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Collection Development Librarian Jobs in California

$89K - $116K/yr

To provide professional library and information services, analyze collection development, management, and efficiency, and to serve as a supervisor. Learn more about this agency Duties Help

Librarian

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$4.7K - $7.4K/mo

The incumbent will perform librarian functions including support for collection development and maintenance; acquisitions; online services; training classes and demonstrations; document retrieval ...

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Collection Development Librarian information

See California salary details

$41.9K

$67.1K

$93.3K

How much do collection development librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for collection development librarian in California is $67,051.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a collection development librarian?

The role of a collection development librarian is to manage, update, and develop collections of books (both print and digital), digital media, and the reference database at a library. As a collection development librarian, you handle the selection, purchase, and tracking of new materials and keep documents on all cataloging details. Your responsibilities include collaborating with staff members, managing a budget, and making recommendations on new resources. Other duties include researching statistics and reporting national trends, technologies, and best practices for data sharing, especially electronic sources. You may also assist the public with finding books or media and teach patrons how to use databases and digital resources. Some positions require managing other employees to ensure they catalog resources properly.

What does a collection development librarian do?

A Collection Development Librarian is responsible for selecting, acquiring, and managing library materials to meet the needs of the library's users. They analyze usage data, review feedback, and stay current with trends to ensure the collection is relevant and diverse. Their duties may also include budgeting for new materials, weeding outdated resources, and collaborating with other librarians and stakeholders. Ultimately, they help shape the library’s offerings to align with institutional goals and community interests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a collection development librarian?

To thrive as a Collection Development Librarian, you need expertise in collection analysis, knowledge of publishing trends, and a master's degree in library science (MLS/MLIS). Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), collection management software, and usage data analysis tools is commonly required. Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, and communication skills help in vendor relations and meeting diverse community needs. These abilities ensure the library's collections remain relevant, balanced, and responsive to users' evolving interests.

How does a collection development librarian collaborate with other library staff and stakeholders to ensure the collection meets community needs?

Collection Development Librarians work closely with reference librarians, subject specialists, and user groups to assess current collection strengths and gaps. They often participate in regular meetings to gather input on patron needs, review usage statistics, and discuss potential acquisitions. Additionally, they may conduct surveys or community outreach to align collection priorities with evolving interests. This collaborative approach ensures the library’s collection remains relevant, balanced, and responsive to its users.

What is the difference between Collection Development Librarian vs Technical Services Librarian?

AspectCollection Development LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
Primary FocusSelecting and acquiring library materialsProcessing, cataloging, and maintaining library resources
Required CredentialsMaster's in Library Science (MLS) or equivalentMaster's in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent
Work EnvironmentPublic, academic, or special librariesPublic, academic, or special libraries
Key SkillsCollection analysis, vendor negotiation, knowledge of resourcesCataloging, classification, metadata management

The Collection Development Librarian focuses on selecting and acquiring library materials to meet user needs, while the Technical Services Librarian handles processing, cataloging, and maintaining those resources. Both roles require a Master's in Library Science and often work in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Collection Development Librarian jobs in California?

The most popular types of Collection Development Librarian jobs in California are:

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For Collection Development Librarian jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Collection Development Librarian jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Collection Development Librarian jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Collection Development Librarian jobs?

Cities in California with the most Collection Development Librarian job openings:

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For Collection Development Librarian jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Collection Development Librarian job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,051 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Health Sciences/Outreach Librarian

Vallejo, CA • On-site

$79K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview
The Outreach & Instruction Librarian is a faculty position, who under the general direction and supervision of the Library Director, works with another librarian for each program to provide instruction, reference, collection development, orientations, research and evidence synthesis support to the students, faculty and staff in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, and to the students, faculty, and staff in the College of Health Sciences' School of Nursing, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, and the Radiologic Technology Program. This position also serves as the Outreach Librarian with responsibility to coordinate and arrange library programs and events and respond to, coordinate, and provide library support to special programs and events including the HCOP Academy, Student Services, library wellness programs, and community programs and events. Responsibilities also include participation in providing general library instruction, reference, and collection development with the other librarians and serves as back-up to the Access Services Librarian with maintaining course reserves and the course textbook listing.
Responsibilities
• Serves as one of two librarians who supports the TUC College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) and its programs. Together with the other COM librarian, provides library assistance, instruction, and support to the students in the TUC College of Osteopathic Medicine.
• Serves as the primary librarian for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography and the Radiologic Technology Programs in the TUC College of Health Sciences and does orientations, class instruction, reference, collection development, creation and maintenance of online aids, and research and evidence synthesis support for these two programs.
• Also serves as the primary librarian to support faculty in the COM Clinical Sciences and Community Health Department, and in the COM Clinical Education, Academic Affairs, Graduate Medical Education Departments with their research, reference and their research and evidence synthesis needs.
• If needed, serves as back-up to the primary librarian for the COM MSMHS Program and for research and reference support of the COM faculty in the Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Foundational Biomedical Sciences Departments
• Together with the other COM librarian, provides library orientation, reference support, and collection development support to the students in the TUC COM doctoral program.
• Working with the primary librarian for the School of Nursing (SON), provides library assistance, instruction and support, including orientations, class instructions, reference, collection development, maintenance of online aids, and research and evidence synthesis support to the TUC SON students, faculty and staff.
• Representing COM, SON, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, and the Radiologic Technology Program needs, participates in the library process with the other librarians and the Library Director for the selection, purchase and renewal of databases and journals.
• Takes the lead in coordinating and arranging library programs and events. Also provides library support to TUC programs including the annual HCOP Academy classes, orientations, the Student Services programs, and others.
• For the monthly cultural and health events, prepares posters and book displays. updates the library reading list and takes lead on any related programs and events.
• Provides research and reference support to any adjunct faculty outside Touro University California
• Serves as back-up to the Access Services Librarian for course reserves and the course textbook list.
• Participates in discussions, decision-making, and other efforts related to promotion and functioning of the library and its services.
• Participates in the provision of general reference and general instruction service. May be required to work some evening hours.
• Through professional conferences, workshops, readings, scholarship and/or research, maintains currency and makes contributions to the field of librarianship particularly those aspects of librarianship that pertain to this position.
• As a member of the TUC faculty and representative of the TUC Library, participates in TUC campus and faculty meetings and functions.
Qualifications
REQUIRED:
• Master's degree from an ALA accredited library or information science program required
• Previous library work experience as a librarian is required
• Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills required
• Demonstrated strong service orientation required
• Demonstrated flexibility, reliability, productivity, sound judgment required
• Demonstrated ability to work well and productively both independently and one on one, and in a team environment is required
• Demonstrated knowledge and currency in librarianship developments required
• Experience with and sound knowledge of web technologies and library databases required
DESIRABLE:
• Degree in a health sciences field highly desirable
• Previous experience in an academic or medical library highly preferred
• Work experience with medical and allied health databases, resources, research, reference, and/or teaching highly desirable
• Experience working with other university and library departments and with community organizations
CORE COMPETENCIES:
• Maintains an excellent command of print and electronic library resources for the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM), the diagnostic medical sonography and radiologic technologies programs, and the School of Nursing as well as the other print and electronic resources relevant to the TUC curriculum.
• Provides clear, well-organized, subject-oriented library instruction appropriate to a particular class or program or student
• Provides and maintains well-organized, clear, up-to-date and audience-appropriate teaching aids
• Maintains currency of new library resources in assigned subject areas, exercises good judgment in their selection and de-selection
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrates flexibility
• Demonstrates ability to work, effectively and productively independently, one on one, and in a team environment
• Demonstrates reliability, productivity, organizational skills, initiative, sound judgment, attention to detail in carrying out job responsibilities
• Demonstrates a strong customer service orientation
• Has knowledge and skills to participate in and contribute to TUC campus and faculty committees and events and professional organizations and endeavors
Maximum Salary
USD $79,000.00/Yr.
Minimum Salary
USD $63,200.00/Yr.