Collection Development Librarian Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of information, the role of the Collection Development Librarian is becoming increasingly crucial.

As the world of knowledge and information expands, the demand for skilled professionals who can curate, manage, and preserve our vast collections of resources grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a Collection Development Librarian?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes of library science,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Collection Development Librarian job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Collection Development Librarian Duties and Responsibilities

Collection Development Librarians are responsible for the acquisition and management of books and other resources in a library.

They ensure that the library’s collection meets the needs of its users.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating and selecting materials for the library’s collection, such as books, periodicals, audiovisual material, and digital resources
• Conducting regular assessments of the library’s collection to identify gaps or areas for improvement
• Working closely with other librarians and staff to understand user needs and preferences
• Developing and implementing collection development policies and procedures
• Managing the budget for library acquisitions and tracking expenditure
• Maintaining relationships with publishers and vendors to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisitions
• Coordinating the processing, cataloging, and classification of new materials
• Staying up-to-date on publishing trends, new releases, and user interests
• Retiring outdated or damaged materials in accordance with library policies and standards
• Providing training and support to other library staff on collection development practices and policies

 

Collection Development Librarian Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a diligent Collection Development Librarian to oversee the growth and development of our library’s collection.

Your responsibilities will include identifying new resources, maintaining and updating the current collection, and managing the budget for new acquisitions.

The ideal candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of library systems, strong analytical skills, and a deep commitment to providing access to information for a diverse community of users.

Ultimately, the Collection Development Librarian will ensure that our library’s collection remains current, diverse, and comprehensive, and meets the needs of our users.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies for collection development and maintenance
• Identify, evaluate and select new resources for acquisition
• Manage budget for new acquisitions
• Maintain and update current collections, including weeding and replacement
• Coordinate with other librarians and departments to understand user needs
• Monitor and evaluate usage and circulation statistics
• Stay current with trends in publishing and library services
• Participate in outreach and user education initiatives

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution
• Experience in collection development in a library setting
• Familiarity with library systems and databases
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Understanding of copyright and licensing issues

 

Benefits

• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off for vacation, holiday and sick leave
• Professional development opportunities and continuing education
• Work-life balance and flexible schedule

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Collection Development Librarian
• Work Environment: This role is primarily based in an office setting within a library. Some travel may be required for professional development or conferences.
• Reporting Structure: This role typically reports to the Library Director or Head Librarian.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and budget considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Collection Development Librarian Do?

A Collection Development Librarian is a specialized role in library science primarily concerned with the selection and organization of library materials.

They are responsible for evaluating, selecting, and managing a library’s collection of books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, electronic resources, and other information materials.

Their duties might include assessing the library’s current collection, identifying gaps, and making decisions about what resources to acquire or remove to best meet the needs of the library’s users.

They also work closely with other librarians and staff to understand the information needs of their patrons, and use this information to inform their collection development decisions.

The Collection Development Librarian needs to stay current with new publications and trends in library science.

They also often handle budget management tasks related to purchasing and maintaining the library’s collection.

In addition, they may coordinate with other libraries for inter-library loans or collaborative collection efforts, negotiate with vendors for best prices and licenses, and participate in fundraising and grant writing activities to support the library’s collection.

Furthermore, they might also be involved in digitizing materials and ensuring access to digital resources, while also overseeing the removal of outdated, damaged, or rarely used materials.

Overall, they play a crucial role in shaping the direction and focus of the library’s collection, ensuring it remains relevant, diverse, and valuable to its users.

 

Collection Development Librarian Qualifications and Skills

A competent Collection Development Librarian should possess certain skills and qualifications to excel in their role, including:

• Knowledge of literature and resources in various fields of study to create a well-rounded and comprehensive collection.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate the needs of library users and to assess the relevance and quality of materials available for acquisition.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills to deal with vendors, publishers, and authors, and to communicate effectively with library staff and patrons.
• Understanding of budget management to make cost-effective decisions regarding the addition and removal of materials from the collection.
• Proficiency in library classification systems, databases and cataloging procedures to organize and maintain the collection.
• Ability to stay current with emerging trends, publications, and advancements in library technologies and digital information resources.
• Interpersonal and customer service skills to interact with diverse library patrons and staff, ensuring a positive library experience for all.
• Understanding of copyright laws and regulations, ensuring that library practices comply with legal standards.

 

Collection Development Librarian Experience Requirements

A Collection Development Librarian typically requires a Master’s degree in Library Science from an institution accredited by the American Library Association.

This advanced program often includes practical experience like internships or work-study positions in a library setting.

Entry-level roles might require 1 to 2 years of experience in a library setting, possibly obtained through part-time roles or internships during their academic program.

These professionals often gain experience in roles such as Library Assistant, Library Technician, or Reference Librarian.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have built their skills in collection development, cataloging, and library management.

During this time, they have likely worked in public, academic, or special libraries, handling tasks such as acquisitions, collection management, and community outreach.

Those with over 5 years of experience often have managerial or supervisory experience, having overseen library staff, budget management, and large-scale collection development projects.

They are likely ready for senior librarian roles or positions involving strategic planning for library services and collections.

 

Collection Development Librarian Education and Training Requirements

Collection Development Librarians typically require a Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Science (MLIS) from a program accredited by the American Library Association.

These programs provide the necessary training in information organization, information resources, information users and uses, information technology, and the library as an institution.

They also need to develop strong research skills, technological literacy, and familiarity with various library databases and systems.

Some positions, especially those in specialized libraries or research institutions, may require Collection Development Librarians with a background or additional degree in the subject area specific to the collection.

Practical experience, such as internships or work in libraries during school, is also advantageous and sometimes required.

Many librarians continue their education through advanced courses, workshops, or seminars to stay updated with the rapidly changing library technologies and information management systems.

Some professionals might also pursue certification programs in areas like archives management, digital libraries, information architecture or knowledge management, demonstrating their commitment to the profession and ongoing learning.

 

Collection Development Librarian Salary Expectations

A Collection Development Librarian can expect to earn an average salary of $59,122 (USD) per year.

The salary can differ based on years of experience, educational qualifications, the institution they work for, and the geographical location.

 

Collection Development Librarian Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Collection Development Librarian need?

A Collection Development Librarian should possess strong organizational and research skills, as they are responsible for managing and updating a library’s collection.

They need to be comfortable using library databases and digital archiving systems.

Excellent communication skills are also essential since they often collaborate with other librarians and interact with the public.

 

Do Collection Development Librarians need a degree?

Yes, Collection Development Librarians typically need a Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) or a similar field.

Some positions may also require a certain level of professional experience in a library setting.

 

What should you look for in a Collection Development Librarian resume?

A resume for a Collection Development Librarian should demonstrate the candidate’s knowledge of library operations, database management, cataloging, and collection development.

Look for a Master’s degree in Library Science or a related field.

Experience in a library, particularly in a role related to collection development or management, is also valuable.

 

What qualities make a good Collection Development Librarian?

A good Collection Development Librarian is detail-oriented, as they must manage and organize extensive collections of materials.

They also need good decision-making skills to select appropriate materials for the library’s collection.

Excellent interpersonal skills are important as they often work with other library staff and interact with the public.

A passion for literature and a commitment to promoting access to information are also key qualities.

 

What are the daily duties of a Collection Development Librarian?

On a typical day, a Collection Development Librarian may review and select new materials for the library, coordinate with vendors for purchase, and organize and catalog new arrivals.

They may also evaluate the existing collection to identify outdated or damaged items for replacement or repair.

Regular interaction with other library staff and patrons to understand their needs and preferences can also be part of their daily responsibilities.

 

Is it difficult to hire Collection Development Librarians?

Hiring a Collection Development Librarian can be a challenge, especially for specialized roles or in areas with a high demand for these professionals.

It’s important to offer competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive and inclusive work environment to attract the best candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

We’ve just shed light on what it really means to be a Collection Development Librarian.

And guess what?

It’s not just about managing books.

It’s about curating knowledge, one piece of literature at a time.

With our handy Collection Development Librarian job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to forge ahead.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting precise listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every piece of literature is a part of the greater knowledge network.

Let’s build that network. Together.

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