Acquisitions Assistant, University Library

Samford-University; Homewood (AL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Samford-University in Homewood, AL is seeking an Acquisitions Assistant to support department operations, including purchasing, invoicing, and interlibrary loan activities. You will work closely with the department chair and library dean to ensure timely processing of subscriptions, gifts, and materials.

This role emphasizes detail-oriented work, effective time management, and professional collaboration with internal and external colleagues in a quiet, supportive library environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Data entry skills, spreadsheet familiarity, and basic accounting knowledge.
• Physical requirements of the job: Move a book cart up to 40 lbs; campus deliveries up to .33 miles; shelve books of varying heights.
• Possess a current, valid driver's license.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Sierra ILS (Integrated Library System).
• Experience with Banner Finance.
• Attributes: knowledge of academic culture, detail-oriented work, conscientious time management, strong interpersonal skills, team orientation.

Responsibilities

• Purchases, receives, and resolves issues for subscriptions, serials, monographs, media materials, and supplies in coordination with department chair and library dean.
• Maintains purchasing information, fund allocations, and expenditures in the library system and reports monthly.
• Processes gift and exchange materials, including recording information and gift/donation files.
• Receives, documents, and deposits library monies.
• Solicits product quotes for comparison and selection with library leadership.
• Maintains vendor relationships and coordinates with university accounting and purchasing offices.
• Manages book sale shelves and deposits from book sales.
• Supervises student workers.
• Performs additional duties including interlibrary loan borrowing and lending as requested.

Skills

Data entry

Spreadsheet proficiency

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Team-oriented

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Sierra ILS

Banner Finance

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Acquisitions Assistant works closely with the department chair, interlibrary loan coordinator, and student assistants to support the department's operations. The ideal candidate for this position enjoys detail-oriented work, problem-solving, and effectively managing their time and priorities. The role requires someone who is self-motivated, team-oriented, flexible, helpful, ethical, and trustworthy with strong interpersonal skills. The ability to engage in cordial, professional relationships with internal and external colleagues and stakeholders is essential. Work is often performed independently, with occasional interaction with colleagues, making this role ideal for individuals who thrive in a quiet environment but also appreciate supportive teamwork.

• Purchases, receives, and resolves lapses and issues for, selected subscriptions, serials, monographic and media materials, and selected supplies and services in coordination with the department chair and the library dean.
• Maintains purchasing information; fund allocations; and expenditures in the library’s integrated library system and in spreadsheet software and reports such information as requested but no less than monthly..
• Processes gift and exchange materials, including recording of information, letter recognition of gifts, and maintenance and reporting of gift and donation files.
• Receives, documents, and deposits monies collected by the library for various purposes.
• Solicits product quotes for comparison and selection in coordination with the library dean and department chair.
• Maintains relationships and accounts with various vendors; and with university accounting and purchasing offices to facilitate ordering and receipt of materials as well as payment.
• Manages book sale shelves organization and maintenance and deposits of book sale funds.
• Supervises student workers.
• Performs additional duties, including interlibrary loan borrowing and lending, as requested.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Data entry skills, spreadsheet familiarity, and basic accounting knowledge .
• Physical requirements of the job:
  • Ability to move/push a book cart weighing up to 40 lbs.
  • Ability to make deliveries and/or visit campus offices up to .33 miles.
  • Ability to shelve and retrieve books from library stacks of varying heights.
• Possess a current, valid driver's license.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Innovative Interfaces’ Sierra ILS (Integrated Library System).
• Experience with Banner Finance.
• Additional attributes that will be used in screening applicants:
  • Knowledge of the culture and organization of an academic institution.
  • Experience with detailed work.
  • Conscientious time management.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, cordiality, and professionalism.
  • Team-oriented outlook.