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Collection Development Librarian Jobs in California

City of Calabasas

Librarian

Calabasas, CA

$30/hr

Evaluate and select library materials; recommend and purchase materials for collection development; remove obsolete, non-relevant and worn books from library collection. Interpret and communicate ...

City of Calabasas, CA

Librarian

Calabasas, CA · On-site

$30/hr

Evaluate and select library materials; recommend and purchase materials for collection development; remove obsolete, non-relevant and worn books from library collection. * Interpret and communicate ...

City of Palo Alto

SENIOR LIBRARIAN

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$103K - $125K/yr

Sunday to Thursday The Opportunity Collection development is at the heart of every public library, and this position plays a key role in shaping the library experience for our community. As our ...

City of Murrieta

LIBRARIAN I/II

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Initially under general supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine library program services including young readers services, adult services, reference, collection development, or cataloging.

Taft College

Librarian (Tenure Track)

Taft, CA

$80K - $141K/yr

Librarian (Tenure-Track) Priority Application Date: May 8, 2026. Position will remain open until ... Maintain the Collection Development Guidelines, including procedures for circulating the general ...

City of Murrieta, CA

LIBRARIAN I/II

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Library Opening Date: 07/07/2026 Closing Date: 7/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific FLSA: Non-Exempt ... Participates in collection development activities including materials selection and weeding ...

City of Calabasas

City Librarian

Calabasas, CA · On-site

$141K - $177K/yr

Provides overall management direction for library collections, service areas, and programs, including collection development and maintenance, reference services, circulation, youth and adult services ...

Tulare County, CA

Librarian IV

Visalia, CA · On-site

$77K - $93K/yr

Oversee the collection development, branch operations, or programming for the main library or a region. * Prepare a variety of correspondence grants, reports, surveys, statistics, and budgets. For a ...

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All JobsCollection Development Librarian JobsCollection Development Librarian Jobs in California

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 Jul 16, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Collection Development Librarian, and why are they important?

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.

What Is the Role of 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.

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.

More about Collection Development Librarian jobs
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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What cities in California are hiring for Collection Development Librarian jobs? Cities in California with the most Collection Development Librarian job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Collection Development Librarian jobs in CA? For Collection Development Librarian jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Collection Development Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Collection Development Librarian job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,051 per year, or $32.2 per hour.
Library - Collection Management Librarian

Library - Collection Management Librarian

Library Systems & Services LLC

Jurupa Valley, CA • On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description

The Collection Management Librarian leads the strategic oversight, evaluation, and development of systemwide physical and digital collections to ensure collections remain responsive, relevant, accessible, and aligned with organizational goals and community needs. 


This role is responsible for collection analysis, digital resource strategy, merchandising standards, space planning, and systemwide collection maintenance initiatives. The position works collaboratively with branch leadership, selectors, vendors, and operational teams to support a high-quality customer experience across all library locations.


Collection Strategy & Maintenance

  • Develop and implement systemwide collection maintenance standards aligned with organizational priorities and community interests.
  • Monitor overall collection health across physical and digital collections, including age, usage, duplication levels, and format balance.
  • Establish consistent practices for merchandising, shelving density, and lifecycle management for physical materials while coordinating with digital collection strategies.
  • Coordinate large-scale maintenance projects such as shifting, inventory, and refresh initiatives.
  • Oversee and advise on systemwide collections budget allocations, ensuring funds are strategically distributed across formats, subject areas, and branches based on demand and organizational priorities.


Ebook & Digital Collection Management

  • Analyze ebook and digital media usage trends (holds ratios, cost-per-use, format performance) to inform purchasing and licensing strategies.
  • Collaborate with selectors and vendors to maintain balanced digital collections that reflect community demand and budget constraints; serve as primary liaison to the Collection Management Team.
  • Monitor platform performance and advise on allocation between physical and digital formats.
  • Develop guidelines for integrating digital collections into overall collection strategy.
  • Provide recommendations on digital merchandising, featured collections, and discoverability within catalog and apps.


Physical Space Planning & Collection Layout

  • Advise on shelf space allocation based on usage trends, demographic patterns, and shifts between physical and digital borrowing.
  • Collaborate with branch leadership on collection layout, signage, and merchandising strategies that improve discoverability.
  • Analyze shelf capacity and recommend adjustments to maintain balanced, browsable collections.
  • Collaborate with branch leadership on collection layout, signage, and merchandising strategies that improve discoverability.
  • Analyze shelf capacity and recommend adjustments to maintain balanced, browsable collections.
  • Support remodels, new branches, or temporary locations with collection design guidance informed by hybrid physical/digital usage.


Active Rebalancing & Systemwide Collection Distribution

  • Lead ongoing redistribution of physical materials across branches to align supply with demand.
  • Develop workflows and decision criteria for floating, transfers, and rebalancing projects.
  • Identify areas where digital usage trends should influence physical collection distribution.


Data Analysis & Decision Support

  • Use LibraryIQ data analytics platform, circulation trends, digital usage data, holds ratios, turnover rates, and demographic insights to inform selection and deselection strategies.
  • Translate systemwide analytics into actionable recommendations for selectors, branch leaders, and administration.
  • Prepare and deliver regular reports and presentations on collection performance, trends, and initiatives to leadership, branch managers, and clients, translating complex data into clear operational recommendations.


Weeding Oversight & Collection Health

  • Develop and maintain weeding guidelines.
  • Support large-scale deselection projects tied to space optimization or collection refresh cycles.


Training & Capacity Building

  • Design and deliver training for branch staff on collection maintenance, weeding, merchandising, and interpreting both physical and digital collection data.
  • Provide guidance on promoting ebooks and supporting patrons in accessing digital collections.
  • Create documentation and workflows


Requirements

  • MLS or MLIS degree required.
  • 5+ years experience preferred.
  • Proficiency in MS Office suite including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
  • Knowledge of online library databases and services.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Excellent communication skills; both verbal and written.
  • Able to work a flexible schedule including weekdays, evenings and weekends Includes regular travel to visit branches. 
  • Must have access to reliable transportation.

Apply