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Library Acquisitions Jobs (NOW HIRING)

East Carolina University

Liaison Librarian

Greenville, NC · On-site

$60.50K/yr

Laupus Library also serves as a secondary resource of health care information for the local community. At Laupus, we emphasize proactive information provision including the acquisition of current and ...

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How much do library acquisitions jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for library acquisitions in the United States is $20.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Library Acquisitions Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Acquisitions Specialist, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background in library science, often supported by an MLS or MLIS degree. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), cataloging standards, and vendor management tools is typically required. Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities help build effective relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders. These skills ensure efficient collection development, accurate resource management, and cost-effective acquisition processes within the library.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Library Acquisitions, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Library Acquisitions often encounter challenges such as managing limited budgets, balancing the needs of diverse patrons, and staying current with rapidly changing publishing formats. They must prioritize purchases, negotiate with vendors, and sometimes make difficult decisions about which materials to acquire or discontinue. Effective communication with library staff and faculty is essential to align acquisitions with the institution's goals, while ongoing professional development helps them adapt to new technologies and collection strategies.

What are Library Acquisitions?

Library Acquisitions refers to the process by which libraries select, order, and obtain new materials such as books, journals, digital resources, and other media for their collections. This process involves evaluating needs, managing budgets, negotiating with vendors, and ensuring that materials meet the needs of the library’s patrons. Acquisitions staff often work closely with librarians, faculty, and publishers to maintain and develop a relevant and diverse collection. Their work is essential for keeping the library’s resources current and useful for the community it serves.

What is the difference between Library Acquisitions vs Library Cataloging?

AspectLibrary AcquisitionsLibrary Cataloging
Primary RoleProcures and manages the acquisition of library materialsCreates and maintains catalog records for library materials
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of vendors, budgeting, and collection development; often requires a master's in library scienceExpertise in cataloging standards (e.g., MARC, RDA); MLS or MLIS degree
Work EnvironmentLibraries, academic institutions, public librariesLibraries, archives, information centers

Library Acquisitions focuses on obtaining and managing library collections, while Library Cataloging involves creating detailed records for those materials. Both roles require a background in library science and often work together to ensure a well-organized collection.

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What cities are hiring for Library Acquisitions jobs? Cities with the most Library Acquisitions job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Library Acquisitions jobs? The most popular types of Library Acquisitions jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Library Acquisitions jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Library Acquisitions jobs are:
Library Acquisitions jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Acquisitions job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,667 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Acquisition Specialist

Acquisition Specialist

York County Library System

York, PA • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Description:

Pay Range: $15.00-18.00/hour I Hours: 40 Hours per Week I Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 8:30-5:30, Friday 8:30-3:00 I Supervisor: Director of Technical Services I Location: In person at Martin Library I Department: Technical Services

The Acquisition Specialist supports the library’s acquisitions process by assisting with ordering, invoicing, vendor communication, and material preparation to ensure accurate and timely delivery of resources to the branches of York County Libraries.

Requirements:

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be enthusiastic about technology and committed to sharing knowledge with others. Must enjoy being a team player, providing quality customer service to library staff and working in an environment that requires changes in priorities due to shifting deadlines. This position requires someone with good communication skills, the ability to work with minimal supervision and a strong attention to detail. It is important that the candidate be reliable and comfortable working on a variety of projects.


EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Must possess an associate degree with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, or a bachelor's degree (preferred).
  • Significant experience working with computerized databases, spreadsheets, and the Internet is necessary.
  • Prior experience in library acquisitions, bookkeeping, or office administration preferred.
  • Experience collecting data, compiling statistics, and preparing reports is required.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace.
  • Familiarity with Integrated Library Systems (ILS), preferably SPARK, a plus.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and accuracy in data entry.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently or as part of a team.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Receives library materials for YCL branch libraries, including unpacking shipments and verifying packing slips and invoices against vendor orders.
  • Completes a work slip for each item to support routing and processing through the Technical Services Department.
  • Coordinates with Technical Services team members to ensure accurate and timely processing of materials.
  • Prioritizes materials within the department workflow to meet processing deadlines and service needs.
  • Performs acquisitions functions in SPARK ILS (Evergreen environment), including ordering, receiving, and invoicing library materials.
  • Maintains order records and assists with keeping acquisitions and catalog data accurate and up to date.
  • Troubleshoots and resolves issues related to the ILS and vendor software.
  • Collects data and prepares acquisitions reports for the Accounting Office.
  • Creates or edits catalog records and processes audiovisual materials.
  • Provides additional support as needed, including physical processing tasks such as barcoding and labeling materials. Maintains established standards for quality and productivity to ensure work is completed accurately and on schedule.
  • Attends trainings and professional development activities, staff meetings, and participates in committees as assigned.
  • Performs other related and comparable duties as assigned.


LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

  • Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with York County Libraries goals.
  • Builds strong customer relationships and delivers customer-centric solutions.
  • Manages conflict quickly and calmly.
  • Collaborates with others to meet shared objectives of the Technical Services Department.
  • Manages ambiguity, operating effectively when things are uncertain or unclear.
  • Action-oriented, taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, energy, and enthusiasm
  • Communicates effectively, developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be able to list up to 35 pounds from ground level to waist level and be able to bend, squat, and kneel occasionally throughout the work shift.
  • Required to perform simple grasping and fine manipulation tasks with both hands and requires acceptable corrected vision (in both eyes) and acceptable corrected hearing.
  • Depresses computer keyboard keys and use of a mouse.
  • Pick up and holds and lays down handset of the telephone.
  • Must be able to reach, lift, and stretch throughout the workday.
  • Clear and comprehensive speech is required to communicate adequately in the performance of this job.

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