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Collection Development Librarian Jobs in Chicago, IL

Triton College, IL

Librarian

River Grove, IL · On-site

$27/hr

Support collection development activities and evaluation of library materials, as assigned. * Participate in departmental projects, initiatives, and programming activities. * Perform other duties as ...

TCS Education System

University Librarian

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The University Librarian holds overall responsibility for library operations including collection development and management (to include physical collections and assessment test kits); library ...

Newberry Library

Development Operations Manager

Chicago, IL · Remote

$55K - $60K/yr

The Newberry collection--some 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages--is a ... The Development Operations Manager will assist departments throughout the library with the database ...

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All JobsCollection Development Librarian JobsCollection Development Librarian Jobs in Chicago, IL

Collection Development Librarian information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.8K

$70K

$97.4K

How much do collection development librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for collection development librarian in Chicago, IL is $70,044.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,800.00 and $79,900.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Collection Development Librarian jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Collection Development Librarian jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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For Collection Development Librarian jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Collection Development Librarian jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Collection Development Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Collection Development Librarian job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,044 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Medical Librarian Operations Manager

HPC International, Inc.

Crown Point, IN • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Are you a driven, passionate and enthusiastic medical librarian with leadership experience supporting medical, academic and/or health science libraries? If so, we want to talk to you!

HPC has an opportunity within our library division for a highly motivated individual to join our team as our new HPC Librarian Operations Manager.

This is a full-time position remote US position to oversee the the day-to-day operational excellence of the division and managing the performance of HPC’s librarian team.

To learn more about our HPCLibrarian™ service please go to our website at https://home.hpcinternationalinc.com/ > Solutions > Librarian. Please watch the video that explains HPCLibrarian™, what it is and how it works so that you are familiar with the service and how we explain it to the clients nationwide we serve.

About the Role

HPC International is seeking an experienced medical librarian leader to serve as our HPC Librarian™ Operations Manager. This position combines client-facing library management with leadership of HPC’s librarian team.

Key Responsibilities

Library Client Management (60–70%): Manage healthcare library clients, budgets, subscription renewals, vendor relationships, collection development, research support, library websites, training, and stakeholder communications. Operations & Team Leadership (30–40%): Lead and support HPC’s librarian team, standardize workflows, monitor performance and client satisfaction, conduct coaching and business reviews, resolve escalated issues, and support sales presentations.

Qualifications

MLS or MLIS from an accredited program. 10+ years of professional library experience. 4+ years of leadership experience in a hospital or health sciences library. Strong knowledge of medical library operations, collection development, subscription management, and research databases. Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills. Ability to travel occasionally (2–3 trips annually).

What We Offer

Competitive annual salary, comprehensive benefits, 401(k), profit-sharing, generous PTO, and 12 paid holidays.

About HPC International

HPC International helps healthcare organizations manage education, library, and research resources through innovative services and technology solutions.