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Library Acquisitions Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$33.8K

$72.1K

$183.6K

How much do library acquisitions assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for library acquisitions assistant in Reston, VA is $72,107.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,100.00 and $80,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Library Acquisitions Assistant, and why are they important?

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 are Library Acquisitions Assistants?

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 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 Reston, VA? For Library Acquisitions Assistant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Acquisitions Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Library Acquisitions Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Library Acquisitions Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Library Acquisitions Assistant job openings:
Library Acquisitions Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Acquisitions Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $72,107 per year, or $34.7 per hour.
Margaret and Peter Dzwilewski Library and Research Center Intern

Margaret and Peter Dzwilewski Library and Research Center Intern

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Washington, DC • On-site

$18.40/hr

Part-time, Internship

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description:

Position Summary

The Margaret and Peter Dzwilewski Library and Research Center Intern will work with the Betty Boyd Dettre Library and Research Center (LRC) staff to provide access to the LRC’s collections and resources. The intern will be expected to work on the reference desk, answer questions when appropriate, and perform basic circulation tasks, along with other duties and projects dependent on availability and applicant skill level. This position is part-time, 20 hours per week, up to 240 total hours. This position reports to the Reference & Technical Services Librarian. The fall internship term runs from September to December 2026, with flexible end dates.


Responsibilities

Functions may include, but are not limited to:

  • Assist with Reference Desk Services by engaging visitors and answering questions in person, by email, and over the phone.
  • Circulate requested library materials to museum staff.
  • Shelve materials and maintain order of library stacks.
  • Process books (barcode, label, and add/edit catalog item records).
  • File and organize artist file material and create new artist files as directed.
  • Copy catalog books and/or metadata creation.
  • Assist with archival processing tasks including box label creation, file organization, appraisal, inventory, arrangement, basic preservation, and re-housing of archival institutional records.
  • Assist with digital asset management, scanning and cataloging digitized collections.
  • Write blog posts to highlight recent library acquisitions, resources, and events.
  • Assist with planning and implementation of library programming.
  • Conceptualize social media posts for public outreach.
Requirements:

Qualifications

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following skills/experience:

  • Applicants must reside in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virgina and must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship by NMWA.
  • Applicants must have completed their sophomore year of undergraduate study (or higher) or two-years’ worth of work experience after high school.
  • Enrollment in a library and information science graduate program, or interest in pursuing advanced degree in library science is strongly preferred.
  • Very strong organization skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent computer skills and comfort in learning new computer programs and databases
  • Strong customer service skills with professional, friendly, and positive demeanor
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Interest in research tools

If much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role, even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely for an applicant to meet 100% of the qualifications for a given role, and that every candidate brings unique experience and qualifications to a role. We are excited to meet you!


Compensation

NMWA Interns will be paid $18.40 per hour.


How to Apply

Please apply through NMWA's online job application. You do not need to provide a cover letter, instead please upload a two-page writing sample of your choice. If you are currently a student, please upload your unofficial transcript in PDF format. All supplemental documents must be in PDF format and labeled with the applicant’s last name, first name, and name of the document. To request accommodations in the application or hiring process, please notify NMWA’s internship coordinator at internship@nmwa.org.


The National Museum of Women in the Arts is an equal opportunity employer. To comply with tax and legal obligations all candidates must reside in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship by NMWA.


The National Museum of Women in the Arts is the first museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts. With its collections, exhibitions, programs, and online content, the museum inspires dynamic exchanges about art and ideas; advocates for better representation of women artists; and serves as a vital center for thought leadership, community engagement, and social change.

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