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Library Acquisitions Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Boise

Cataloging Specialist - Library

Boise, ID · On-site

$22.75/hr

Performs duties of lower-level Library Acquisitions Specialists; merges and edits bibliographic records as needed and identifies any ongoing issues for cleanup to maintain the integrity of the data ...

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How much do library acquisitions jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 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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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.
Librarian (Acquisition)

Librarian (Acquisition)

Department of Justice

Washington, DC

$102K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

The primary purpose of this position is to support the JMD Library Staff's acquisition of general and legal research materials in multiple formats - print and electronic - and subscription databases; and to provide acquisitions and financial reporting support to the DOJ customers of the Staff's Library Acquisitions Services Working Capital Fund program.Qualifications:To qualify for the position of Librarian (Acquisition), at GS-1410-12/13, you must meet the qualification requirements listed below.

BASIC REQUIREMENT:
Applicants must meet the requirements specified in paragraphs A or B below.

A. Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor's degree;
OR
B. A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided a knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENT:
All Applicants must possess specialized knowledge of law, and their education and experience must have included or been supplemented by the requirements specified in one of the paragraphs below.

A. A full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university that meets all academic requirements for a bachelor's degree that included at least 24 semester hours in law or law-related coursework.
OR
B. Completion of at least 24 semester hours of legal study in an accredited law school for positions primarily concerned with providing library services in law or legislative reference;
OR
C. Four years of pertinent experience of such nature and level to provide a knowledge of the basic principles, theories, practices, techniques, terminology and expressions of law or a related subject-matter field; an understanding of the standard methods, procedures, and techniques of research and analysis in the field of law; ability to acquire additional information about the field and related fields; and some knowledge of literature resources in the field. Such experience should be equivalent to that which would have been acquired through successful completion of a full 4-year curriculum in an accredited college or university with major study in appropriate subjects, or combination of subjects, as specified in (a) above; or legal training as specified in (b) above.
OR
D. Any time equivalent combination as described in (c) with education as described in (a) or (b) above.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
For the GS-12, you must meet the possess at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) Assist in administering the Library Staff's procurement and contracting programs; 2) Analyzing library acquisitions or financial reporting; AND 3) Assist in researching solutions or options for contractual or financial library acquisition issues.
For the GS-13, you must meet the possess at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) Assist in administering the Library Staff's procurement and contracting programs; 2) Analyzing library acquisitions or financial reporting; AND 3) Assist in researching solutions or options for contractual or financial library acquisition issues.
Preferred experience for both GS-12 and GS-13: Using FEDLINK and government-wide financial systems, like G-invoicing
You MUST meet all qualification requirements by the 06/17/2026 of this announcement.
Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.
After you submit your application, you will receive notification indicated whether or not the USA Hire assessment is required. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 06/17/2026 to complete the assessment which is part of your application. Education:If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, please refer to the qualifications section and, please see the statements below.
Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.Employment Type: OTHER

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