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Collection Development Librarian Jobs in Virginia

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Collection Development Librarian information

See Virginia salary details

$42.1K

$67.4K

$93.7K

How much do collection development librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for collection development librarian in Virginia is $67,358.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $76,800.00 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Collection Development Librarian jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Collection Development Librarian jobs in Virginia? For Collection Development Librarian jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Collection Development Librarian jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Collection Development Librarian jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Collection Development Librarian jobs in VA? For Collection Development Librarian jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Collection Development Librarian job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,358 per year, or $32.4 per hour.
T26-27 - LIBRARY MEDIA SPEC (Candidate Pool)

T26-27 - LIBRARY MEDIA SPEC (Candidate Pool)

Arlington Public Schools

Arlington, VA

$52K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Posted to create a candidate pool for the 2026-27 School Year.

Qualifications: 

  • Must have or be eligible for Virginia licensure. 
  • Library Media endorsement.
  • Masters in Library Science or minimum of 24 semester hours in school library media preparation. 
  • Dual endorsement in English as a Second Language and/or Special Education, or in any other content area, is preferred but not required.

Experience:

  • Ability to interact with students, teachers and administrators in a positive, collaborative manner. 
  • High familiarity with and use of emergent technologies in the field of Library Science and Instruction. 
  • Demonstrate a commitment to professional development through membership in professional organizations, enrolling in continuing education courses, attending conferences and training workshops and working with counterparts and colleagues.

Responsibilities:  

  • Provides instruction in locating, analyzing, and effectively using information resources for all curriculum needs. 
  • Collaborates and partners with teaching staff to deliver ongoing instruction in the acquisition of information literacy skills, tied to APS curriculum.
  • Encourages students and teachers to maximize the use of information in various formats, including electronic as well as print, and promotes the ethical use of information technology. 
  • Selects and evaluates resources which provide a wide variety of materials to meet the interests and learning needs of the entire school community.
  • Customizes instruction to serve diverse learning populations through varying instructional activities, integrating appropriate technology and promoting models of information acquisition and use. 
  • Integrates fiction and nonfiction works into lesson design, is knowledgeable about children's and young adult literature, and motivates students to appreciate reading as a lifelong activity.
  • Provides orientation and training to all students and staff concerning library services and resources, including the use of all features of the APS OPAC, known as the Arlington County Online Resource Network (ACORN). 
  • Serves as the Interlibrary Loan contact for the building and is a primary contact for instruction and access to various technologies, including video, audio and online resources. 
  • Administers library program functions such as scheduling, budget, supplies, reports, and ongoing collection development. Maintains, manages, organizes and supervises the library collection, including the acquisition and withdrawal of materials as necessary. 
  • Supervises and trains library assistants/secretaries, students and volunteers who work in the library. 
  • Promotes and publicizes the use of the library as an environment for learning and enjoyment, including regular communication with the greater school community regarding library activities and programs. 
  • As a school faculty member, actively participates in school committees, partners in school and community events, and serves as an advocate of the school and public library programs. 
  • Arranges library programming such as Family Literacy Nights and Author visits to embed reading for choice and literacy into the school program as a whole.
  • Contributes to the planning of library construction and renovation.

Salary: 

  • Salary will be based on the FY2026-27 salary schedule.
Arlington Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer
 
It is the policy of the Arlington School Board, as stated in Policy G-2.30, Employee Relations - Equal Employment Opportunity - that "Employment opportunities shall not be restricted, abridged or otherwise adversely affected on the basis of race, national origin, creed, color, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, and/or disability.