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Library Acquisitions Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Library of Congress

Program Specialist

Culpeper, VA · On-site +1

$102K - $133K/yr

Summary The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs ... The position serves as the focal point for acquisition procedures and contract management and ...

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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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Library Acquisitions Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Acquisitions Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Library Clerk (Part-time) (Technical Services)

York County, VA

Yorktown, VA • On-site

Other

PTO

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Acquisitions And Technical Service Assistant

Responsible for assisting in the area of acquisitions and technical service by performing a variety of clerical activities. Responsible for minor cataloging duties including: adding holdings, updating records, deleting items. Responsible for processing new library acquisitions including: spine labels, barcodes, genre labels, books jacket and dust covers. Responsible for quality control of newly processed materials. Responsible for receipt of daily mail. Creates replacement art work for A/V materials and books as needed. Assists in other functional areas such as cataloging, processing of library materials, the annual collection inventory, and weeding and replacing of library materials. Performs clerical duties when necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.

This job is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment checks to include criminal history and background checks.

Supplemental Information

General knowledge of standard office practices and procedures. General knowledge of basic mathematics to include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. General knowledge of business English, depending on the particular assignment. General knowledge of procedures and practices common to a public library system. Some knowledge of record keeping and reporting. Some knowledge of personal computers, including some knowledge of word processing. Some knowledge of supervisory principles and practices. Effective oral communication skills. Ability to evaluate work procedures and to exercise appropriate judgment in prioritizing workload. Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, and the ability to deal tactfully with the general public.

Physical Demands

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including computers, typewriters, copiers, calculators, etc. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally, and to push and pull library carts frequently. There is frequent stooping and bending involved. For a more detailed description: View Document

Benefits

The County of York offers a comprehensive benefit package to include deferred compensation, employee assistance program, paid holidays and paid leave.

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