Collection Development Librarian Jobs in Seattle, WA

Salary: $96,969.60 - $117,977.60 Annually
Location : Service Center, Administration, Issaquah, WA
Job Type: Full-Time Exempt
Job Number: 2026-00181
Department: Collections and Access
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 9/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Union Represented: Yes
General Position Summary
Job Number: 2026-00181
The King County Library System is seeking an experienced and customer service focused Selection Librarian to join our Cataloging and Access department.
The Selection Librarian performs a wide range of professional library services pertaining to the selection, development, and maintenance of the KCLS materials collections. This position serves as a system-wide collections expert in specialized areas (i.e. music, adult, children's, young adult, etc.) and formats (i.e. scores, recordings, audiobooks, etc.).
The position carries out administrative functions such as planning, budget forecasting, grant management, coordination, and the development of standards, guidelines, and procedures unique to area of specialization. Success in this role requires strong written and in-person communication skills, and along with the ability to make sound decisions in complex and sometime ambiguous situations.
The ideal candidate will have solid experience with budget planning, forecasting and prioritization, as well as extensive knowledge of collection development practices and public library collection. A strong understanding of foundational DEI principles and Intellectual Freedom is also essential.
Experience selecting or managing materials for a large library system-and evaluating items within a public library collection-is highly desirable.
This position requires a Master of Library Science degree from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program.
Applicants must attach a current resume and cover letter which addresses why they are interested in the position and how they meet the qualifications listed
About King County Library System (KCLS):
KCLS has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow. In order to support this vision, we create opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1.5 million diverse patrons, providing an unparalleled collection of library materials, resources, technology, services, and programs.
Approximately 1,000 engaged and passionate staff provide service in 50 community library locations and patron engagement using direct outreach, programs, and virtual assistance. Our service area includes cities, towns, tribal lands, and unincorporated districts of King County, with the exception of the city of Seattle.
From a 2021-2022 comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Assessment Demographics and Language Report, of the more than 1.5 million residents who live within the KCLS service area, almost half identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). Moreover, roughly one-third of the KCLS community speaks a language other than English as their first language.
The King County Library System values the diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures of all qualified individuals. We seek applicants that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color), immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, veterans, etc.
KCLS welcomes reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities as an opportunity to assist qualified individuals to participate in the job application or interview process and/or perform the essential functions of the position upon hire. Need an accommodation to apply or interview? Call (425) 369-3224 or email
KCLS ensures equal opportunities and consideration for all job applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
KCLS does not tolerate discrimination or harassment during any stage of employment, including in recruiting, hiring, promotion, termination, leave of absence, compensation, or training.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties
The items listed in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this job and do not represent an exhaustive list. Our organization is dynamic and therefore duties may change based on business necessity; however, any new duties will remain within the scope of the job.

• Selects materials to acquire for system-wide distribution across a range of formats and subjects, ensuring alignment with the KCLS collection philosophy and criteria. Develops and maintains a system-wide collection in a specialized area (e.g., music, movies, adult, children's, young adult, world languages) and format (e.g., print, digital content, visual recordings, audiobooks).
• Reviews and evaluates patron purchase requests, researches new title acquisitions, and anticipates demand and interest in forthcoming publications.
• Contributes to negotiation, review, and renewal of terms and contracts from vendors.
• Interacts with vendors to establish and maintain well-functioning workflows. Evaluates selection workflows for improvements.
• Analyzes collection usage and trends. Assesses condition of collections, develops replacement programs, and manages the disposition of materials. Assesses ongoing replacement needs of core materials to keep collection up-to-date and refreshed. Weeds the collection as appropriate and teaches the weeding process and techniques to library staff.
• Creates communication for the intranet and website about new and existing materials and services. Informs patrons and staff of new and existing materials and services.
• Responds to patron, author, and staff questions regarding selection/collection questions and issues. Resolves procedural or operational questions for community libraries in area(s) of specialization. Addresses escalated materials inquiries referred by staff.
• Designs, develops and implements projects, programs, and special collections as needed.
• Provides mentoring, problem-solving, and information sharing about collection methods and philosophies for all levels of staff.
• Collaborates with peers and supervisors to create, analyze and update collection procedures and recommend policy updates or changes. Prepares response and clarification on selection policies and procedures for patrons and staff.
• Contributes to the creation of annual collection budget providing information and a plan for future selections. Allocates and monitors budget in assigned area(s) of specialization.
• Prepares reports and analyses on collections, usage, and future projections and plans including regular distribution assessments that consider changing community demographics, building configurations, and circulation.

Secondary Duties

1. Attends and actively participates on internal and external committees.
2. Develops programs and workshops in area(s) of expertise.
3. Represents KCLS at conferences, book fairs, and in professional associations.
4. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Core Competencies
Each KCLS position has job-specific competencies. These competencies describe characteristics needed for optimum performance in the position. In addition, there are organizational competencies applicable to all positions at KCLS that encompass the culture and set expectations for how work is performed.
Organizational Competencies

• Valuing Diversity

Manages relationships with all kinds and classes of people inclusively and equitably. Respects, values, and encourages the unique dimension each employee adds to the organization and each member of the community brings to the whole. Seeks opportunities to learn about differences.

• Customer Focus

Primarily focused on customer needs. Able to deliver high-quality, value-added services. Constantly strives to find new ways to increase customer satisfaction and understanding, foster equitable services, and forge meaningful connections.

• Ethics, Values and Judgement

Exercises best judgment, trustworthiness, and professional standards of conduct. Consistently demonstrates organization's values, moral principles, and accountability in behavior, character, and action. Defends intellectual freedom and confidentiality.

• Professional and Technical Knowledge

Demonstrates proficiency in professional and technical skills and/or knowledge in position-related areas. Purposely keeps up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise, in order to better foster personal success and connections for others.
Job-Specific Competencies

• Communicates Effectively

Conveys ideas and information in a way that is clear, engaging, and suitable to the audience. Main point of their message is apparent. Listens more than they speak and responds appropriately. Seeks influence.

• Organizing and Planning

Establishes courses of action for self. Can influence others to ensure that work is efficient. Appropriately sensitive to real restraints on time and resources. Willing to take a risk.

• Decision Quality

Makes decisions and solves problems. Can deal adeptly with varied levels of complexity, ambiguity, and risk. Takes responsibility and accepts ownership for decisions regardless of outcome. Responds promptly and appropriately in crisis situations.

• Teamwork/Collaboration

Works cooperatively and productively with others to achieve goals and deliverables. Is aware of, utilizes and celebrate their own and team member's strengths and differences.
Desired Minimum Qualification
Education and Experience
The items listed below are the minimum requirements for the job and are relevant to this position. The organization values both work experience and education and realizes that individuals take different paths to acquire knowledge.

• Master of Library Science degree from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program.
• Four years' experience as a professional librarian, with evidence of training, experience, or study in a relevant functional area.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position will be considered.

Knowledge and Skills

• Advanced knowledge in using integrated library systems (ILS) and other relevant software for managing acquisitions.
• Working knowledge in data collection, analysis, and reporting to inform decision-making.
• Working knowledge of allocating, monitoring, and forecasting budgets.
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion and intellectual freedom.
• Model for customer service mindset and delivery.
• Flexible in an environment with many interruptions.
• Responsive to demands in a proactive manner.
• Attentive to details and accuracy of tasks.
• Adept at verbal, active listening, and written communication with various and diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated skill in presentation and public speaking with groups of all sizes.
• Analytical and decision-making skills to assess an issue and determine an optimal solution.
• Multilingual skills preferred for World Language Selector.

Professional Licenses and Certifications

• Washington State Librarian's Certification is required.
• A valid Washington State driver's license.

Physical Demands & Work Environment
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will:

• Constantly sit throughout work shift and occasionally will walk and stand.
• Frequently reach out at chest level with hands and arms.
• Constantly use hands in conjunction with finger use. Keyboarding may be repetitive up to frequently..
• Rotate neck up to occasionally.
• Change tasks depending upon the shift.
• Require extensive close work, including use of a computer monitor.<
• Seldom operate foot controls.
• Frequently lift up to 10 lbs. and seldom up to 20 lbs. Occasionally carry up to 10 lbs.
• Occasionally push or pull carts and wheeled equipment with light to moderate force.

Work Environment
Work is performed in a typical office environment and in the library or a shipping area depending on work tasks. Some travel within the service area is required. Incumbent may be permitted hybrid telework schedule upon request.
General Benefits Summary
Paid Time off
It is the policy of KCLS to grant to all part-time and full-time employees:

• Annual Leave (Vacation).
• Sick Leave
• Holidays - KCLS celebrates twelve (12) holidays each year and one (1) floating holiday. Part-time employees are eligible for holiday pay if they are scheduled to work on the day the holiday falls on.

Medical/Dental Insurance Benefits
Our health insurance plans with Kaiser/Premera/Delta Dental are offered at low premium rates to all employees working 20 or more hours per week. Employees may also purchase benefits for dependents and domestic partners.
Retirement - Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)
Employees working 20 hours per week or more are automatically enrolled in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) program. Both KCLS and the employee contribute toward PERS retirement benefits.
Flexible and Dependent Care Spending Accounts and Health Saving Account
Employees working 20 hours per week or more can set