Published: February 7, 2025 by Aryn Prestia

Our last career blog post focusing on cover letters was published six years ago. In some industries, employers no longer even ask for a cover letter during the application process. But in the information science space, cover letters are still an important part of job applications. 

Cover letters are a potential opportunity to differentiate yourself from other candidates. You can also make it clear that you’ve done your research and are serious about the role. For example, in your cover letter you can:

• Acknowledge research that you’ve completed on the organization. Remember to include why you are interested in this specific library. Are they actively involved in the community? Do they host some fun special events? 
• Talk about specific projects or assignments. If the job description is looking for a candidate with experience in project management, you can mention your experience in a student organization or perhaps a group project that you were in charge of. 
• Mention the elements of the job that most interest you. Perhaps the library has a robust genealogy collection, your cover letter provides a great opportunity to talk about your experience with genealogical databases and your desire to stay up to date on family history trends. 

 

If you need some ideas for crafting the letter you can review the Cover Letter Template below as you craft your own: 

Cover Letter Template

 

Hiring Manager [or name if you have it]

[Library]

[Address]

[City, State, Zip Code] 

 

[Date]

 

Dear Hiring Manager,

 

I am writing to apply for the San Jose Public Library job posted on the California Library Association website, specifically the “Library 1” [job title].

 

I believe there is a solid match between the job requirements and my background and expertise, but I would also like to express how excited I would be to work for the San Jose Public Library because of the specific programs and contributions SJPL brings to the broader San Jose community. For example, … [here you could put up to  3 cool things that you've learned about SJPL that reflect well on the organization and its activities/impact]. I would look forward to an opportunity to contribute my skills to supporting and furthering that important mission, especially as I continue to grow throughout my career as a librarian. 

 

Regarding the specifications of the Library 1 position, the job description calls for…. [you could list the top 3-5 requirements as bullet points, for example:]

Attention to detail

Customer service experience

Strong collaboration skills

Comfortable working with diverse constituencies

 

I believe these are all key elements of public library work at every level, and my previous experience aligns solidly with these requirements. For example, my job as [title] necessitated extremely strong attention to detail. My work as [title or role] helped me develop empathetic customer service skills able to put individuals at ease regardless of their circumstances or needs, which varied based on their backgrounds. In addition, a substantial part of my responsibilities when working as [title or job] was connecting to and collaborating with other service providers (both individuals and organizations) throughout the community.

 

As a recent graduate of the San José State University School of Information MLIS program, I’m eager to join an organization whose approach to public librarianship is people- and community-centered so I can support and help advance those values. I strongly admire the positive impact San Jose Public Library and its librarians strive to have in the community, and would be honored to begin and grow my library career with SJPL. 

 

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss the job and how my skills align with your needs at your earliest convenience.

 

Warmest regards,

 

[Name]

 

[Full Name]

[Phone Number]

[E-mail]

 

Even if not every employer takes the time to read cover letters, it’s better to assume they will, and make the most of this opportunity to help yourself stand out.

 

Two More Things!

Don’t forget to keep up to date with job openings on Handshake, here are a few that might be of interest!

• Biomedical Research & Methodology Librarian – Yale Medical Library – New Haven, CT
• Librarian for Electronic Resources – Pepperdine University – Malibu, CA

Also, remember that internships can be an especially valuable part of your learning experience at the iSchool while also helping you when it comes time to look for jobs. Learn more about the iSchool’s internship program here, where you can check out the INFO 294 Student Handbook as well as the Internship Sites database.