Employers

The Association for Library Collections & Technical Services, the professional association for acquisitions librarians, has more than 3,200 members. According to the association, 75 percent of its members work in academic libraries and 11 percent in public libraries. The remaining 14 percent work in special libraries and other settings.

Starting Out

To break into this career, turn to library association Web sites or publications for job listings and recruiters. The ALA job Web site, https://joblist.ala.org, for example, offers links to employment opportunities throughout the country, as posted by different library organizations. It would also be prudent to check with your schools career services office. Many employers work closely with academic institutions, especially if their programs are well-regarded. Let your counselor know your area of specialty early on so he or she can help you find an internship or full-time job best suited to your needs.

Acquisitions librarians with experience and advanced degrees may become managers of acquisitions departments or library directors. Others advance laterally by seeking employment at libraries with larger collections or facilities. Some acquisition librarians become library science educators at the postsecondary level.

Academic qualifications often play a crucial role in advancing in this career. To unlock better employment opportunities, it is important to hold a masters degree. Specializing in law, business, medicine, science, engineering, or learning a foreign language can also be beneficial. Those aspiring to work in a college or university library may benefit from obtaining a doctorate. Advancing to senior administrative positions, such as department head, chief information officer, or library director, requires relevant experience.

Acquisition librarians are expected to have promising job prospects in the next decade. Most jobholders are over 45 and approaching retirement age, while nontraditional jobs are increasing. Many private companies are hiring acquisition librarians due to their skills and expertise. The overall job market for librarians is anticipated to grow by four percent in the coming years.

Attend conferences held by professional associations such as the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services in order to network, pursue continuing education, and learn more about the field.

Visit http://www.ala.org/educationcareers/careers for more information on library science careers.

Visit the following Web sites for job listings: 

• https://joblist.ala.org
• http://www.ala.org/lita/professional/jobs
• http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/hrdr/placementservice/currentconference
• https://www.ala.org/alcts/resources/collect/acq

Courses to cover:

https://www.ala.org/alcts/confevents/upcoming/webcourse/foa/ol_templ