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Library Acquisitions Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Wheaton College

Assistant Professor-Library

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$63K - $75K/yr

Leads the Acquisitions & Discovery Services Team (4 full-time staff) in setting goals and ... Oversees the selection and development of the Library's access and discovery tools and systems.

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Library Acquisitions information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$21

$34

How much do library acquisitions jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for library acquisitions in Chicago, IL is $21.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.76 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 the most commonly searched types of Library Acquisitions jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Library Acquisitions jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Library Acquisitions jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Library Acquisitions jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Acquisitions jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Library Acquisitions jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Acquisitions job openings in Chicago, IL 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 $43,953 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Professional MLS/Librarian - Youth Services

East Chicago Public Library

East Chicago, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

YOUTH SERVICES PROFESSIONAL LIBRARIAN
Category/Classification: Full-time - Non-Exempt
Reports to: Associate Director of Youth Services
General Summary
The Youth Services Librarian supports and assists the Associate Director of Youth Services. The Youth Services Librarian is responsible for providing assistance with children and young adult library programs in addition to providing reference assistance to children, young adults, parents, teachers, and other patrons. Assists in planning, organizing, and performing scheduled programs and events. Participates in the youth services collection development and weeding of the collection.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Under the Direction of the Associate Director of Youth Services:
  • Assists in directing and supervising the operations of the Youth Services department.
  • Assists in the planning, preparation, and presentation of story times, summer reading activities, special events and programs for children and teens that meet their specific needs
  • Supervises program presentations by youth service assistants
  • Coordinates children and teen service operations with other library services and functions
  • Provides reference and reader's advisory service to children, teens, parents/guardians and teachers using materials in a variety of formats (i.e. books, electronic reference databases, periodicals, newspapers)
  • Evaluates materials and services; assists in the selection of materials for library acquisition and weeding the collection
  • Assists in promoting library use, especially programs and services for children and teens Monitors the conditions of the teen service area and the security of the young adult collection
  • Maintains working knowledge of materials collections, services available and trends in library services to youth, primarily teens
  • Maintains awareness of developments and trends in librarianship by attending workshops and conferences pre-approved by the Director and reading professional literature
  • Prepares monthly reports to be submitted to the Associate Director of Youth Services as required
  • Presents a positive view of library, staff and administration, and services to community
  • Interprets ECPL policy and procedures to public in a customer-responsive manner
  • Is flexible and able to work evenings and weekends
  • Performs other job related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of current librarianship
  • Skill in leadership, motivation, and coordination of the workflow
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to delegate work effectively
  • Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, government officials and the general public
  • Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information technology
  • Knowledge of children's and young adult materials both current and classic
  • Analytical ability to understand and solve reference questions
  • Knowledge of and ability to explain available library services
  • Ability to work independently
  • Desire and ability to serve the public with friendliness, tact, and diplomacy
  • Knowledge of library information systems
  • Skill at accurately and efficiently sorting and shelving materials in alphanumeric order
  • Physical capacity to place materials on shelves at all shelving heights
  • Ability to work in a team setting. Willingness to assist and support coworkers, contribute ideas, maintain flexibility, and be able to adapt to a rapidly changing environment

Requirements
Physical and Mental Requirements
Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively
Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to produce and review a wide variety of technical and training materials, written correspondence, reports, and related materials in both electronic and hard copy form
Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a keyboard
Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to monitor and supervise library operations at Main and RAP locations on a regular basis
Must have some agility to stoop, stretch, and climb to retrieve materials and conduct programs
Stands for extended periods of time, lifts and carries books and other library materials
Must have reliable transportation for travel to agencies within the system and out
Education, Experience, and Training
Master's degree in Library (and Information) Science from an ALA-accredited university with a concentration in children's and young adult services
License and Certification Requirements
Library Certification 5 or higher; to qualify for recertification, one must complete a minimum of 50 Library Educational Units every 5 years, as specified by the Indiana State Library
Possession of a valid Indiana driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility
The requirements given above are not intended as exclusive standards for this position. Additionally, the duties and responsibilities listed are meant to be illustrative of the nature of the position and do not include all tasks that may be necessary to this job function. Further, individuals may be required to work in other areas and at different functions than those described in accordance with the changing needs of the library.

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