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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 ...

CNIC Careers

SUPERVISORY LIBRARIAN

Great Lakes, IL · On-site

$36.89/hr

Skilled to make authoritative recommendations on collection development and source selection, to instruct clientele in how best to make use of library resources, and provide training in end-user ...

TCS Education System

University Librarian

Chicago, IL · On-site

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

Benedictine University

Student Success Librarian

Lisle, IL · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Implement collection development policies related to reference materials in specific subject areas. Library Instruction - Participate in the library's instructional program by designing, adapting ...

Adler Planetarium

Librarian/Archivist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$52K - $60K/yr

Using the Archives collection to expand understanding of Adler's institutional history. * Working ... Coordinating the development and distribution of publications. * Applying for grant funding as ...

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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

$97.3K

How much do collection development librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for collection development librarian in Chicago, IL is $69,989.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,700.00 and $79,800.00 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.

More about Collection Development Librarian jobs
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:
What are popular job titles related to Collection Development Librarian jobs in Chicago, IL? For Collection Development Librarian jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Collection Development Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Collection Development Librarian job openings in Chicago, IL 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 $69,989 per year, or $33.6 per hour.
Serials and Acquisitions Librarian

Serials and Acquisitions Librarian

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversees acquisition of library materials including searching, ordering, tracking orders, claiming, cancellations, receipts, and returns.

  • Manages order records and budgets in the Integrated Library System (ILS) for acquisitions across several funds.

  • Maintains ongoing relations with vendors and monitors vendor performance as needed.

Art Institute Of Chicago rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 27 rated museums

Job description

About the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.
About the Department
A hub for scholarship and training, the Art Institute Research Center brings together the museum's Ryerson and Burnham Library, the Art Institute of Chicago Archives, and the department of Academic Engagement and Research to care for, modernize, and share the Art Institute of Chicago's broad array of research resources. The historic Ryerson and Burnham Library is one of the nation's preeminent art research libraries. The collection holds more than 670,000 print titles, 100,000 auction catalogs, 200 current serial subscriptions, and extensive digital resources. The Library resources the museum's eleven curatorial departments, supporting myriad research fields spanning the globe and all time periods. In addition to upholding the museum's core activities, the Library makes its collections accessible to the scholarly community, faculty and students, artists and architects, and inquisitive public visitors from around the world.
Position Summary
The Serials and Acquisitions Librarian oversees library collection development, including the administration of monographs, serials, and auction catalog acquisitions, as well as the processing of gifts. The role manages all library acquisitions activities and is responsible for collection development in a specified area. This role reports to the Associate Library Director of Collection Services, and works in close consultation with the Library Director.
Responsibilities
Library Acquisitions
  • Oversees acquisition of library materials including searching, ordering, tracking orders and claiming, cancellations, receipts, and returns; checks for duplicates in the ILS.

Selection
  • Working in ongoing communication with a specified curatorial department, selects collection items in response to their needs, and in regard to changing priorities and upcoming exhibitions.
  • Collaborates with other librarians on the selection team to maintain the highest standards of collection development.

External communications
  • Maintains ongoing relations with vendors and monitors vendor performance as needed.
  • Tracks and solves problems with orders, following-up on back orders, cancellations and returns.
  • Drafts loan approval letters or purchase agreements as needed.

Record-keeping
  • Manages order records and budgets in the Integrated Library System (ILS) for acquisitions across several funds.
  • Maintains accurate records of vendor information as well as purchase information.
  • Creates, reviews, and updates records in the ILS. May generate gift processing forms for Advancement Operations, and acknowledge donations.

Organization
  • Maintains a structured system for monitoring order statuses, and responds appropriately.
  • Manages time efficiently, balancing a variety of tasks.
  • Frequently assesses workload and processes, proposes improvements when necessary.

Payments
  • Processes payments on a credit card and/or reconciles and pays invoices.
  • Archives receipts and invoices.
  • Monitors payment pipeline for timely delivery. Files reimbursements as needed.

Collaboration
  • Maintains clear communication with colleagues about ongoing priorities, goals, and projects.
  • Advises colleagues, interns, and student workers in acquisitions activities.
  • Supports other departmental projects as needed
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • MLIS degree required; coursework in arts administration, museum studies, library science, art history, or related subject preferred
  • Minimum of one year of library experience; experience in collection services or with related responsibilities preferred
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google suites required
  • Capacity to learn museum software and library-specific collection database systems quickly, including Alma/Primo, Airtable, Jira, Concur, and the museum's in-house collection management software CITI
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; professional email etiquette, and a sensitivity to different communication styles
  • Demonstrated ability to manage data in complex project environments and work proactively
  • Strong organizational skills and initiative
  • Proficiency with digital tools and budget records management
  • The successful candidate will:
    • be highly detail-oriented and organized
    • demonstrate initiative and excellent time management
    • demonstrate ability to prioritize, self-manage, and initiate appropriate change
    • enjoy being in a vital role on a large team, in service of a diverse collection
    • have strong cataloging, writing, research, and communication

Physical Requirements
  • Capable of stooping, bending, stretching, lifting up to 50 pounds, and pushing book carts weighing up to 150 pounds in order to receive, process, and perform essential maintenance for physical collection materials.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and the ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.
  • Most of the day consists of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time.
  • Often moves about inside the office, stacks and across various museum spaces to access storage areas, receive and move collection materials, and other related tasks.

Compensation & Benefits
Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:
  • Hiring Range

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.
  • Benefits
  • PTO Overview
  • Job Classification: Exempt
  • Employment Category: Full time staff
  • Grade Level: 7

If you are accessing this listing from a third party, not all links to salary and benefits information may work. Please visit our career page at saic/artic.edu/employment for complete information
Application Instructions
Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
Union
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.
Accessibility
If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:
Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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