ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Collection Development Librarian Jobs in Massachusetts

Marblehead

Adult Services Librarian

Marblehead, MA · On-site

Assigns special projects in programing and collection development to library assistants assigned to the Adult Services Department. * Selects, evaluates, and manages the adult collection of books ...

Marblehead

Children's Librarian

Marblehead, MA · On-site

Library Date: May 2026 --- Summary Under the direction of the Library Director, the Children ... This role encompasses collection development, supervision of department personnel, reference and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCollection Development Librarian JobsCollection Development Librarian Jobs in Massachusetts

Collection Development Librarian information

See Massachusetts salary details

$46.4K

$74.2K

$103.2K

How much do collection development librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for collection development librarian in Massachusetts is $74,200.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,300.00 and $84,600.00 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.

More about Collection Development Librarian jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Collection Development Librarian jobs in Massachusetts? The most popular types of Collection Development Librarian jobs in Massachusetts are:
What are popular job titles related to Collection Development Librarian jobs in Massachusetts? For Collection Development Librarian jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Collection Development Librarian jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Collection Development Librarian jobs in Massachusetts are:
What are popular job titles related to Collection Development Librarian jobs in MA? For Collection Development Librarian jobs in MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Collection Development Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Collection Development Librarian job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,200 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Collection Development & Acquisitions Librarian

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE
Collection Development & Acquisitions Librarian
LOCATION
Worcester
DEPARTMENT NAME
Scholarly Communication & Open Strategies
DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Working collaboratively with colleagues across all library departments, manages the assessment, selection and deselection, and licensing of digital and print resources by formulating, articulating, and managing policies and procedures to develop, shape, and balance the Library's collections to support learning, teaching, and research.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Manage collections assessment and development
  • Analyze institutional data, bibliographic data, usage statistics, interlibrary loan data, and other metrics
  • Utilize collection development and assessment tools, such as Greenglass, Gold Rush, etc.
  • Establish and monitor title selection plans, such as PDA (Patron Driven Acquisitions), DDA (Demand-Driven Acquisitions), etc.
  • Monitor pricing and usage of ejournal packages and databases
  • Respond to requests for information resources made by faculty, students, and staff

Oversee collection management and acquisitions procedures and activities
  • Implement and utilize title selection and acquisition tools and software
  • Select and deselect information resources for the general collection, based on current and proposed academic curricula and discipline needs and practices
  • Manage and participate in the library's resource acquisitions workflow, including ordering and receiving items and processing invoices
  • Document and train others as needed in use of vendor and library systems to acquire or deselect information resources
  • Participate in shared print initiatives (e.g. EAST)

Collaborate with library Research and Instruction team and other library colleagues regularly to ensure the WPI community is receiving an appropriate level of support for their academic work
  • Meet regularly to discuss the library resource needs of faculty, students, and other library users
  • Participate in gathering and analyzing community feedback from surveys, interviews, and focus groups

Develop planning and budgetary recommendations for the library's collections
  • Allocate and expend the budget in the library management system
  • Monitor and ensure efficient expenditure of the budget in consultation with the University Librarian, Associate Library Director, and others

Negotiate pricing and licensing terms for library e-resources
  • In collaboration with the Associate Director, maintain working relationships with library vendors, publishers, and consortia to obtain the best possible pricing and terms of use
  • Administer digital licensing procedures and renewals in the library management system
  • Coordinate electronic resource trials
  • Monitor trends in the broader library resources community and scholarly publishing sphere

Administer the Library's gift in kind program for materials
  • Identify and pursue potential gift opportunities
  • Select donations for the collection and send unwanted donations to appropriate vendors or organizations for resale, archiving, or recycling
  • Refer archival and special collections gift and donation offers to the University Archivist

Support institutional compliance with accreditation and external agencies
  • Provide data for reports and analyses related to collections development and maintenance as required by university offices and external agencies, including ACRL (Association of College & Research Libraries) and accreditation bodies

Participate in Library, professional, and community engagement
  • Participate in providing direct services to library users and customers, or providing informed referrals
  • Participate in collaborative library programs and activities including outreach events, strategic and annual planning, and collaborations with university community offices and student groups
  • Participate in and contribute to WPI committees, initiatives, and goals contributing to WPI and library strategic initiatives
  • Engage in and contribute to the profession through continuing learning, service, research, presentations, or professional communications

Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor.
Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent graduate degree in library and information studies
  • Minimum of two to five years of experience in library collection development
  • Three to five years of professional experience in an academic library
  • Knowledge of current issues and trends in library collections development, information delivery and access, electronic and digital resources, and related copyright and licensing issues
  • Familiarity with current print and electronic acquisitions trends, as well as academic library metadata practices
  • Demonstrated operational experience with an online integrated library system (ILS), preferably experience or marked familiarity with FOLIO ILS
  • Demonstrated excellent collaboration and communication skills, including written and oral communications
  • Evidence of strong skills in decision making, problem solving, independent action, analytical and critical thinking, project/program or service management, and general office technical skills

Preferred qualifications and experience:
  • Familiarity with research and teaching in the STEM fields through education or prior work experience
  • Familiarity with open access publishing models

Salary Grade 7: $62,500 - $78,100 - $93,700 (full range); expected hiring range $73,000 - $78,000 (depending on experience)
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.
Compensation at WPI
FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.

Apply