Librarian Test

Librarian tests are designed to evaluate whether job applicants have the core skills and essential traits to be an effective librarian.

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What is a librarian test?

A librarian will be your main point of contact at a library, be it public, school or museum-based. Primarily, they are in charge of collecting, organising, and issuing library resources, which includes books, films, and audio files.

The librarian test determines how effective a candidate could be in the smooth running of a library environment. This test is best used by employers in the early stages of the recruitment process, to ensure the most promising librarian candidates are selected.

Evaluated using a series of multiple-choice questions, the test highlights the level of essential computer, organisation, and interpersonal skills a candidate possesses, as well as their general demeanour.

Performing well on this test demonstrates a candidate would be able to manage library resources and customer service queries with ease.

Jump to a section on this page:

  1. What is a librarian test?
  2. Why should you use a librarian test for recruiting?
  3. How our test assesses librarian skills
  4. Librarian Test FAQs

About the Librarian Test

A librarian must be able to undertake workload unprompted and use initiative to benefit the library and local community.

Aside from cataloguing library resources, librarians will be tasked with both routine and ad-hoc jobs, such as helping people find what they are looking for, maintaining records, budgeting, organising events, and carrying out audits.

The test will evaluate a candidate's job readiness, to help you shortlist the most suitable candidates for your librarian position.

Why should you use a librarian test for recruiting?

Identifying the differences between librarian applicants based on their resume alone can be challenging, particularly as it is a position more focused on soft skills.

A librarian test removes this difficulty and gives you the ability to administer skills tests to large numbers of candidates. The comparative data you receive provides an unbiased insight into how well matched each candidate is to the role, creating a more streamlined hiring process.

The test will show how adept a candidate is with the core skills required of a librarian, such as competency using computer programmes like Microsoft Office, and their ability to communicate with the public. It is also able to measure their level of organisation, confidence in supervising others, and numerical ability.

Applicants that meet the requirements of the role can be shortlisted, while those who do not demonstrate the necessary skillset can be excluded.

A librarian test could be useful for the following roles:

  • Collections Librarian
  • Learning support Librarian
  • Library Assistant
  • Library Manager
  • Library Supervisor
  • Library Technician
  • Archivist

View a sample report

Results for the Librarian Test along with other assessments the candidate takes will be compiled to produce a candidate report.

The report is automatically generated and available both online and as a downloadable pdf so they can be shared with other team members and employees alike.

Download sample report
App screenshot

How our test assesses librarian skills

Candidates will need to answer a range of questions that measure industry-specific technical skills where applicable (e.g. Microsoft Excel), soft skills (e.g. interpersonal skills), aptitude (e.g. error checking) and relevant personality dimensions (e.g. organisation). The results present a holistic view of how well suited each candidate is for the job at hand, using a data-driven approach.

The format varies by type of question, including multiple-choice for aptitude and technical skills, situational judgement for soft skills and agreement on a Likert scale for the personality dimensions. This approach ensures candidates are being assessed in an accurate and fair manner, and that results reflect the true underlying qualities of each candidate.

The characteristics, abilities and knowledge necessary to be a librarian were identified using the US Department of Labor's comprehensive O*NET database. O*NET is the leading source of occupational information that is constantly updated by collecting data from employees in specific job roles.

During the development process, test questions were rigorously analysed to maximise reliability and validity in line with industry best practices. They were created by our team of I/O psychologists and psychometricians – who collaborated with subject-matter-experts – and field-tested with a representative sample of job applicants who have varying experience, just like you might find in a talent pool.

Each test is reviewed by a panel of individuals representing diverse backgrounds to check for any sensitivity, fairness, face validity and accessibility issues. This ensures each candidate has a fair chance of demonstrating their true level of expertise.

Our librarian test is monitored to ensure it is up-to-date and optimised for performance.

Our test platform

Our platform offers an extensive library of hundreds of tests, giving you the flexibility to select and combine them in any way that suits your hiring needs. From understanding specific role requirements to assessing general cognitive abilities, our diverse library ensures you can tailor your assessment process precisely.

Multi-format.
Our test questions come in various formats, including multiple-choice, true and false, ranking and situational judgment, all ensuring comprehensive candidate assessment.
Role-specific simulations.
Experience real-world scenarios with our role-specific simulations, providing accurate insights into candidates' performance, readiness and fit for the position.
Adaptive scoring.
Our adaptive scoring system evaluates responses in real-time, by adjusting to the candidate's ability level, enhancing accuracy and reliability.

Curated by our
team of experts

Expert 1 Expert 2 Expert 3

Scientifically validated by psychometric specialists

  • Our team of assessment experts is made up of I/O psychologists, psychometricians, and subject matter experts who work closely together to ensure each test is accurate and reliable.
  • Our subject matter experts are rigorously vetted and typically have several years of experience working in their industries and hold advanced credentials.

Frequently asked questions

What are the key skills for a librarian?

The key skills required to be successful in a librarian role include:

  • Organisation skills
  • Excellent communication
  • Customer service
  • Adept in common computer programmes such as Microsoft Office
  • Have an interest in research and learning
  • Event or project management abilities
  • Records preservation and management
Is the librarian test difficult?

The test is designed to measure the job readiness of a candidate. There are no set qualifications required for this role; therefore it focuses on transferable soft skills that would enable a candidate to thrive in a librarian position. Candidates do not have to have direct experience working as a librarian; only be able to apply the relevant skills.

What is the cost for Neuroworx's librarian test?

Neuroworx operates on a monthly or annual subscription basis. We have several plans to suit your hiring needs, which you can check out here. Alternatively, you can get in touch with us to discuss a custom plan.

Can I get a free trial?

Yes, simply sign up (no credit card is required) and we'll give you unlimited access for 7 seven days. Create as many jobs and test as many candidates as you want; you won't be charged a penny.

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