Most of us are prepared to answer questions about ourselves during an interview, but we’re often less prepared to ask questions.   Asking questions shows you’ve given thought to what you’re looking for in a new job, and it provides you with the opportunity to get a glimpse into the kind of environment you might be entering.  Here are five questions you might consider asking the principal (or your potential supervisor) during your next school library job interview.

Q.  One of my favorite things about being a school librarian is collaborating with other faculty members.  What are some of the ways you encourage collaboration among faculty?

Listen for specific examples of collaboration time.  You might also ask for examples of how the previous librarian collaborated with teachers.

Q.  I read your school’s mission statement [or goals, ESLRs, learning outcomes, etc.] on your website.  Will you share some examples of how teachers and faculty here carry out these values?

Does your potential school really take their values to heart, or are they merely  for show?  Listen for specific strategies they use to put them into action.

Q.  How often did you meet with the previous librarian?  What did you usually talk about in your meetings?

This is a great question to ask because it gives you insight into the management style of your potential supervisor.  If the previous librarian met with the boss every day, you might be stepping into a situation where you’ll be micromanaged.  On the other hand, if they met only once a year, you may find yourself disconnected from your administration.  Hopefully, you’ll hear that they met regularly, but not too often.  Look for mentions of discussions about library goals, missions, future planning.  Be wary of too many conversations about specific book purchases or non-library related duties.

Q.  What kind of professional development is offered to faculty and teachers here?  Would I have the opportunity to attend library conferences or workshops?

Look for an expressed commitment to your professional development and that of your colleagues.  Ask for examples of specific events faculty have recently attended.  Even if schools don’t have a large budget for professional development, they should still be looking for ways to help their faculty grow professionally.

Q.  I’m interested in engaging with the school’s curriculum on the planning level.  Please tell me about the opportunities I’ll have to participate in curriculum committees, departmental meetings, etc.

If you’re a professionally trained librarian, you should be participating in curriculum discussions.  Be wary if you’re told that the librarian doesn’t participate in curriculum matters.  It may be a sign that you won’t be considered on the same level as teachers.  If your interviewer says previous librarians have never participated, ask if they would consider allowing you to participate if you were hired.