Librarian applicants have rated the interview process at New York Public Library with 2.8 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 30% positive. To compare, the company-average is 61.1% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Librarian roles take an average of 45 days to get hired, when considering 10 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at New York Public Library overall takes an average of 33 days.
Common stages of the interview process at New York Public Library as a Librarian according to 10 Glassdoor interviews include:
Group panel interview: 28%
Phone interview: 24%
Skills test: 16%
One on one interview: 12%
Drug test: 8%
Background check: 4%
Other: 4%
Personality test: 4%
Here are the most commonly searched roles for interview reports -
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at New York Public Library (New York, NY) in Aug 2015
Interview
So they're supposedly doing a mass hiring of librarians, I believe i was phone interviewed by the same man 2 other posters referenced. He was rude and even scoffed at one of my answers. But I too was sent on to a panel interview, where the interviewers were really nice and i thought it went well. HR said i would hear within a week- nothing. I wish they would at least send a no reply email telling you you didn't get the position instead of you waiting to hear, or at least update your online application to say "review complete- no offer."
I applied online. I interviewed at New York Public Library (Bronx, NY) in Feb 2026
Interview
Panel interview (usually the branch manager and associate director)
Asked behavioral questions - have instances where things went wrong, were successful, book recommendations, outreach experiences. The interview invitation you receive will also give you suggestions for how to prepare.
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at New York Public Library (New York, NY) in May 2022
Interview
One month on average. First interview with manager about my experience, second interview with a panel of future coworkers to get to know me. Applying through pinpoint was daunting, but I reached out through linkedin as well.
I applied online. I interviewed at New York Public Library
Interview
I met with an HR person, a Branch Manager, and two librarians at the branch where the opening was. They asked a series of questions and gave me time to ask them questions. They did not give me a tour of the branch.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What are some books you would choose to read with kids to promote kindness.