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Collection Development Librarian Jobs in California

Medical Librarian

Ventura, CA · On-site

$37.89 - $57.10/hr

The Medical Librarian is responsible for planning, implementation, management and evaluation of all library services, including strategic planning, budgeting, collection development and reference and ...

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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 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.

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:
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.

Research & Instruction Librarian

UC Law SF

San Francisco, CA

$81K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

RESEARCH & INSTRUCTION LIBRARIAN

Law Library

Classification: Level AL1 / Class Code 9100 (Tier I) / Exempt / Full-Time / Benefited / Represented

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $81,989.60-$90,000

Location: San Francisco, California (On-site role)

THE ROLE

The Law Library at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco seeks a talented and enthusiastic law librarian for the position of Research and Instruction Librarian. Under the general supervision of the Head of Research and Reference, the Research and Instruction Librarian will administer the Law School's scholarship repository and coordinate with the Law School's web developer, Law Library staff and the Communications Department of the Law School to oversee and produce library web content, in addition to providing legal reference, research, and instructional services to the UC Law San Francisco community

RESPONSIBILITIES

Typical duties and responsibilities consist of, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Administer and maintain the Law School Scholarship Repository (a Digital Commons-based platform)
  • Monitor and report on current developments affecting scholarly publishing, particularly open access and institutional repositories. Provide outreach and education on scholarly communication to the Law School community
  • Produce detailed reports on faculty research output, citation counts, and journal impact factors (e.g., h-index) to support tenure, promotion and grant reporting
  • Update and maintain faculty bibliographies
  • Develop new faculty services related to the creation and promotion of scholarship
  • Participate in the library's faculty liaison program by providing in-depth research assistance to assigned faculty and their RAs and by keeping assigned faculty abreast of research relevant to their scholarship
  • Provide sophisticated research and reference assistance to UC Law San Francisco students, faculty, and staff
  • Provide legal research instruction via workshops, guest lectures, and video tutorials
  • Co-teach for-credit research courses in the law school curriculum
  • Create asynchronous digital learning opportunities, including online legal research guides, video tutorials, and library aids
  • Collaborate with Legal Writing and other faculty on instruction regarding AI research tools
  • Participate in collection development
  • Assist in the evaluation and weeding of the library's collections
  • Provide Circulation Desk support as needed
  • Contribute to the library's strategic initiatives and participate in the planning and implementation of new library programs and procedures
  • Maintain an active interest in the profession of librarianship by attending seminars and conferences, and monitoring professional publications
  • Facilitate collaborative relationships across College departments
  • Participate in the life of the law school by attending events and volunteering for projects and committees
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • JD degree from an ABA-accredited institution or its foreign equivalent
  • Master of Library and Information Science degree from an ALA-accredited program, or significant graduate-level coursework toward such a degree
  • Experience as a professional law librarian in an academic setting is desirable
  • Experience with metadata work on digital projects and experience with Digital Commons software is preferred

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • JD degree from an ABA-accredited institution or its foreign equivalent
  • Master of Library and Information Science degree from an ALA-accredited program, or significant graduate-level coursework toward such a degree
  • Experience as a professional law librarian in an academic setting is desirable
  • Experience with metadata work on digital projects and experience with Digital Commons software is preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Entry-level and experienced law librarians are encouraged to apply
  • Knowledge of legal materials and research methodology using electronic and print resources is required
  • Understanding of emerging technologies such as generative AI and their application to legal research and legal education is desirable
  • Knowledge of materials and research methods in foreign, comparative, and international law is desirable
  • Knowledge of relevant aspects of library operations including understanding of contemporary library practices, trends and emerging technologies is desirable
  • Knowledge of Canvas and LibGuides is desirable
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Excellent organizational, time-management, and analytical skills
  • Strong service orientation
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Enthusiasm, creativity, and ability to propose new projects and workflows

BENEFITS

Health and Welfare Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance coverage
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for transportation-related, healthcare and dependent care expenses
  • Employee Assistance Program

For Your Financial Future

  • Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Legal Insurance
  • University of California Retirement Plan (a defined benefit plan)
  • Deferred Compensation Plans/Pre-tax Retirement Savings Programs

For Your Work/Life Balance

  • Fifteen paid holidays per year
  • Generous vacation and sick leave
  • Commuter Benefits Program

THE HIRING PROCESS

Please note: This position has been designated as "sensitive" and requires a pre-employment background check.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact Human Resources if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Applicants who meet the position requirements will be competitively evaluated to identify the individuals whose breadth and depth of experience and education most closely relate to the stated requirements and the needs of the College. Not all applicants will be contacted for an interview.

The skills listed above are comprehensive, and we understand there are great candidates who possess only a subset of those skills, or who have other important skills. If you match some of these skills, please do not hesitate to apply.

UC Law SF is an equal opportunity employer. UC Law SF strives to provide a diverse and inclusive educational environment that fosters cultural awareness, mutual understanding and respect. UC Law SF is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their teaching. Qualified women and members of underrepresented minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME