Catalog systems are central to library operations. This question can assess how familiar the candidate is with circulation tasks, database searches or patron account management. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Familiarity with check-in and check-out features
• Comfort navigating patron records and searches
• Prior use of standard catalog systems

This question helps evaluate the candidate’s customer service approach and ability to guide users through catalogs or shelving systems. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Knowledge of library layout or shelving systems
• Ability to search the catalog efficiently
• Clear and helpful communication with patrons

This question can assess how candidates uphold rules while maintaining a positive tone with patrons. It also helps you understand whether the candidate's expectation of a library environment aligns with yours. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Calm enforcement of library policies
• Ability to de-escalate disruptive behavior
• Focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere

From printing documents to accessing digital catalogs, technology support is a common need. This question helps you assess patience, problem-solving and comfort with basic technology tools. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Comfort assisting with basic technology tasks, such as sending emails or navigating OverDrive or Lynda.com for ebook access
• Patience when explaining library systems
• Ability to troubleshoot minor technology issues, such as manually logging a library card in the system

Library assistants often handle shelving, checkout and patron support simultaneously. This question helps evaluate how candidates stay organized and respond to shifting needs. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Use of task lists or time blocks
• Ability to adjust based on patron needs
• Awareness of deadlines and recurring responsibilities

This question might offer insight into how a candidate follows procedures while providing respectful customer service. It can also offer insight into how a candidate might handle basic workplace ethics. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Understanding of circulation and library fine policies
• Communication with patrons about due dates
• Familiarity with lost item procedures

This question focuses on a candidate's system knowledge, ability to maintain consistency during tedious work and attention to detail. It also helps you gauge whether a candidate treats accurate materials management as a high priority. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Consistent tracking of International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs)
• Awareness of system alerts and errors
• Attention to detail

Patrons of different ages can have unique library assistance needs. This question can highlight a person's ability to adjust their approach accordingly. It might also help you assess a Library Assistance candidate for a specific role, such as in the youth section of the library. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Adaptable and flexible communication style
• Awareness of accessibility, demographic or age-specific needs
• Respectful and patient interaction

This question might help assess a candidate’s ability to stay focused and maintain accuracy during repetitive tasks. It can also help you understand their experience with varied library systems or processes. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Routine for sorting and staging materials
• Systematic shelving and tracking
• Ability to maintain pace without errors

Events like story hours or author visits require preparation and public engagement. This question helps explore teamwork, planning and communication skills related to library tasks. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Collaboration with staff or volunteers
• Familiarity with setup or promotional tasks
• Supportive role in community programming