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Collection Development Librarian Jobs in California

Senior Librarian

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$87K - $106K/yr

Senior Librarians may be assigned to collection development, technical services, public services, or other library service areas based on operational needs. The current vacancies are in Public ...

The Reference librarian reports to the Director of the Law Library. Requirements Key ... Contributing to collection development for both online and print resources * Provide an occasional ...

Reference Librarian

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Reference librarian reports to the Director of the Law Library. Requirements: Key ... Contributing to collection development for both online and print resources * Provide an occasional ...

Reference Librarian

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Reference librarian reports to the Director of the Law Library. Requirements Key ... Contributing to collection development for both online and print resources * Provide an occasional ...

Showing results 21-40

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 8, 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?

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 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.

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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:
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Infographic showing various Collection Development Librarian job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,051 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

Position Summary:

The University Librarian is the chief administrator for the University Library which includes its locations in Anaheim, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Washington DC. It also includes any future locations as The Chicago School looks to meet the future mental health needs of communities across the country.

The University Librarian holds overall responsibility for library operations including collection development and management (to include physical collections and assessment test kits); library services; budget and planning; and state, national and international cooperative efforts. The University Librarian acts as the official representative, advocate, and intellectual leader of the Library in the context of a graduate-oriented university with a global mission.

The University Librarian supervises academic support services including the Academic Support Center (writing, academic skills, and statistics support), and the Office of Manuscript Preparation, serving students across modalities (including traditional on-campus, hybrid, executive style, and fully online),

Key Responsibilities of The University Librarian: Leadership

  • Develop and communicate a strategic vision for library and academic support services aligned with the evolving needs of medical health and behavioral health sciences education, research, and patient care.
  • Establish and maintain positive working relationships throughout the University, The Community Solution, the community, and professional organizations.
  • Advocate for the collections, resources, partnerships, and programming necessary to support educational programs, including distance-education, and provide the best possible service to the Library's stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with the Library's leadership team to prepare annual goals in alignment with University strategic priorities and report progress towards their achievement.
  • Lead efforts to contribute to student enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and other indicators of student success.


Key Responsibilities of The University Librarian: Operational Oversight

  • Provide leadership and oversight for resource allocation, to include budget planning, monitoring, and compliance, and other related fiscal activities. Collaborate with The Community Solution and Affiliate Librarians to create system level innovation, cost saving, and improved digital resource availability.
  • Represent The Chicago School library in collaboration with The Community Solution to maintain and enhance digital interface and resources while controlling costs.
  • Manage the Library's leadership team to ensure seamless operations for a complex array of library and academic support services across multiple locations and programs (both in-person and online).
  • Provide oversight for daily operations of the University Library across locations.


Key Responsibilities of The University Librarian: Continuous Quality Improvement

  • Promote continuous improvement of the library's programs and services through assessment and develop data-based innovative and efficient improvements to operations.
  • Seek innovative solutions and initiatives to support the University's educational, research, scholarship, and community strategic priorities.
  • Enhance efforts to recruit and retain outstanding professional librarians and support staff.
  • Facilitate opportunities for professional development and innovation within the University Library.
  • In collaboration with The Community Solution, ensure the University Library remains current with current developments in library and information science and concurrent related technologies.
  • Work with leadership, faculty, and staff in securing external grant and philanthropic funding.
  • Explore and establish partnerships with external organizations to expand access to resources and enhance innovation
  • Pursue opportunities for their own continued professional development in order to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
  • Serve on University, state, regional, and national committees.
  • Serve as Ex-Officio member of the Institutional Effectiveness Review Committee.

Basic Qualifications:

It is required that the Director of the University Library possesses:

  • An American Library Association (ALA) or international equivalent accredited Master's degree.
  • At least five years of academic library experience with evidence of progressive growth in scope of responsibilities.
  • Demonstrated record of successful stewardship of physical, fiscal, technological, and human resources.
  • Ability to foster positive team-based working environments to empower professional librarians, learning specialists and staff growth.
  • Strong Leadership abilities that demonstrate commitment to The Chicago School's professed values of Education, Innovation, Community, and Impact.
  • Commitment to active advocacy and building strong positive relationships with stakeholders.
  • The ability to articulate the library's value and impact on student learning and success, faculty research productivity, and campus engagement.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of trends (current events and legislation) that specifically affect health information as well as knowledge of trends and best practices in higher education and academic health systems.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of trends and best practices in intellectual property (particularly Copyright) and scholarly and research information management.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • An additional advanced degree (Masters or Doctoral, in education leadership or related field.
  • Experience working in complex, multi-campus systems with shared infrastructure.
  • Dynamic leadership in strategic planning, change management, resource allocation, and personnel management.
  • Demonstrated experience in leading transformational change.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

This opportunity is budgeted at $90,000 to $100,000 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, and tuition reimbursement, click the link below. https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/career-opportunities/

DISCLAIMER:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

This opportunity is budgeted at $$90,000 to $100,000 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/career-opportunities/

The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please note: For the protection of faculty, staff, students, and all who enter our facilities, The Chicago School strongly recommends that all employees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 per CDC guidance.