Librarian (Acquisitions)

Quick Facts

Librarian (Acquisitions) — Technical Services acquisitions role within a U.S. federal library supporting academic and provost functions.

Description

Researches, orders, and tracks library materials—including print and electronic books, database subscriptions, and library services—while processing purchase requests, invoices, and purchase card reconciliations. Monitors outstanding orders, communicates with vendors and library staff, resolves procurement issues, tracks payments, and maintains acquisition records and documentation. Evaluates library collections using usage statistics and analytical reports, performs copy cataloging, and maintains bibliographic and local holdings records using established cataloging standards and Library of Congress classification.

Responsibilities

• Research, order, and track library materials (print and electronic) and database subscriptions
• Process purchase requests, invoices, and purchase card reconciliations
• Monitor outstanding orders; coordinate with vendors and library staff; resolve procurement issues
• Track payments; maintain accurate acquisition records and documentation
• Evaluate collections using usage statistics, analytical reports, publisher catalogs, and collection development tools
• Perform complex copy cataloging; create and update bibliographic and local holdings records
• Apply Library of Congress classification and established cataloging standards
• Run acquisitions analytics reports; monitor available funds; support budget and collection development
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, vendors, publishers, and other stakeholders

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national
• Must meet specialized experience requirements (or the education pathway) and submit required documents by the closing date
• GS-09 (Experience): at least 1 year equivalent to GS-07 including acquisitions procurement tasks, purchase order/invoice management, purchase card reconciliation, funds monitoring, and procurement record maintenance; plus collection data analysis and copy cataloging using integrated library systems and established library standards
• GS-09 (Education alone): 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s degree, or an awarded master’s/equivalent graduate degree (or a qualifying combination of graduate education and experience supported by transcripts)
• Professional library education requirements for the librarian series (standard practice: entry at GS-9 based on a master’s in library science)
• Knowledge of contracting/procurement practices (including Federal Acquisitions Regulations) and attention to detail
• Background security investigation required with favorable adjudication
• Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period (unless already completed); comply with Selective Service registration requirements when applicable

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government includes a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility depends on the type of position held and whether it is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.