you, even if you do not end up getting the job.
Of course, you have to aim to obtain a job, but in case you don’t, an interview will prepare you for what the next interview will bring, making it easy to ace the next one!
I believe that an inherent love for books and reading is very important in this work. Apart from this, one has to possess an organized mind so that indexing and shelving work can be made possible. Also, it is imperative for people working as library shelvers to be pleasant in nature, and good communicators.
Here you can download the quizzes and other templates that are discussed and displayed in the book. PDFs listed as “fillable” below can be filled in on screen.
Similar to Interviewing Library Shelvers
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1. Help for busy supervisors
2. How to choose the best applicants What to ask during the interviews The importance of testing How to decide who to hire
3. You find out they have poor grasp of the alphabet They quit after two hours because their back is killing them They tell you they can’t work weekends after all and is that ok?
4. Minimum age Alphabet and number skills Eye for detail Fit enough Can take instructions willingly Works well with others
5. Can you read the writing? Did they fill out the whole form? Can they write a sentence? Does their employment history look ok? Do they have additional skills?
6. I love libraries I have always wanted to work in a library I have daytime classes but can work evenings I can fit library hours around my other job I can work while my children are in school I’m a retiree and can work anytime
7. I have to get a job My Dad says I have to get a job I need money I have bills to pay
8. The application form A list of interview questions A copy of written shelving test An evaluation sheet A note pad and extra pencils
9. Applicant’s name and the date Under child labor laws you must be 16 to work past 7:00 p.m. during the school year. Are you 16? If not when will you be? This is an evening and weekend job. Which hours could you work during that time frame? Could you work those hours the whole school year? Would you be willing to work evenings and weekends in the summer?
10. Tell me about a time when you showed how reliable you can be How would you rate yourself on attendance and punctuality? Could you work 24 hours within a two week pay period and schedule yourself to have no more that three days between workdays? Shelvers must be able to push heavy carts and to stretch and bend to reach high or low shelves. Do you think you can meet these requirements?
11. What would you do if a patron came and grabbed an armful of books that you had just put away and then sat on the floor with them What would you do if a patron complained to you about library services or material? Why did you apply for job with this library? Do you like to read? What are you reading now? Do you use this library? What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
12. Pay Hours Let them know that libraries are busy places Ask them if they have any question about the job or the library
13. To find the best You must always test
14. When the following names are put in alphabetical order which one will come second? 1. Marshall, Charles 2. Marshall, John 3. Marshall, Thomas Riley 4. Marshall, George Catlett 5. Marshall, James Wilson
15. If you arrange this group of numbers in order (starting with the lowest) which one will come third? 1. 870.5421 2. 870.5521 3. 860.5924 4. 870.5923 5. 870.5663
16. Name: Paige Booker Date: March 1 2012 Score (1 – 5) Multiplier Total Accurate 4 x5 20 Communication 4 x4 16 Reliable 5 x3 15 Flexible 5 x2 10 Appearance 5 x1 5 Grand Total 66
17. Did they follow your instructions about the written and practical tests and did they complete both of them? How many errors did they make? Decide how many points to deduct for errors
18. Check your notes on the question sheet Did they give you clear and thoughtful answers? Did they maintain eye contact and smile? Did they follow your instructions for the tests? Did they ask any questions about the job?
19. Were they on time for the interview? Werethey able to give an example of reliable behavior in the past?
20. Checktheir answers to all the questions you asked about job hours Can they come in at the times you want? Can they do it all year round?
21. Were they clean and tidy? Any objectionable words on their clothing? Wereany body parts showing that are normally covered in a workplace? Willing to comply with library dress code?
22. Test Results Question sheet with your notes Evaluation sheet and score
23. Can you work with this person? Are they a good fit for your team? Canyou make an accommodation for someone who may need extra help to succeed? How well does your staff reflect your community?
24. Call your first choice and ask them again if they can work the hours you need Mention the specific hours in their appointment letter Write a short letter to all the people you are not hiring and thank them for being interested
25. Patricia Tunstall Indian Trails Public Library 355 Schoenbeck Road Wheeling IL 60090 [email protected]
FAQ
What are the questions asked for library assistant?
Librarian Interview Questions
Which of Your Skills Will Help You Succeed as a Librarian?
How Would You Positively Influence Your Community?
What Library Classification Systems and Referencing Styles Are You Familiar With?
How Relevant Are Technology and Social Media for Librarians?
How do you interview at a library?
General questions for a library assistant
What inspired you to apply for this role?
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Tell me a bit about yourself.
Are you a current member of this library?
What do you value about our community?
What book are you reading right now?
Why do you want to work at the library answer?
Role Play
Why are you the right person for this job?
Describe a good/bad interaction you had with a patron and describe how you managed it.
Tell us a bit about what you know about this library.
