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Library Acquisitions Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Syracuse University

Library Technician IV

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$24.36/hr

Individuals in this position will work with Libraries' staff within and external to the acquisitions & cataloging department to research materials, finding identifying information, publishers and ...

AWE

Library Assistant

Bentonville, AR · On-site

Copy catalog new library acquisitions and participate in projects to improve collection metadata. * Support biannual collection inventories of the reference collection and as-needed collection shifts ...

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How much do library acquisitions jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 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 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.

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 are acquisitions in a library?

In a library, acquisitions refer to the process of selecting, ordering, and receiving new materials such as books, journals, and digital resources. Library acquisitions staff manage budgets, evaluate materials, and ensure timely addition of resources to meet user needs.

What does an acquisitions librarian do?

An acquisitions librarian is responsible for selecting, ordering, and acquiring new materials for a library, such as books, journals, and digital resources. They evaluate vendors, manage budgets, and ensure that the collection meets the library's needs, often using library management systems. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of cataloging standards are essential for this role.

What is the highest paying library job?

The highest paying library job is typically a Library Director or Chief Librarian, with salaries often exceeding $80,000 to $150,000 annually depending on the size and location of the institution. These roles require advanced degrees, leadership skills, and experience managing library operations and budgets.

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 do you need to be an acquisition librarian?

To become an acquisition librarian, a bachelor's degree in library science, information management, or a related field is typically required, often followed by a master's degree in library and information science (MLIS). Relevant skills include collection development, knowledge of cataloging systems, and experience with library management tools; some positions may also require certification or specialized training.
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Library Acquisitions jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Acquisitions job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,667 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Serials and Acquisitions Librarian

Serials and Acquisitions Librarian

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 10 hours ago

Art Institute Of Chicago rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 27 rated museums

Job description

About the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.
About the Department
A hub for scholarship and training, the Art Institute Research Center brings together the museum's Ryerson and Burnham Library, the Art Institute of Chicago Archives, and the department of Academic Engagement and Research to care for, modernize, and share the Art Institute of Chicago's broad array of research resources. The historic Ryerson and Burnham Library is one of the nation's preeminent art research libraries. The collection holds more than 670,000 print titles, 100,000 auction catalogs, 200 current serial subscriptions, and extensive digital resources. The Library resources the museum's eleven curatorial departments, supporting myriad research fields spanning the globe and all time periods. In addition to upholding the museum's core activities, the Library makes its collections accessible to the scholarly community, faculty and students, artists and architects, and inquisitive public visitors from around the world.
Position Summary
The Serials and Acquisitions Librarian oversees library collection development, including the administration of monographs, serials, and auction catalog acquisitions, as well as the processing of gifts. The role manages all library acquisitions activities and is responsible for collection development in a specified area. This role reports to the Associate Library Director of Collection Services, and works in close consultation with the Library Director.
Responsibilities
Library Acquisitions
  • Oversees acquisition of library materials including searching, ordering, tracking orders and claiming, cancellations, receipts, and returns; checks for duplicates in the ILS.

Selection
  • Working in ongoing communication with a specified curatorial department, selects collection items in response to their needs, and in regard to changing priorities and upcoming exhibitions.
  • Collaborates with other librarians on the selection team to maintain the highest standards of collection development.

External communications
  • Maintains ongoing relations with vendors and monitors vendor performance as needed.
  • Tracks and solves problems with orders, following-up on back orders, cancellations and returns.
  • Drafts loan approval letters or purchase agreements as needed.

Record-keeping
  • Manages order records and budgets in the Integrated Library System (ILS) for acquisitions across several funds.
  • Maintains accurate records of vendor information as well as purchase information.
  • Creates, reviews, and updates records in the ILS. May generate gift processing forms for Advancement Operations, and acknowledge donations.

Organization
  • Maintains a structured system for monitoring order statuses, and responds appropriately.
  • Manages time efficiently, balancing a variety of tasks.
  • Frequently assesses workload and processes, proposes improvements when necessary.

Payments
  • Processes payments on a credit card and/or reconciles and pays invoices.
  • Archives receipts and invoices.
  • Monitors payment pipeline for timely delivery. Files reimbursements as needed.

Collaboration
  • Maintains clear communication with colleagues about ongoing priorities, goals, and projects.
  • Advises colleagues, interns, and student workers in acquisitions activities.
  • Supports other departmental projects as needed
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • MLIS degree required; coursework in arts administration, museum studies, library science, art history, or related subject preferred
  • Minimum of one year of library experience; experience in collection services or with related responsibilities preferred
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google suites required
  • Capacity to learn museum software and library-specific collection database systems quickly, including Alma/Primo, Airtable, Jira, Concur, and the museum's in-house collection management software CITI
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; professional email etiquette, and a sensitivity to different communication styles
  • Demonstrated ability to manage data in complex project environments and work proactively
  • Strong organizational skills and initiative
  • Proficiency with digital tools and budget records management
  • The successful candidate will:
    • be highly detail-oriented and organized
    • demonstrate initiative and excellent time management
    • demonstrate ability to prioritize, self-manage, and initiate appropriate change
    • enjoy being in a vital role on a large team, in service of a diverse collection
    • have strong cataloging, writing, research, and communication

Physical Requirements
  • Capable of stooping, bending, stretching, lifting up to 50 pounds, and pushing book carts weighing up to 150 pounds in order to receive, process, and perform essential maintenance for physical collection materials.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and the ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.
  • Most of the day consists of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time.
  • Often moves about inside the office, stacks and across various museum spaces to access storage areas, receive and move collection materials, and other related tasks.

Compensation & Benefits
Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:
  • Hiring Range

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.
  • Benefits
  • PTO Overview
  • Job Classification: Exempt
  • Employment Category: Full time staff
  • Grade Level: 7

If you are accessing this listing from a third party, not all links to salary and benefits information may work. Please visit our career page at saic/artic.edu/employment for complete information
Application Instructions
Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
Union
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.
Accessibility
If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:
Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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