Library Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

Library assistants work with library visitors, help them loan material, accept material back, sort it, shelve it, and manage relevant files.

Here are examples of job interview questions for library assistants with suggested answers.

Library Assistant Job Interview
Questions and Answers

Question: What are important characteristics for a library assistant?
Answer: One important characteristic is detail orientation;  library assistants are highly organized and detail oriented. They work with files, know where materials are on the various shelves, and keep customer accounts correctly updated. Strong memory is another desirable characteristic.

Question: Would you say you are good with people?
Answer: Being a library assistant does require a degree of interpersonal skills, if only to be tactful and quick to help patrons locate desired material. Patience and tolerance for other people’s tastes and interests is important if you do not wish to offend people.

Question: What types of library material have you worked with in the past?
Answer: Books are an obvious answer, but many libraries also include audio and video materials, microfilm, periodicals, cards and slides, etc. Sometimes these materials require treatment or cataloguing systems which are different from those of books.

Question: Do you have the necessary basic proficiency with technology required for the job?
Answer: Work at the library requires the ability to use computers, the internet, and software like Word, Excel, and any library-specific catalog programs. The ability to type is desirable. Assistants should be able to operate computers themselves and instruct visitors whenever necessary.

Question: Do you have experience handling books and maintaining them in good shape?
Answer: Library assistants may be responsible for book repair and maintenance.