How to Be Collection Development Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 17, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The development of a collection specialist has become increasingly important in recent years due to the growth of digital libraries and the need to curate and manage large collections of data. As a result, collection specialists are responsible for organizing, cataloging, and preserving digital collections while also maintaining the integrity of existing collections. In addition, they are responsible for understanding the nuances of copyright laws, developing policies and procedures for collection management, and managing digital library resources. This role has caused an increase in demand for these professionals, leading to greater job opportunities and higher salaries than ever before.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree. Most Collection Development Specialists have a bachelor's degree in library science, information science, or a related field.
Pursue a master's degree. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in library science or a related field.
Obtain work experience. Many employers require candidates to have at least one or two years of library experience, such as working as a librarian in a public or academic library.
Gain specialized knowledge and skills. Collection Development Specialists must be familiar with the different types of materials available for purchase and how to evaluate them for quality and suitability for their library's collection. They also need to be well-versed in the latest trends in technology and publishing.
Pursue certification. The American Library Association offers a voluntary certification program for Collection Development Specialists. The certification program consists of an exam and a year-long internship.

Staying ahead and efficient in the role of a Collection Development Specialist requires a proactive approach. By keeping abreast of current trends and developments in the field, such as changes to library collections, new technologies, and emerging trends in digital media, specialists can stay ahead of the curve. by utilizing effective time management techniques, such as organizing tasks into manageable chunks and creating a detailed timeline, specialists can stay on task and organized.

staying organized and managing resources effectively can help specialists to identify and implement cost-saving measures. Finally, staying connected to the professional community is essential for staying informed of best practices in the field. By regularly attending conferences, participating in webinars and workshops, and networking with colleagues, specialists can ensure they are up to date on the latest developments and able to provide the best possible service to their library patrons.

You may want to check Library Intern, Childrens Services Librarian, and Library Development Officer for alternative.

Job Description

Manage the selection and acquisition of library materials, including print and digital resources.
Monitor and evaluate library materials for relevance and accuracy.
Develop and maintain collection development policies.
Develop and implement strategies to promote the use of library resources.
Negotiate pricing and terms of access with vendors.
Maintain and update library databases.
Analyze usage data to identify trends and needs.
Collaborate with library staff on collection development projects.
Provide reference services related to collection development.
Liaise with publishers, vendors, and other libraries on collection development issues.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of library and informational sciences
Knowledge of library cataloging and classification systems
Knowledge of current and emerging trends in library collections
Ability to interpret and evaluate library materials for content, accuracy, and currency
Ability to select library materials based on user needs, interests, and budgets
Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate new and existing library materials
Ability to create and maintain effective library collections
Ability to promote library collections to library users
Knowledge of library copyright and licensing laws
Knowledge of digital library platforms and technologies
Ability to collaborate with other librarians and library staff
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Negotiation and budgeting skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

The most important skill for a Collection Development Specialist is the ability to think critically and strategically. Having strong analytical and research skills are essential for a Collection Development Specialist to be able to assess the needs of a library and make well-informed decisions about appropriate acquisitions. They must be able to identify the resources that will best serve the librarys patrons, as well as have an understanding of the librarys budget and resources.

they must be able to use technology effectively in order to access and evaluate information sources, as well as maintain up-to-date records of relevant materials. The ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues and vendors is also essential as Collection Development Specialists must be able to negotiate prices and terms of purchases. Finally, they must be knowledgeable about copyright laws and ethical considerations when selecting materials.

All of these skills are key for a successful Collection Development Specialist.

Library Outreach Coordinator, Library Consultant, and Research and Instructional Design Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How would you describe your experience in collection development?
What strategies would you use to ensure the librarys collection meets the needs of its patrons?
In what ways do you stay up to date with industry trends and new developments in the field?
How do you evaluate new materials for inclusion in the librarys collection?
What steps do you take to ensure that the librarys collection is diverse and inclusive?
How do you handle feedback from patrons regarding the librarys collection?
How have you managed budget constraints when determining materials to be included in the librarys collection?
How have you collaborated with other departments in the library to improve the collection?
What methods do you use to promote the librarys collection to its patrons?
Describe a successful project you have been involved in related to collection development.

Common Tools in Industry

Database Management Systems (DBMS). A software system used to store and manage data. Example: Oracle Database.
Data Visualization Tools. Software applications used to represent data graphically. Example: Tableau.
Text Editors. Programs that allow users to edit, create, and modify text documents. Example: Notepad++.
Data Mining Tools. Programs that allow users to analyze large datasets. Example: RapidMiner.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) Tools. Applications used to process and understand human languages. Example: Google Cloud Natural Language API.
Content Management Systems (CMS). Software used to create, manage, and store digital content. Example: WordPress.
Search Engines. Programs that help users find information on the internet. Example: Google Search.

Professional Organizations to Know

American Library Association (ALA)
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
Public Library Association (PLA)
Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS)
Special Libraries Association (SLA)
American Association of School Librarians (AASL)
Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)
Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA)
Library and Information Technology Association (LITA)
National Information Standards Organization (NISO)

We also have Acquisitions Librarian, Data Entry Clerk, and Library Clerk jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Collection Development Policy. A policy statement issued by a library or other organization detailing the purpose, goals, and guidelines of the collection development process.
Collection Assessment. The evaluation of library collections to determine their effectiveness in meeting the organizations needs and the needs of its patrons.
Collection Management. The process of organizing and managing library collections efficiently, including selection, acquisition, cataloging, circulation, and weeding.
Acquisitions. The process of selecting and ordering materials for the librarys collection.
Selection Criteria. Guidelines used by library personnel to determine which materials should be added to the librarys collection.
Cataloging. The process of organizing and describing library materials according to a standardized system.
Weeding. The process of removing outdated or unwanted materials from the librarys collection.
Preservation. The process of protecting library materials from damage or deterioration.
Copyright. The legal right to control the reproduction and distribution of intellectual property.
Open Access. An approach to scholarly communication that allows unrestricted access to research materials online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Collection Development Specialist?

A Collection Development Specialist is a library professional who is responsible for selecting, acquiring, and maintaining library materials in order to meet the needs of the librarys patrons.

What qualifications are needed for the role?

Most Collection Development Specialists must have at least a masters degree in library and information science, as well as experience in library services, library cataloguing, and collection development.

What duties does a Collection Development Specialist typically perform?

A Collection Development Specialist typically performs duties such as researching new materials, analyzing library usage data, evaluating material requests, and managing library budgets.

How often do Collection Development Specialists acquire new materials?

The frequency of acquisitions depends on the size of the library and the amount of budget allocated for new materials, but typically Collection Development Specialists acquire new materials on a monthly or quarterly basis.

How are decisions about acquired materials typically made?

Decisions about acquired materials are typically made by evaluating the librarys usage data and patron requests, as well as considering relevant scholarly works and trends in the field.