What Is a Collection Development Librarian and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

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.

Typical qualifications to become a collection development librarian include a master’s degree in library and information science and relevant work experience. Employers may require strong computer skills, as well as the ability to work with digital archives, acquire quality materials in a variety of formats, and understand how to catalog items in an organized and established method. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills are also necessary for working with a diverse group of customers.