The Assistant Librarian - Acquisitions oversees daily acquisitions operations, including coordination of workflows related to ordering, receiving, and claiming of library materials; track expenditures and purchase orders as needed. Collaborate with fellow Library Faculty colleagues to implement shared workflows across the resource lifecycle. Supervise acquisitions personnel. Apply appropriate information technologies to the management of all acquisitions functions. Administer any online acquisitions system(s). Coordinate ordering and receiving with other library units and provide information to Library Faculty and staff to facilitate order placement and timely receipt of material. Ensure compliance with all procurement regulations established by the State of Connecticut and the university. Prepare and monitor the annual library materials budget; reconcile campus accounts with internal library accounts. Identify, establish, and ensure good working relationships with vendors; negotiate service agreements and licenses for access; address vendor issues involving orders, receipts, and/or payments. Compile and analyze annual acquisitions statistics; prepare and submit online requisitions and budgetary reports on expenditures. In cooperation with fellow Library Faculty, accept, acknowledge, evaluate, and process gift materials and collections. Collaborate with fellow Library Faculty on Collections Strategy and Management, and Marketing and Engagement Functional Teams in the development and management of collections policies and procedures, as well as the coordination of outreach, marketing, and communication with users to promote library collections and services. Collaborate with fellow Library Faculty in the development of and management of cataloging and metadata workflows. Perform original and copy cataloging. Maintain awareness of current and emerging acquisitions trends and technologies, and trends in scholarly communication. Participate in internal, regional, and consortial initiatives. Willingness to work holidays, evenings, and weekends.
Required Qualifications: ALA-accredited master’s degree. Three (3) years professional experience with library acquisitions, including budgeting, finance, licensing and procurement operations. One (1) year professional experience in an academic library. Professional experience with copyright regulations in libraries. Professional experience using library services and vendor purchasing platforms. Professional experience in the creation and development of financial reports using recognized accounting principles and standards. Experience with purchasing in a consortial environment. Experience with procurement and cataloging of open educational resources (OER). Knowledge of cataloging standards and bibliographic utilities. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Ability to meet the university’s requirements for promotion and tenure.
Preferred Qualifications: Ex Libris Alma LSP Certified. Knowledge of mark-up languages and website design. Proficiency with library, educational, and instructional technologies. Professional experience providing reference and instruction. Professional experience with content management systems. Experience with office suites/productivity software. Experience with Springshare software. Ability to troubleshoot hardware and software problems.
A candidate who does not meet the above standards may also be appointed provided the candidate has credentials and/or experience substantially comparable to the above experience.
External Job Ad
https://www.wcsu.edu/hr/employment/current-opportunities/
Application Process: Interested applicants must submit a letter of application, which outlines interest in, and qualifications for, the position, including areas of service and/or leadership, as well as research interests; a current curriculum vita; and the names and contact information for at least three (3) professional references who can comment on the applicant's performance, scholarship, and/or service/leadership.
To apply, submit your materials to: https://westernconnecticutstateuniversity.applytojob.com/apply/t12w6Mef3O/Assistant-LibrarianAcquisitions-Tenure-Track
Applications must be received by Thursday August 27, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
Western is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer