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Library Acquisitions Assistant Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

The University of Alabama

$80K - $100K/yr

Department/Organization 219101 - University Libraries Rank Assistant/Associate Professor Position ... Working collaboratively with library faculty and staff working in various areas of University ...

Redhorse Corporation

DevOps Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$140K - $165K/yr

Oversee the daily operations and patching of all operating systems, support libraries, and ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

Redhorse Corporation

DevOps Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Oversee the daily operations and patching of all operating systems, support libraries, and ... You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Talent Acquisition at [email protected ...

Redhorse Corporation

DevOps Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Oversee the daily operations and patching of all operating systems, support libraries, and ... You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Talent Acquisition at [email protected ...

Continental

Maintenance Planner

AL · On-site

Works with all teams to ensure identification, acquisition, and kitting of parts; collection of ... * Assist, where required, support teams in determining if scope changes can be completed without ...

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Library Acquisitions Assistant information

What is a library acquisitions assistant?

Library Acquisitions Assistants are support professionals who help manage the process of obtaining books, periodicals, digital resources, and other materials for a library. They work closely with librarians and vendors to identify needed resources, place orders, track shipments, and process invoices. Their responsibilities may also include maintaining acquisition records, assisting with budget management, and ensuring new materials are properly cataloged and made available to patrons. This role is essential for keeping library collections up-to-date and ensuring that users have access to requested and relevant materials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a library acquisitions assistant?

To thrive as a Library Acquisitions Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with bibliographic and cataloging standards, typically supported by a degree or coursework in library science or a related field. Proficiency with integrated library systems (ILS), acquisitions software, and online databases is essential. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are valuable soft skills for collaborating with vendors and library staff. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate, efficient acquisition and processing of library materials, which directly impacts the library's ability to serve its patrons.

What are some common challenges faced by a library acquisitions assistant, and how can they be managed?

Library Acquisitions Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple purchase requests, tracking orders from various vendors, and ensuring timely receipt of materials. Balancing priorities and maintaining accurate records can be demanding, especially during peak acquisition periods or budget cycles. Effective communication with librarians, vendors, and finance departments helps alleviate these challenges, as does familiarity with library management systems and organizational procedures. Staying organized and proactive in problem-solving are key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Library Acquisitions Assistant vs Library Cataloging Assistant?

AspectLibrary Acquisitions AssistantLibrary Cataloging Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer library science courseworkHigh school diploma; coursework in library science or related field beneficial
Work EnvironmentLibraries, archives, or media centers involved in procurement and collection developmentLibraries or archives focusing on organizing and cataloging collections
Employer & Industry UsagePublic, academic, or special libraries involved in acquiring materialsLibraries and archives managing cataloging and classification tasks
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in library support staff focusing on acquisitionsCompared for roles in cataloging and metadata management

The Library Acquisitions Assistant primarily handles procurement and collection development, while the Library Cataloging Assistant focuses on organizing and cataloging library materials. Both roles support library operations but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

What are popular job titles related to Library Acquisitions Assistant jobs in Alabama?

For Library Acquisitions Assistant jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Library Acquisitions Assistant jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Acquisitions Assistant jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Library Acquisitions Assistant jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Library Acquisitions Assistant job openings:

Library Acquisitions Assistant jobs near you

Acquisitions Assistant, University Library

Samford University

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Location : Main Campus - Homewood, AL
Job Type: Staff Full Time
Job Number: FY2700688
Division: Academic Affairs for Staff
Department: STA-University Library
Opening Date: 08/31/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
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Description
The Acquisitions Assistant works closely with the department chair, interlibrary loan coordinator, and student assistants to support the department's operations. The ideal candidate for this position enjoys detail-oriented work, problem-solving, and effectively managing their time and priorities. The role requires someone who is self-motivated, team-oriented, flexible, helpful, ethical, and trustworthy with strong interpersonal skills. The ability to engage in cordial, professional relationships with internal and external colleagues and stakeholders is essential. Work is often performed independently, with occasional interaction with colleagues, making this role ideal for individuals who thrive in a quiet environment but also appreciate supportive teamwork.
Job Duties
  • Purchases, receives, and resolves lapses and issues for, selected subscriptions, serials, monographic and media materials, and selected supplies and services in coordination with the department chair and the library dean.
  • Maintains purchasing information; fund allocations; and expenditures in the library's integrated library system and in spreadsheet software and reports such information as requested but no less than monthly..
  • Processes gift and exchange materials, including recording of information, letter recognition of gifts, and maintenance and reporting of gift and donation files.
  • Receives, documents, and deposits monies collected by the library for various purposes.
  • Solicits product quotes for comparison and selection in coordination with the library dean and department chair.
  • Maintains relationships and accounts with various vendors; and with university accounting and purchasing offices to facilitate ordering and receipt of materials as well as payment.
  • Manages book sale shelves organization and maintenance and deposits of book sale funds.
  • Supervises student workers.
  • Performs additional duties, including interlibrary loan borrowing and lending, as requested.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Data entry skills, spreadsheet familiarity, and basic accounting knowledge .
  • Physical requirements of the job:
    • Ability to move/push a book cart weighing up to 40 lbs.
    • Ability to make deliveries and/or visit campus offices up to .33 miles.
    • Ability to shelve and retrieve books from library stacks of varying heights.
  • Possess a current, valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Innovative Interfaces' Sierra ILS (Integrated Library System).
  • Experience with Banner Finance.
  • Additional attributes that will be used in screening applicants:
    • Knowledge of the culture and organization of an academic institution.
    • Experience with detailed work.
    • Conscientious time management.
    • Strong interpersonal skills, cordiality, and professionalism.
    • Team-oriented outlook.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more details, visit our
01
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you able to move/push a book cart weighing up to 40 pounds?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Are you able to make deliveries and/or visit campus offices up to .33 miles distant?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have current, valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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