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Library Acquisitions Assistant Jobs in California

Bachelor's degree in Digital Media, Library and Information Studies, Computer Science ... acquisition, digitization, and preservation of digital resources. - Ensure timely and accurate ...

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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 California?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Library Acquisitions Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Library Aide - Bilingual English & Khmer (Part-Time)

City of Signal Hill

Signal Hill, CA

$17.49 - $22.32/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Check out and check in library materials.

  • Assist patrons in locating materials, registering new patrons, and instructing on the use of library equipment.

  • Shelve materials, verify proper shelving order, and move or rearrange materials as needed.


Job description

Position Description The City of Signal Hill is seeking an enthusiastic, energetic, and customer service-oriented individual to join the City's Library team. OPEN UNTIL FILLED Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. This recruitment is open until filled and may close at any time.

This is a part-time position requiring up to approximately 20 hours per week. Weekly work hours may fluctuate and may be reduced. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Under general direction, performs a wide variety of technical library tasks related to materials circulation, acquisition, shelving, storage, cataloging and patron assistance.

The Library Aide is the part-time, entry level classification in the library administrative, clerical support series. The Library Aide receives greater supervision and performs simpler and basic library support work than the Library Specialist. Example of Duties Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include, but are not limited to the following characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics.

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.

Other duties may be required and assigned. Check out and check in library materials. Register new patrons, issue library cards.

Assist patrons in locating materials; assist patrons in the general use of the Library, instruct patrons in the use of Library equipment, including computers, printers, and photocopiers. Shelve materials; verify books are shelved in proper order; move and rearrange materials, as needed. Collect fines and fees.

Prepare overdue notices. Assist librarians, as needed. Cover, barcode, and label materials in the Library collection.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS Perform various related duties as required including assist with library programs, and citywide special events. Rearrange books and sections. Prepare flyers and library signs; prepare displays and exhibits.

Minimum Qualifications Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess: EDUCATION: High school diploma or GED equivalent. EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of college and preferably some customer service experience.

Experience working with children and parents in a story time setting. LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Valid Class C California driver's license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required. SPECIALIZED KNOWLEGDE: Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in Khmer and English sufficiently to preform duties of the position.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of: Library circulation procedures and principles. Modern office methods, practices, and procedures. Utilization and care of various types of office machinery and equipment.

Physical Requirements: Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, and limbs in performing semi-skilled movements such as typing. Ability to exert moderate physical effort in sedentary to moderate work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, carrying, pushing, and pulling. Ability to operate standard equipment and machines used in libraries.

Ability to operate an office computer and a variety of word processing, internet, and specialized library software applications. Ability to repeatedly lift books and other small library materials. Ability to work weekend and evening hours.

Mathematical Ability: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide; calculate decimals/percentages. Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability: Ability to exercise independent judgment involving the evaluation of information. Ability to classify, compute and tabulate data and information following a prescribed plan requiring some judgment.

Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and sort information; ability to assemble, copy, record and transcribe data. Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication: Ability to utilize a wide variety of descriptive data and information, such as regulations, correspondence, circulation reports, library materials catalogs and general operating instructions. Ability to effectively communicate with library patrons and personnel utilizing a broad base of verbal skills.

Ability to advise and interpret to others on how to apply policies, procedure, and library services. Ability to maintain lists and schedules. Physical, Mental and Environmental Working Conditions: Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities.

The position also requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service.

The need to lift, drag, and push files, paper, documents, and book carts weighing more than 25 pounds is also required. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice. Selection Procedure: All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.

Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City of Signal Hill. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City application and supplemental questionnaire. Admission to competitive examination may be limited to those whose applications show the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position.

Any part of the examination process may be qualifying only. Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Signal Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workplace diversity. Americans with Disabilities: An applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at HR@cityofsignalhill.org or at (562) 989-7304/7307 no later than 5 business days before the scheduled testing date(s)

Fingerprinting: A candidate who is selected for hire is subject to fingerprinted during the pre-placement processing period. All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice. Pre-Placement Medical Examination: A conditional offer of employment is based upon the successful completion of a City paid pre-placement medical examination to determine a candidate's fitness to perform the essential functions of the position.

This examination will include a drug screening. Oath and Disaster Service Worker: All City employees are required to sign the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance for Public Employees upon the beginning of employment. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all City employees are required to perform assigned emergency service duties in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to sign a Disaster Service Worker Statement upon hire.