Library Collection Development Manager

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

Challenges

Library Collection Development Managers may face the following challenges:

• Budget constraints
• The need to keep up with new technologies
• The need to balance the needs of different user groups
• The need to deal with censorship issues

Projects

Library Collection Development Managers may work on a variety of projects, such as:

• Developing a new collection development policy
• Acquiring a rare book collection
• Digitizing a collection of materials
• Creating a new reference service

Personal Growth Opportunities

Library Collection Development Managers can experience personal growth in the following ways:

• Developing their knowledge of library science
• Improving their research skills
• Building their leadership skills
• Working with a variety of people

Personality Traits and Interests

People who are successful in this career typically have the following personality traits and interests:

• Strong research skills
• Ability to evaluate the quality of materials
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Interest in library science
• Desire to help others

Self-Guided Projects

Students who are interested in pursuing a career as a Library Collection Development Manager can complete the following self-guided projects:

• Volunteer at a local library
• Shadow a Library Collection Development Manager
• Develop a collection development plan for a specific topic
• Digitize a collection of materials

How Online Courses Can Help

Online courses can help students learn the skills and knowledge they need to pursue a career as a Library Collection Development Manager. These courses can provide students with the opportunity to:

• Learn about the principles of collection development
• Develop research skills
• Evaluate the quality of materials
• Learn about new technologies
• Work with a variety of people

Online courses can be a great way to prepare for a career as a Library Collection Development Manager. However, it is important to note that online courses alone may not be enough to qualify for a position. Students should also consider completing an internship or volunteer work in a library.