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Library Acquisitions Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

BANDANA

Senior Library Assistant

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$24.83/hr

Reporting to the Head of Library Services, the Senior Library Assistant concentrates in one or more of the following areas: acquisitions-related: searches, sources, and purchases; searches for ...

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Library Acquisitions information

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$10

$22

$36

How much do library acquisitions jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for library acquisitions in New York is $22.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $26.30 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 New York?

The most popular types of Library Acquisitions jobs in New York are:

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

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

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

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

Library Acquisitions jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Acquisitions job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,679 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Bibliographic Assistant VII

New York, NY • On-site

Columbia University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Columbia Universityexternal

$28.32/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

  • Job Type: Support Staff - Union
  • Bargaining Unit: 1199 Clerical
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • End Date if Temporary:
  • Hours Per Week: 35
  • Standard Work Schedule: Monday-Friday: 9AM-5PM
  • Building: Butler Library
  • Salary Range: $28.32 - $28.32 per hour entry rate ($29.19 - $29.19 per hour minimum rate)

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary
Columbia University Libraries is currently seeking applicants for the position of Bibliographic Assistant VII in the department of Collections Acquisition & Metadata Services. Columbia University Libraries is a globally-recognized academic research library, serving one of the world's most important centers of research and learning. The Libraries' collection includes resources in more than 450 languages and primary source materials that span over 4,000 years of human thought. The collections include over 15 million volumes, with access to over 7 million online electronic resource titles, nearly 300,000 linear feet of manuscripts and archives, over 150,000 maps, and over 1.2 million graphic and audio-visual materials. Through an extensive global network of library partnerships, Columbia Libraries also facilitates access to collections at academic, research, and public libraries across the country and the world.
The Bibliographic Assistant in this position will work mainly with monograph material from countries primarily located in the Mid-East and process the material for discovery in the Libraries catalog. The incumbent will perform all phases of bibliographic editing for monographic materials received from acquisitions departments.
Test: Language tests will be given the day of the interview.
Responsibilities
  • Provides original and copy cataloging support for monograph material.
  • Assigns library locations to newly acquired material.
  • Identifies new and added volumes of serials and process according to local practices.
  • Enters invoices in the Libraries local system for payment.
  • Corresponds with vendors on missing and defective items and invoice errors.
  • Checks-in materials, adds them to existing holdings, and routes them to appropriate departments.
  • Pays invoices for continuing resources material.
  • Corresponds and interacting with CUL's subject liaisons on matters related to books received in the department.
  • Opens a high volume of material from several different vendors.
  • Performs quality control on material received.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma and/or its equivalent and one year of related experience required.
  • Strong knowledge of two Mid East languages - one in the Arabic alphabet.
  • Ability to quickly learn complex tasks and systems and deploy this knowledge in a dynamic and diverse academic library environment with minimal oversight.
  • Ability to prioritize and organize work in an effective manner.
  • Ability to determine the research value and subject discipline of library materials for purposes of cataloging and classification.
  • Strong computer skills to interact with numerous online vendor platforms and transfer this information to the Libraries internal system.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with internal Libraries' staff and external vendors, producers and creators.
  • Ability to interact with a diverse group of colleagues and library users.
  • Ability to push, pull, and lift up to 40lbs.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Some college preferred.
  • Previous experience in academic libraries.
  • Library acquisitions and/or book trade experience desirable.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

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