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Library Acquisitions Assistant Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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

Library Public Services Assistant - 529647

University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL

$15.48 - $18.56/hr

Other

Re-posted 24 days ago

University Of Alabama rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

409th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job no: 529647
Position type: Regular Full-time (Benefits eligible)
Location: Tuscaloosa
Division/Equivalent: Academic Affairs
School/Unit: Libraries
Department/Office: 219101 - University Libraries
Categories: Library/Research/Scientific

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Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Minimum: $15.48 - Midpoint: $18.56 (Hourly N2)

Department/Organization: 219101 - University Libraries

Normal Work Schedule: Tuesday - Thursday 1:00pm to 10:00pm; Friday - Saturday 12:00pm to 9:00pm

Job Summary: The Library Public Services Assistant assists patrons in the use of the library and its resources. Creates, edits, and maintains records in libraries online database system. Supports various library units depending upon department assigned, any of the following: reserves and current periodicals, circulation, interlibrary loan, acquisitions and government documents, library ordering, purchasing and budgeting. Obtains and lends materials outside the University campus. Provides routine library facilities and equipment support. May supervise student workers.

Additional Department Summary: Manages course reserves. Ensures that print and electronic materials are available for University of Alabama student coursework. Assists University of Alabama instructors with linking items within a course's Blackboard shell. Processes new books to ensure they are shelved and available for checkout. Assists with stacks maintenance and database maintenance of Gorgas materials to ensure proper access to items in the stacks. Monitors unit e-mail accounts and responding to patron inquiries. Processes document delivery requests during evening and weekend shifts and directs student assistants in completing circulation and interlibrary loan tasks. Processes book drop and pickup. Shelves materials within 24 hours of return. Pulls and scans items for document delivery. Processes and recycles newspapers and periodicals. Orders supplies. Processes 3D print requests. Assists with reservations for team workrooms, individual study carrels, whisper booths, and media equipment through the LibCal online system. Processes new media equipment in Voyager and LibCal and maintains the media equipment closet. Closes the building on Friday and Saturday nights. Serves as the point person for any emergencies involving UAPD or UA Facilities personnel.
This position includes scheduled desk and chat hours and provides Circulation Services support as needed. Assists with night and weekend coverage in Bruno, Gorgas, and Rodgers Libraries. Assists with shifting and special projects, and other duties as assigned. Staff positions in the University Libraries can be reassigned to different library buildings on campus based on needs assessments.

Required Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED and two (2) years of library experience; OR associate's degree or higher and some library experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Supervisory experience in a library environment. Good understanding of computer systems, mobile devices and other tech products. Ability to diagnose and resolve basic technical issues.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC's Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.

The University of Alabama affirms its longstanding commitment to institutional neutrality, free speech, and academic freedom.

Advertised: Jul 15 2026 Central Daylight Time
Application close: Aug 05 2026 Central Daylight Time

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