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Collections Development Librarian Jobs in Indiana

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Collections Development Librarian information

What does a collections development librarian do?

A Collections Development Librarian is responsible for selecting, acquiring, and managing library materials to ensure that the library's collection meets the needs of its users. They assess community needs, evaluate existing holdings, and make decisions about what materials to add or remove. This role often involves working with budgets, negotiating with vendors, and collaborating with other staff to ensure the collection remains relevant, diverse, and up-to-date.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a collections development librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Collections Development Librarian, you need expertise in collection management, bibliographic analysis, and a degree in library science (often an ALA-accredited MLS or MLIS). Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital resource management tools, and knowledge of current cataloging standards are typically required. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and collaborative skills help librarians assess community needs and negotiate with vendors. These skills ensure the library's collection remains relevant, diverse, and accessible to meet user demands and institutional goals.

What are some common challenges faced by a collections development librarian, and how can they be addressed?

Collections Development Librarians often face challenges such as balancing the diverse needs of patrons with limited budgets, staying current with evolving formats (like digital resources), and ensuring the collection reflects both academic priorities and community interests. Addressing these challenges typically involves collaborating closely with faculty, students, and other stakeholders to gather input, analyzing usage data to make informed decisions, and regularly reviewing collection policies. Staying adaptable and proactive in seeking out new resources or funding opportunities can also help maintain a well-rounded and relevant collection.

What is the difference between Collections Development Librarian vs Technical Services Librarian?

AspectCollections Development LibrarianTechnical Services Librarian
CredentialsMaster's in Library Science (MLS) or equivalentMaster's in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent
Work EnvironmentFocuses on selecting, acquiring, and managing library collectionsHandles cataloging, processing, and maintaining library materials
Industry UsageCommonly employed in academic, public, and special librariesFound in similar settings, often working closely with collections

The Collections Development Librarian primarily manages library collections, selecting and acquiring materials to meet user needs. In contrast, the Technical Services Librarian handles cataloging and processing materials to ensure proper organization. Both roles require similar credentials and often work within the same environments, but their core responsibilities differ in focus and daily tasks.

Research and Collections Librarian

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Indiana University
See more jobs at Indiana Universityexternal

$62K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Position Details
Title
Research and Collections Librarian
Appointment Status
Tenure
Department
IU Bloomington Libraries
Location
Bloomington
Position Summary
Indiana University Libraries seeks a dynamic and collaborative Research and Collections Librarian to lead the development, assessment, and promotion of collections that support the teaching and research missions of the Kelley School of Business and the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs-two of the nation's top-ranked programs. This position plays a strategic role in shaping access to high-impact resources in business, public policy, government affairs, and sustainability.
Working as part of a three-librarian team at the Business/SPEA Library, the successful candidate will ensure that collections remain responsive to evolving curricular and research needs. This includes selecting and evaluating materials, managing budgets, and engaging with faculty and students to align resources with academic priorities.
The IU Bloomington Libraries system is one of North America's premier academic research libraries, with over 10 million print volumes, 60,000+ electronic journals, and a renowned Moving Image Archive. The Research & Learning Division, which houses this position, fosters innovation, inclusive learning, and strategic partnerships across campus. Reporting to the Head of Sciences & Social Sciences, the librarian will contribute to a department that supports curriculum and research for over 70% of IU Bloomington students.
Responsibilities
This position will:
  • Serve as the lead collection strategist for Business and Public & Environmental Affairs, overseeing selection, evaluation, and lifecycle management of monographs, serials, and databases.
  • Conduct ongoing assessments of collections and research support services to identify emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities for innovation.
  • Collaborate with faculty and campus partners to ensure collections align with curricular goals, accreditation standards, and evolving research priorities.
  • Provide research consultations that help students, faculty, and researchers effectively navigate and leverage library resources to support coursework, projects, and scholarly research.
  • Promote collections and services through targeted outreach, instruction, and engagement with stakeholders in the Kelley School of Business and the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
  • Participate actively in library-wide initiatives, departmental programs, and campus events that enhance the visibility and impact of library resources.

Basic Qualifications
Applicants are encouraged to think broadly and communicate how their skills and experiences transfer to the qualifications in ways that may not be obvious.
  • ALA-accredited graduate degree in library or information science or international equivalent; candidates with an advanced degree in a relevant subject area and appropriate experience in a library setting will also be considered
  • Interest in working with business and public affairs library patrons at one of the top schools in the nation
  • Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team
  • Demonstrated interest or experience with promoting collections and services to students, researchers, and instructors
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and knowledgeably in multiple modalities
  • Demonstrated ability to work creatively, independently, flexibly, and collaboratively in a team environment
  • Ability to meet the tenure or tenure-track position requirements at the IU Libraries (https://libraries.indiana.edu/promotion-tenure-librarians) as demonstrated by an ongoing record of professional development and service

Department Contact for Questions
Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to libhire@iu.edu.
Additional Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with business or public affairs concepts through experience or education.
  • Experience with selecting library materials
  • Familiarity with materials budget allocation
  • Assessment experience or education with monographs, serials, and databases

Salary and Rank
Salary and rank depend on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The starting salaries are as follows: Assistant Librarians, $62,500; Associate Librarians, $64,500; and Full Librarians, $82,500
Special Instructions
Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications received by December 5, 2025, will be assured full consideration. Interested candidates should review the applicationrequirements and submit their application at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com. Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to libhire@iu.edu. The expected start date is February 15, 2026, but please note that it is negotiable. For more information about Indiana University Bloomington, go to https://www.indiana.edu/. For information about working and living in Bloomington, Indiana: https://vpfaa.indiana.edu/resources/index.html.
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here, which includes contact information.
"Before a conditional offer of employment with tenure is finalized, candidates will be asked to disclose any pending investigations or previous findings of sexual or professional misconduct. They will also be required to authorize an inquiry by Indiana University Bloomington with all current and former employers along these lines. The relevance of information disclosed or ascertained in the context of this process to a candidate's eligibility for hire will be evaluated by Indiana University Bloomington on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should be aware, however, that Indiana University Bloomington takes the matters of sexual and professional misconduct very seriously."
For Best Consideration Date
12/05/2025
Expected Start Date
02/15/2026
Posting Number
IU-101419-2025

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