1

Library Acquisitions Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Library Specialist-L

Poughkeepsie, NY ยท On-site

$20.37/hr

... Acquisition and Preservation duties. This is full-time, in-person, CWA Union position for the ... Attend and participate in appropriate meetings and workshops. * Assist occasionally with music ...

New

Library Specialist-L

Poughkeepsie, NY ยท On-site

$20.37/hr

... Acquisition and Preservation duties. This is full-time, in-person, CWA Union position for the ... Attend and participate in appropriate meetings and workshops. * Assist occasionally with music ...

Job Summary The Library Assistant reports to the Director of the Frank & Laura Lewis Library ... acquisition records. The selected candidate will work Sunday- Thursday, 2pm-11pm. Job Duties

New

Showing results 21-40

Library Acquisitions Assistant information

See salary details

$32.5K

$69.3K

$176.5K

How much do library acquisitions assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for library acquisitions assistant in the United States is $69,310.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $77,000.00 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.

More about Library Acquisitions Assistant jobs

What cities are hiring for Library Acquisitions Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Library Acquisitions Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Library Acquisitions Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Library Acquisitions Assistant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Library Acquisitions Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,310 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Library Specialist-L

Vassar

Poughkeepsie, NY โ€ข On-site

$20.37/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Key responsibilities

  • Place, verify, and receive orders for music materials and process invoices in the library services platform.

  • Physically process music materials according to preservation protocols, including preparing and repairing materials.

  • Perform copy cataloging of monographs in OCLC WorldCat and the library's system according to standards.


Job description

Department

Music Library

Job Family

Staff - Union

Vassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact careers@vassar.edu.

Job Description

Schedule: Monday - Friday , 8:30am-5pm (37.5 hours per week)

Position Summary

The Music Library Specialist is part of the team responsible for providing Music Library services to Vassar students, faculty, staff and members of the local community. This position reports to the Music Librarian and primary responsibilities include the performance of Acquisition and Preservation duties. This is full-time, in-person, CWA Union position for the academic year (42 wks./yr.).

Responsibilities

  • Place, verify, and receive orders for music materials for the Music Library; process invoices in Vassar's library services platform (LSP); troubleshoot problems.

  • Physically process music materials according to preservation protocols: prepare and repair materials for use by musicians; create and revise protocols as needed.

  • Perform copy cataloging of monographs in OCLC WorldCat and the Vassar LSP according to national and local standards and classification schemes.

  • Support the operations of the office/department: reconcile departmental credit card charges; monitor telephone; perform weekly deliveries and pickups of mail at various locations on campus.

  • Work with other department staff to ensure coverage of the Circulation and Reserves Desk.

  • Collaborate with Vassar staff, library colleagues, and off-site vendors to resolve issues under the incumbent's areas of responsibility.

  • Prepare reports and compile statistics for the Music Librarian.

  • Attend and participate in appropriate meetings and workshops.

  • Assist occasionally with music playback equipment and software in the library.

  • Supervise student employees, including training, task assignments, and feedback.

  • Assist with bindery shipments.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities

  • Three years of progressively responsible administrative support experience.

  • Strong computer skills including proficiency with Google Suite, Microsoft Word Office suite and ability to learn additional technical systems.

  • Ability to consistently apply policies and procedures.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to interact effectively with a diverse community.

  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

  • Ability to provide public services in a high-traffic environment.

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities

  • Experience with music binding, copy cataloging, or library acquisitions.

  • Experience with OCLC WorldCat, bibliographic records, or work in an LSP, especially Alma by Ex Libris.

  • Five years of progressively responsible administrative support experience.

  • Associates degree or other higher educational experience.

  • Experience working with software systems including invoicing, student information systems, or customer relationship management systems.

  • Ability to read music notation.

Compensation

The compensation for this position is $20.37 per hour.