Library Collection Development Manager
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Library Collection Development Managers oversee the selection, acquisition, and organization of materials in libraries. They work to ensure that the library's collection meets the needs of its users and supports the library's mission. Library Collection Development Managers may work in public, academic, or special libraries.
Educational Requirements
Most Library Collection Development Managers have a master's degree in library science. Some employers may also require a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as English, history, or social science.
Skills and Experience
Library Collection Development Managers should have strong research skills and be able to evaluate the quality of materials. They should also be able to work independently and as part of a team.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for Library Collection Development Managers is expected to be good over the next few years. As libraries continue to evolve, they will need skilled professionals to help them manage their collections and meet the needs of their users.
Career Growth
Library Collection Development Managers can advance to positions such as library director or dean of libraries. They may also choose to specialize in a particular area of collection development, such as rare books or special collections.
Transferable Skills
The skills that Library Collection Development Managers develop can be transferred to other careers in the library field, such as cataloging, reference, or administration. They may also be able to find work in other fields, such as publishing or education.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Library Collection Development Managers typically perform the following tasks:
- Select and acquire materials for the library's collection
- Organize and catalog materials
- Develop and implement collection development policies
- Work with other library staff to provide reference and instruction services
- Stay abreast of new trends in library science
