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Library Acquisitions Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Library Director

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$161K - $196K/yr

Performs a wide variety of professional-level library support services related to patron assistance, circulation, automation, acquisitions, cataloging and processing. * Responds to in-person and ...

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Library technical processes and software relating to acquisition and classification of library materials. Methods and practices of financial record keeping. Operations, procedures, specific rules and ...

Library Director

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$161K - $196K/yr

Performs a wide variety of professional-level library support services related to patron assistance, circulation, automation, acquisitions, cataloging and processing. Responds to in-person and ...

Showing results 21-40

Library Acquisitions information

See California salary details

$9

$20

$33

How much do library acquisitions jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for library acquisitions in California is $20.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is 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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Library Acquisitions jobs in California?

The most popular types of Library Acquisitions jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Library Acquisitions jobs in California?

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Library Acquisitions jobs?

Cities in California with the most Library Acquisitions job openings:

Infographic showing various Library Acquisitions job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,108 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Associate Bibliographer

The J. Paul Getty Trust

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$85K - $113K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Associate Bibliographer
Job Family Library
Type Regular Full-Time
Position Status Getty Center
Workplace Type Hybrid/Partially Remote
Salaried/Hourly Salaried
Hiring Pay Scale $85,422 - $113,185 Annually
Salary Commensurate with experience and internal equity
Program/Department Research Institute - 0419-Library
Requisition Number 2026-4830
Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Job Summary

The Getty Research Institute (GRI) Collections & Discovery division seeks a knowledgeable, collaborative, and forward-thinking candidate to fill the role of Associate Bibliographer (Collection Development Librarian III) for the GRI's Library. Responsible for most of the ongoing development of the GRI's renowned and distinctive general library collections, the ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in art history, a knowledge of current trends in the field, and a passion for the intricacies involved in the bibliographic work of selection and assessment. The GRI Library is among the world's most comprehensive art research libraries, consisting of over 1.7 million volumes of published materials, including books, serials, auction sales catalogs, and myriad electronic resources, all available for use by researchers from around the world. It includes titles in over 50 languages published in 127 countries, focusing primarily on the arts, architecture, and visual culture. Reporting to the Manager of Library Collection Development & Acquisitions, the Associate Bibliographer works with the Collection Development unit staff, a cross-departmental Bibliography team, and in close collaboration with GRI librarians, curators, and other stakeholders across Getty. Externally, the position nurtures and evaluates existing relationships while developing new ones with professional peers, donors, and vendors locally and around the world, contributing directly to the GRI's mission of cultivating advanced knowledge of art and its varied histories.

Major Job Responsibilities
    Serves as an overall subject expert in determining the ongoing bibliographic scope and coverage for a wide range of art-related topics, consulting with stakeholders as appropriate
  • Reviews incoming material from approval plans to ensure relevance
  • Regularly reviews existing approval plans for gaps in coverage and proposes refinements to profiles, working with others as needed
  • Collaborates on establishing new approval plans or other methods of acquisitions based on geographic coverage
  • Assists in tracking expenditures and maximizing the library acquisitions budget
  • Collaborates on establishing and cultivating new vendor and donor relationships globally
  • Selects individual titles that are outside of the scope and budget of current approval plans
  • Reviews notifications from vendors and submits ordering selections according to evolving criteria and budgetary guidelines
  • Notes gaps (lacunae) and considers future collecting goals both for antiquarian and newly published material
  • Revises the Library Collection Development policy in accordance with evolving GRI priorities and budget
  • Supplies content for the GRI communication channels and other Getty social media outlets
  • Actively participates in relevant professional organizations and considers new models for potential coordinated collection development
  • May conduct research, present, exhibit, and publish in areas of responsibility and expertise
  • Promotes Getty's principles of having a welcoming and inclusive environment
Qualifications
  • Master's or PhD in Art History and/or MLIS preferred

  • Minimum 5 years relevant professional experience

  • Requires special subject knowledge, foreign languages, and/or technical expertise

  • May require related supervisory experience and/or project management experience

Please note: This position is not eligible for employer-based immigration sponsorship. Applicants must have authorization to work for Getty in the United States without the need for sponsorship, currently or in the future.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Reading/bibliographic knowledge of at least 2 foreign languages
  • Current knowledge of relevant discipline and research methods
  • Knowledge of library management systems
  • Solid understanding of bibliographic metadata structure and principles
  • Project management skills
  • Advanced specialized knowledge of the art book and/or electronic resource trade preferred
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail
  • Ability to meet deadlines, apply policies and procedures consistently, conduct research, and present recommendations
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
Benefits and Perks

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
  • 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan - with up to 5% Getty Match
  • Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
  • Educational Assistance and professional development
  • Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Many positions have bi-weekly off-Fridays
  • On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
  • Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.