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Library Acquisitions Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Tuskegee University

Oversee acquisition, curation and access to print, digital and media resources. Implements and updates information technologies. * Promote library services through marketing, public relations and ...

Exiger

Lead Forward Deployed Engineer

Huntsville, AL · Hybrid

$101K - $133K/yr

... acquisition missions. * Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Python, including hands-on experience with data manipulation, validation, and analytics (e.g., pandas, NumPy, or similar libraries)

Exiger

Lead Forward Deployed Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

... acquisition missions. * Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Python, including hands-on experience with data manipulation, validation, and analytics (e.g., pandas, NumPy, or similar libraries)

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How much do library acquisitions jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for library acquisitions in Alabama is $18.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Library Acquisitions vs Library Cataloging?

AspectLibrary AcquisitionsLibrary Cataloging
Primary RoleProcures and manages the acquisition of library materialsCreates and maintains catalog records for library materials
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of vendors, budgeting, and collection development; often requires a master's in library scienceExpertise in cataloging standards (e.g., MARC, RDA); MLS or MLIS degree
Work EnvironmentLibraries, academic institutions, public librariesLibraries, archives, information centers

Library Acquisitions focuses on obtaining and managing library collections, while Library Cataloging involves creating detailed records for those materials. Both roles require a background in library science and often work together to ensure a well-organized collection.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Library Acquisitions, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Library Acquisitions often encounter challenges such as managing limited budgets, balancing the needs of diverse patrons, and staying current with rapidly changing publishing formats. They must prioritize purchases, negotiate with vendors, and sometimes make difficult decisions about which materials to acquire or discontinue. Effective communication with library staff and faculty is essential to align acquisitions with the institution's goals, while ongoing professional development helps them adapt to new technologies and collection strategies.

What are Library Acquisitions?

Library Acquisitions refers to the process by which libraries select, order, and obtain new materials such as books, journals, digital resources, and other media for their collections. This process involves evaluating needs, managing budgets, negotiating with vendors, and ensuring that materials meet the needs of the library’s patrons. Acquisitions staff often work closely with librarians, faculty, and publishers to maintain and develop a relevant and diverse collection. Their work is essential for keeping the library’s resources current and useful for the community it serves.

What are acquisitions in a library?

In a library, acquisitions refer to the process of selecting, ordering, and receiving new materials such as books, journals, and digital resources. Library acquisitions staff manage budgets, evaluate materials, and ensure timely addition of resources to meet user needs.

What does an acquisitions librarian do?

An acquisitions librarian is responsible for selecting, ordering, and acquiring new materials for a library, such as books, journals, and digital resources. They evaluate vendors, manage budgets, and ensure that the collection meets the library's needs, often using library management systems. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of cataloging standards are essential for this role.

What is the highest paying library job?

The highest paying library job is typically a Library Director or Chief Librarian, with salaries often exceeding $80,000 to $150,000 annually depending on the size and location of the institution. These roles require advanced degrees, leadership skills, and experience managing library operations and budgets.

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

To thrive as a Library Acquisitions Specialist, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background in library science, often supported by an MLS or MLIS degree. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), cataloging standards, and vendor management tools is typically required. Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities help build effective relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders. These skills ensure efficient collection development, accurate resource management, and cost-effective acquisition processes within the library.

What do you need to be an acquisition librarian?

To become an acquisition librarian, a bachelor's degree in library science, information management, or a related field is typically required, often followed by a master's degree in library and information science (MLIS). Relevant skills include collection development, knowledge of cataloging systems, and experience with library management tools; some positions may also require certification or specialized training.
What are the most commonly searched types of Library Acquisitions jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Library Acquisitions jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Acquisitions jobs in Alabama? For Library Acquisitions jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Acquisitions jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Library Acquisitions jobs in Alabama are:
Library Acquisitions jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Acquisitions job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,673 per year, or $18.6 per hour.
Library Technician - 529867

Library Technician - 529867

University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL

$16.63 - $19.95/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

University Of Alabama rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

408th of 611 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job no: 529867
Position type: Regular Full-time (Benefits eligible)
Location: Tuscaloosa
Division/Equivalent: Academic Affairs
School/Unit: Libraries
Department/Office: 219101 - University Libraries
Categories: Library/Research/Scientific

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Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Minimum: $16.63 - Midpoint: $19.95 (Hourly N3)

Department/Organization: 219101 - University Libraries

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Job Summary: The Library Technician provides a wide variety of technical duties and customer assistance in support of library services in an operational unit or section of a university library. Uses library's automation system, various software packages, conventional library materials, and office equipment. May oversee the work of students and volunteers. Exercises judgment in the interpretation and application of library practices, rules, and regulations.

Additional Department Summary: Performs database maintenance for withdraws, reinstatements, relinking, adding volumes/copies and some Backstage reports in an integrated library system (Voyager, FOLIO, etc.). Performs basic search functions in EBSCO's discovery interface. Performs basic operations using bibliographic databases like OCLC. May support the work of metadata librarians. Utilizes OCLC for cataloging and metadata. Utilizes a variety of tools to edit records prior to importing (MarcEdit, etc.). Provides supervision of student workers. May approve timesheets for student workers. Utilizes systems to track statistics for production and to update progress on projects. Coordinates with Access Services Staff as well as Archival Facility Staff for transfer of items to various library locations and for assistance in cataloging and metadata questions.

Required Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED and two (2) years of library experience; OR associate's degree or higher and some library experience.

Skills and Knowledge: Knowledge and understanding of local practices incorporating national standards for Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) records. Knowledge of relationships between bibliographic, holdings, and item records and their effect on patron access. Knowledge of enhanced cataloging processes, like call number and subject heading assignment. Knowledge of the catalog module relationships with acquisitions and circulation functions. Knowledge and understanding of technology (MARC formats, LC call numbers, LCSH subject headings and assignment, AACR2, RDA, and other national cataloging standards). Knowledge and understanding of processes for importing large files of records on a weekly or monthly basis for batch editing. Knowledge and understanding of Voyager for importing records into the cataloging module. Ability to handle domestic and foreign language materials. Knowledge and understanding of how to interpret items in non-English languages and scripts and how to enter data correctly into OCLC.

Preferred Qualifications: Library cataloging, copy cataloging of added volumes, and database maintenance in a standard online library catalog experience. Knowledge of name and series authorities.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC's Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.

The University of Alabama affirms its longstanding commitment to institutional neutrality, free speech, and academic freedom.

Advertised: Jul 13 2026 Central Daylight Time
Application close: Aug 03 2026 Central Daylight Time

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