ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Collection Development Librarian Jobs in Chicago, IL

Batavia Public Library

Circulation Assistant

Batavia, IL · On-site

$17.02 - $23.02/hr

... Check library materials in & out. • Interact with patrons concerning materials circulation and ... Position requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of a high ...

Batavia Public Library

Circulation Assistant

Batavia, IL · On-site

$17.02 - $23.02/hr

... Check library materials in & out. • Interact with patrons concerning materials circulation and ... Position requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of a high ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 16, 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 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.

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.

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:

What job categories do people searching Collection Development Librarian jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

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.

Library Media Specialist

Gary Community School Corporation

Gary, IN

$45K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

PURPOSE STATEMENT

To provide students and staff with an enriched Library Media Center environment containing a wide variety of materials in all formats that will invite intellectual growth and to aid all students in acquiring the skills needed to take full advantage of all Library Media Center resources and to become life long readers and learners.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all the duties and responsibilities performed by this position.

  • Plans and administers the Library Media Center program.

  • Provides a climate that encourages students and staff to take full advantage of the Library Media Center and its resources. 

  • Provides reference and bibliographic services for patrons.

  • Plans cooperatively with teachers to integrate information skill lessons into the curriculum. 

  • Helps students develop skills in locating and using materials independently.

  • Provides reading guidance to students and promotes reading as a life-long activity.

  • Provides staff development for teachers in evaluation, selection and use of materials and equipment.

  • Assists students with the preparation of multimedia presentations.

  • Participates in department meetings, curriculum meetings and other instructional groups.

  • Oversees the annual inventory process.

  • Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.

  • Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective working environment.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge of:

  • Library Media Center operations and procedures, computer hardware and software applications used in the Library Media Center (Microsoft Office, Follett Automation, Hyper studio). 

  • Evaluating, selecting and requisitioning new Library Media Center materials that will maintain a balanced relevant collection.

Skill in:

  • Operating computers and peripherals and other audiovisual equipment used in the Library Media Center, working with various learning styles. 

  • Using a computer and related software applications.

  • Using modern office equipment.

Ability to:

  • Assist teachers in the selection of instructional materials and make Library Media Center materials available to supplement the instructional program.

  • Communicate effectively with staff and students, use good judgment in order to solve problems wisely, adapt to changing technologies and educational strategies. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree

 

CERTIFICATION

N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sedentary Work:  Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.  Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.  Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Testing                                                    Certificates & Licenses

  • Drug Test

  • See Above

  • Pre-placement Medical Exam

Continuing Educ./Training                                   Clearances

  • See Above

  • Fingerprinting/Background Clearance



Apply