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Library Acquisitions Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

Update and organize offer letter templates in the HR library. * Support the administration of ... Provide ad hoc reporting and database support. * Assist with HR programs such as open enrollment ...

Talent Acquisition Coordinator

Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Update and organize offer letter templates in the HR library. * Support the administration of ... Provide ad hoc reporting and database support. * Assist with HR programs such as open enrollment ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 15, 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Library Acquisitions Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 20% Full Time, 73% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,107 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Curatorial Assistant

The Phillips Collection

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

The Curatorial Assistant provides essential administrative, research, and project support to the Chief Curator and contributes to the work of the Curatorial Department. The individual supports exhibitions and installations, art historical research, publications, acquisitions, arts committee activities, and other special projects that advance the Museumโ€™s mission as a welcoming home for all where the vision and spirit of artists thrive in intimate settings.

This full-time position includes full benefit eligibility: medical, dental, medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, life insurance, LTD (long-term disability), retirement, PTO (paid time off), AAM membership, Capital Bikeshare, voluntary programs, and more.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Exhibitions, Installations, and Publications

  • Assist with the research, planning, organization, and implementation of exhibitions and installations organized by the Chief Curator.
  • Conduct, scan, organize, and track research and bibliographies using online databases and in-person visits to local libraries and archives.
  • Research, draft, edit, and proofread interpretive materials, including image files, wall texts, extended object labels, blog posts, and website/app content.
  • Assist in creating and maintaining exhibition checklists, layouts, and graphics, including work on the Virtual Gallery platform.
  • Support the preparation of reports, presentations, articles, lectures, and publications.

Departmental Coordination and Meetings

  • Assist in planning and facilitating departmental and interdepartmental meetings, including acquisitions and loans meetings, arts committee board meetings, and team meetings.
  • Take and circulate clear, accurate meeting notes.
  • Support the acquisitions program through tracking, artist and object research, creation of collection files, writing object justifications for board books, preparing PowerPoint presentations, and communicating with dealers, galleries, collectors, and artists.

Public and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Answer inquiries, conduct gallery tours and talks, and participate in public programs.
  • Support the Chief Curatorโ€™s efforts to steward relationships with members, donors, patrons, artists, and museum audiences.
  • Assist with communications with colleagues, donors, partners, and lenders, including loan correspondence, loan forms, and deeds of gift.
  • Help gather, draft, proofread copy for marketing and advancement materialsโ€”such as grants, press releases, prospectuses, and member magazine contentโ€”to promote the collection, exhibitions, and institutional initiatives.

Administrative and Logistical Support

  • Coordinate meetings, travel, and appointments for the Chief Curator.
  • Process invoices and payment requisitions.
  • Coordinate logistical needs for external visitors (artists, curators, advisors), including arranging travel, lodging, and meals.
  • Establish and maintain professional contacts within the local, national, and international arts community while staying current with new scholarship and issues in the field.
  • Work collaboratively on curatorial and museum-wide initiatives.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • BA in Art History or a related field required; advanced degree with expertise in modern and contemporary art preferred.
  • One to two years of prior museum experience.
  • Superior research and analytical skills.
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Keen attention to detail, accuracy, and problem-solving.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively across all levels of the institution.
  • Ability to work effectively with staff, arts professionals, artists, and the public.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, coordinate multiple complex projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
  • Strong sense of accountability for achieving strategic priorities and goals.
  • Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Proficiency in French desirable.

The requisition for this job closes September 8, 2026. After that interviews will commence with the fitting applicants.

No phone calls, no recruiters, please.

The Phillips Collection is an equal opportunity employer and administers all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, veteran status, personal appearance, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Employment at The Phillips Collection is at-will. At-will means that you may terminate your employment at any time for any reason with or without notice and that The Phillips may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.