Assistant Librarian - Acquisitions

Kansas City International; Danbury (CT); On-site; USD 79,169 - 85,766; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Travel/research funds

Job summary

Western Connecticut State University Libraries seeks an Assistant Librarian – Acquisitions to lead the acquisitions workflow, manage budgets, and supervise staff. The role requires coordinating with cataloging, metadata, and licensing teams to ensure timely access to library materials.

The successful candidate will oversee vendor negotiations, foster collaborations with consortia, and advance open educational resources while supporting diverse users and preparing annual budget reports.

Qualifications

• ALA-accredited master’s degree or equivalent.
• Three years of professional acquisitions experience including budgeting and procurement.
• Academic library experience preferred.
• Experience with copyright regulations in libraries.
• Experience with vendor purchasing platforms and financial reporting.
• Experience in a consortial procurement environment.
• Experience with open educational resources (OER) cataloging.
• Knowledge of cataloging standards and bibliographic utilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Promotion and tenure requirements should be met.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily acquisitions operations: ordering, receiving, and claiming materials.
• Coordinate with units to implement shared workflows across the resource lifecycle.
• Supervise acquisitions staff and administer online acquisitions systems.
• Negotiate licenses and service agreements with vendors; manage budget and expenditures.
• Prepare annual library materials budget and reconcile campus accounts.
• Collaborate on collections policy and metadata workflows with Library Faculty.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Oral communication

Written communication

Education

MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited program

Tools

Ex Libris Alma

Springshare software

Bibliographic utilities

Job description

Western Connecticut State University

Library Services

Assistant Librarian – Acquisitions

Tenure Track

Western Connecticut State University’s Libraries are pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for a 12-month, tenure track Assistant Librarian for Acquisitions position.

WCSU is committed to enhancing our diverse university community by actively encouraging people with disabilities, members of LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities, veterans, and women to apply. We take pride in our pluralistic community and continue to seek excellence through diversity and inclusion. WCSU is honored to be awarded the federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in our progress toward fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our campus community.

Western Connecticut State University Libraries are dynamic learning centers which foster the discovery, creation, and reinterpretation of knowledge, in support of student success. The faculty and staff are committed to enhancing learning and teaching by connecting researchers with information resources designed to meet the curricular, intellectual, and professional needs of the university community. Additional information about the libraries may be found athttp://library.wcsu.edu. Information on the University may be found at:www.wcsu.edu.

We are looking for a person with a positive, can-do attitude, who has the knowledge and skill to lead the libraries' efforts in managing the discovery and access of knowledge resources. This position will require attention and skills related to long‑term planning and vendor relations, as well as institutional and consortial collaborations. The successful candidate will be a co‑advocate in supporting students from diverse backgrounds and play a critical role in promoting and sustaining support for student and faculty information resource needs and remain engaged with emerging trends in acquisitions.

Position Summary

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.

WCSU is particularly interested in applicants who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for first‑generation and under‑represented groups.

Salary & Benefits

The hiring salary range is $79,169 - $85,766 and is commensurate upon candidates' experience. Faculty also have access to generous travel and/or research funds. Please note: WCSU is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas at this time. Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Western offers a comprehensive benefits package. Additional information on benefits can be found atwww.wcsu.edu/hr/benefits/.

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-Librarian-Acquisitions-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