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Library Acquisitions Assistant Jobs in California

Library Aid

Roseville, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

The primary purpose of this position is to provide general office and to assist management in ... Following established procedures, assists with the library procurement/acquisition process.

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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 Assistant I (Extra Help Only) Mariposa Branch

Mariposa County

Mariposa, CA

$20.17 - $24.52/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description The Mariposa County Library has a vacancy for a Library Assistant I (Extra Help Only) for the Mariposa branch location. This position will mainly be scheduled weekend hours. Only online applications only.

DEFINITION To perform a variety of responsible, sub-professional library and clerical work in support of daily Library operations; to assist patrons in the use of the Library and related services; and to perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Library Assistant I is the entry-level classification in the series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform a variety of duties related to the circulation, reference, inter-library loan, and collection monitoring operations of the Library.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives direction from the County Librarian. Exercises lead direction over extra-help and volunteer staff. Examples of Duties EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Assists in planning and implementing Library programs and services.

Prepares newly acquired library materials for processing and shelving. Performs basic cataloging work. Performs circulation work, including checking materials in and out of the Library, maintaining circulation statistics, processing returned materials and preparing them for reshelving.

Collects, stacks, shelves and reshelves library materials. Accepts and receives payments for overdue or lost materials and maintains related records; prepares and processing billings for lost / overdue materials. Processes library card applications and issues library cards; maintains records of current patron information.

Receives, researches and responds to patrons' reference requests; locates and provides requested materials and information; may refer complex reference questions to professional librarians as necessary. Assists and instructs patrons in the proper use of library equipment and reference sources. Reserves library materials and notifies patrons of their availability; initiates and processes inter-library loan requests.

Assists in maintaining order and discipline in the Library. Performs various tasks related to the selection, ordering, purchasing, distribution and use of books and other materials; reviews and recommends the acquisition of new materials for the Library's collection; weeds out-dated materials from the collection. Monitors the condition of books and materials and performs necessary binding and repairs.

Plans and prepares library displays. Assists in researching and preparing grant applications for program and project funding. Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns and complaints from the public regarding library programs, services and policies.

Prepares and/or assists in preparing a variety of reports and correspondence related to Library operations, including budget and statistical reports, as assigned. Participates in special projects as assigned. Provides training and lead direction over extra-help and volunteer staff as assigned.

Assists in maintaining a neat, clean environment for staff and patrons. Performs general clerical work as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, attending meetings, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, digitizing documents for preservation, etc. Minimum Qualifications Experience: Two years of full-time equivalent clerical experience with some public contact.

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent. Completion of two years of college level course work in literature, liberal arts, library or social science or closely related field is desirable. Additional Requirements: Possession of a valid California driver's license or reliable transportation to and from assigned work areas is required.

Under certain circumstances, the Human Resources Director may accept a valid driver's license from another state if applicant acknowledges his/her intent to acquire a California driver's license within three months by signing an acknowledgement form. Supplemental Information EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Knowledge of: Report and business letter preparation techniques. Modern office practices and technology, including the use of computers for data and word processing.

Alphabetical, numerical and topical filing systems. English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Basic arithmetic.

General functions and operations of a library. Ability to: Learn, understand and apply pertinent laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Sort and organize materials in alphabetical, numerical and topical order.

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Type or word process accurately at a rate required for successful job performance. Effectively use computers for word and data processing, records management.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Prepare clear and concise records and reports. Perform mathematical computations with accuracy.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Deal effectively with patrons with special needs, or in confrontational situations. Actively pursue personal professional growth through continuing education.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in a normal office / library environment. TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Requires the ability to sit at a desk for long periods of time and intermittently walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb and reach while performing office duties; lift and/or move weights of up to 40 pounds; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. Must be able to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading and writing, and operating office equipment.

Must be able to use a telephone to communicate verbally and a keyboard to communicate through written means, to review information and enter/retrieve data, to see and read characters on a computer screen. THE SELECTION PROCESS All interested applicants must complete and submit a job application including any required supplemental questionnaires, and attach any required documentation. For those who meet the minimum qualifications, a competitive evaluation of the training and experience described on your application or supplemental questionnaire, a written examination, a structured oral interview, a performance rating, or a combination of any of these, may be performed.

You will be scored based on that competitive evaluation. This process may be altered if there are ten or less applicants that qualified.