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Library Acquisitions Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Library of Congress

Supervisory Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$143K - $187K/yr

Your work here will have lasting impact on the Library and its users well into the future. Learn more about this agency Duties Help This position is located in the Directorate of Acquisitions and ...

Library of Congress

Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

... Acquisitions Services, Analyzes and Organizes Information and Materials, Library Collections Development, Consultation and Liaison Services, and Librarian Training and Mentoring. As the Librarian ...

Library of Congress

Librarian (Reference)

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

Summary The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs ... Consult acquisition policies to determine whether items are appropriate for purchase, copyright ...

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All JobsLibrary Acquisitions JobsLibrary Acquisitions Jobs in Washington

Library Acquisitions information

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$10

$23

$38

How much do library acquisitions jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for library acquisitions in Washington is $23.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $27.21 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 popular job titles related to Library Acquisitions jobs in Washington?

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

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

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

Library Acquisitions jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Acquisitions job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,325 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Librarian (Acquisition)

Department of Justice

Washington, DC • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

The primary purpose of this position is to support the JMD Library Staff's acquisition of general and legal research materials in multiple formats - print and electronic - and subscription databases; and to provide acquisitions and financial reporting support to the DOJ customers of the Staff's Library Acquisitions Services Working Capital Fund program.Qualifications:To qualify for the position of Librarian (Acquisition), at GS-1410-9/11/12/13, you must meet the qualification requirements listed below.

BASIC REQUIREMENT:
Applicants must meet the requirements specified in paragraphs A or B below.

A. Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor's degree;
OR
B. A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided a knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.
AND

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE OR EDUCATION OR COMBINATION FOR GS-09 OR GS-11:
For the GS-09, you must meet the possess at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-7 level or equivalent. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) Assisting in monitoring publication contracts; AND 2) Assisting in resolving librarian procurement problems.
OR
Education: You must possess 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's in library science or equivalent graduate degree, e.g., LL.B. or J.D., related to the position. (MUST SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS)
OR
Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. (MUST SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS)
For the GS-11, you must meet the possess at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-9 level or equivalent. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) Assisting in order processing for library materials in multiple formats; AND 2) Assisting in analyzing library acquisitions or financial reporting;
OR
Education: You must possess 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in library science or doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) related to the position. (MUST SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS)
OR
Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. (MUST SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS)
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-12 OR GS-13:
For the GS-12, you must meet the possess at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) Assisting in administering the Library Staff's procurement and contracting programs; 2) Analyzing library acquisitions or financial reporting; AND 3) Assisting in researching solutions or options for contractual or financial library acquisition issues.
For the GS-13, you must meet the possess at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) Managing an automated integrated library system such as Voyager or Momentum; 2) Administering the Library Staff's procurement and contracting programs; 3) Providing acquisitions or financial reporting support to Library Acquisitions Services stakeholders; AND 4) Recommending resolutions of contractual or financial library acquisitions issues.
You MUST meet all qualification requirements by the 09/07/2026 of this announcement.
Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.
After you submit your application, you will receive notification indicated whether or not the USA Hire assessment is required. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 09/07/2026 to complete the assessment which is part of your application. Education:If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, please see the statements below.
Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.Employment Type: OTHER

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