Senior Librarian - Collections

The City of Palo Alto Library is looking for an experienced Senior Librarian - Collections to select adult materials for the Library. 

This is an opportunity to help shape the books, digital collections, and online resources that thousands of community members discover every year. Working alongside collection managers and library leadership, you'll play an important role in ensuring our collections remain relevant, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving interests of one of the Bay Area's most engaged communities.

If you're passionate about public libraries, thoughtful collection development, and connecting readers with materials they'll love, we encourage you to apply.

Schedule: Sunday to Thursday

The Opportunity 

Collection development is at the heart of every public library, and this position plays a key role in shaping the library experience for our community.

As our Senior Librarian - Collections, you will:

• Use collection data, publishing trends, and community interests to guide thoughtful collection decisions.
• Collaborate with collection managers to ensure collections remain current, balanced, and representative of our community.
• Evaluate emerging resources and technologies that enhance library services.
• Support collection policies and systemwide initiatives.
• Provide outstanding public service by connecting customers with books, information, and library resources.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who is passionate about public libraries and believes great collections are built through curiosity, collaboration, and a deep understanding of community needs.

The ideal candidate enjoys balancing professional judgment with data, stays current on publishing and library trends, and is excited to help build collections that serve readers of all ages and interests.

Experience with public library collections, digital resources, multilingual collections, and collaborative projects will help you thrive in this role.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least two years of library experience in a public library
• At least one year of library collections experience, preferably in a public library, that includes experience selecting print materials , e-books, audiobooks,  audio visual materials, and online resources.
• Experience with collections development and maintenance for all ages and in languages other than English is ideal.
• Bilingual

Why the City of Palo Alto Library?

The City of Palo Alto library is recognized for its innovative approach to public service and its commitment to creating welcoming spaces where people can discover, learn, and connect.

Our five libraries serve a community that values lifelong learning, intellectual curiosity, and equitable access to information. Here, you'll have the opportunity to shape collections that reflect the diverse voices, interests, and experiences of our community while working alongside talented colleagues who are passionate about exceptional library service.
 

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Help shape the collections that inspire thousands of readers each year.
• Join a collaborative team that values curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning.
• Contribute to a library system recognized for outstanding public service.
• Build collections that reflect and celebrate the diversity of our community.
• Help connect people with books, ideas, and resources that enrich their lives.

Ready to Apply?

If you're excited to help shape the future of collection development at the City of Palo Alto Library, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help connect our community with books, ideas, and opportunities to learn for years to come.

Essential Duties

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• May perform duties of Librarian as required.
• Responsible for selection and de-selection of library materials in one or more subject areas on a rotating basis, chairs or serves on library wide materials order review committee and participates on materials weeding team. Evaluates need to add or retain collection materials based on variety of criteria; verifies and evaluates customer requests for purchases; responsible for daily collection maintenance and evaluation; coordinates processing of discarded materials.
• Develops, organizes, and maintains variety of up-to-date collections (such as reference resource files and government document files) not cataloged in usual manner.
• Monitors physical arrangements and other requirements relevant to collection size and promotion of specific areas/collections in the library. Monitors maintenance requirements for and assists public in use of a variety of library equipment including COM readers, microfilm reader printers and photocopiers, and computers.
• Assists with recruitments, interviews, schedules, trains, initiates and coordinates work of regular, temporary and volunteer staff as assigned; assumes responsibility of unit.
• Responsible for security of building and safety of customers and staff.
• Responsible for all elements of library programming including planning, coordination, promotion and conducting of programs. Cooperates with other City departments, community and library groups in co-sponsorship of programs.
• Conducts reference interviews; analyzes, interprets and answers inquiries at all level of complexity utilizing resources in Palo Alto Libraries as well as other libraries and in the community, when required to meet public information needs; keeps informed of new and outdated resources; provides direct assistance to customers of all ages in location and selection of appropriate library materials and may specialize in service to children; assists customers in use of facility, materials and access tools.
• Selects, evaluates, tests, demonstrates and promotes on-line databases and other on-line products.
• trouble-shoots problems with products in-house and remotely as needed; gathers statistics and makes recommendations based on use, value and fit in the collection. 
• Administers the Library web page, including architecture, content and layout; works with other library staff to maintain the web site. 
• May assist customers wit the use of library technology. 

Related Functions:

• Coordinates system-wide library committees and may serve on City or library system committees.
• Handles sensitive personal contact with library customers relative to information needs or library services; refers to supervisor when necessary.

Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities, which would typically be acquired through:

• Master's Degree in Library and Information Science
• Three years professional experience as a librarian. Master's degree in Library or Information Science may be substituted for one year of professional experience.