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Library Acquisitions Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Collections Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$102K - $133K/yr

Summary The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs ... Serve as a liaison and works with staff of the acquisitions and collections management and offsite ...

Reference Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site

$48K - $58K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to ... Collection Development Support: o Assist in evaluating, selecting, and maintaining library ...

Prints and Photographs Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to ... Knowledge of library and archival techniques, theories and practices. * Knowledge of photographic ...

As the largest university library system in the Washington, D.C./Baltimore region, the University ... Experience with EZProxy administration Experience with ILS electronic resources, acquisitions ...

Product Manager

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$143K - $187K/yr

Summary The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs ... Carry out duties and responsibilities for the acquisition, development, and life cycle management ...

Showing results 21-40

Library Acquisitions information

See Washington salary details

$10

$23

$38

How much do library acquisitions jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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 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 does a Library Acquisitions librarian do?

A Library Acquisitions librarian is responsible for selecting, ordering, and purchasing new materials such as books, journals, and digital resources for the library. They manage vendor relationships, track budgets, and ensure that the library's collection remains current and relevant, often using library management systems to facilitate these tasks.

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:

Infographic showing various Library Acquisitions job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,325 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Advanced Ground Systems SETA (Acquisitions)

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • On-site, Remote

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2614226

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-07-09

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

Advanced Ground Systems SETA (Acquisitions)

USG Program Office leading Research & Development (R&D) of evolutionary, revolutionary, and transformational artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms is looking for a SETA with experience in acquisition support and project management. Qualified candidates must possess demonstrated value-added judgement on a full spectrum of activities from pre-acquisition through program execution and performance management. Familiarity with RF, SAR, EW is preferred.  

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Provide overall lifecycle acquisition and program management support to the customer Program Manager(s), Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative(s), and Contracting Officer(s)
  • Plan and execute end-to-end acquisition lifecycle functions, including:
  • Perform market research and tech evals
  • Develop acquisition strategies/plans, program requirements, incentive arrangements
  • Draft acquisition docs including but not limited to SOWs, Task Orders, and other required solicitation/contract attachments
  • Develop RFPs and RFIs
  • Develop Contractor Bidders’ Library for supported acquisitions
  • Proactive identification, assessment, and risk resolution associated with acquisition approaches and schedules
  • Support source selections as an advisor
  • Conduct program analysis and provide strategic recommendations
  • Provide expertise and administering performance mgmt. activities
  • Analyze and monitor requirements development, performance metrics, financial limitations, and schedules of awarded contracts/programs
  • Recommend acquisitions and program management improvements
  • Track and hold programmatic reviews of all developers’ CDRLs
  • Oversee and manage developer award fee activities and execution of contracts
  • Identify and coordinate actions across the team 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Active TS/SCI clearance with Poly
  • Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience; PhD or JD and nine (9) years or more experience
  • Interpersonal and communication skills for written reports, group discussion, and oral presentations
  • Judgement, Critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office

Desired Qualifications:

  • STEM Bachelors highly desired  
  • Familiarity using tools like Galaxy
  • Familiarity with IAAs and MIPRs
  • Previous NRO experience  
  • Familiarity with SAR, RF, EW 

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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