Assistant Librarian

Overview Western Connecticut State University’s Libraries invite applications for a 12-month, tenure-track Assistant Librarian for Acquisitions position. WCSU is committed to building a diverse university community and encourages applications from people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, veterans, and women. WCSU is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). The Libraries aim to support student success through discovery, creation, and reinterpretation of knowledge, and information resources that meet curricular, intellectual, and professional needs. More information about the libraries is available at and about the university at We are seeking a person with a positive, can-do attitude who can lead the libraries’ efforts in managing the discovery and access of knowledge resources. The position requires long-term planning, vendor relations, and institutional and consortial collaborations. The successful candidate will support students from diverse backgrounds and contribute to advancing information resource needs for students and faculty, while remaining 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 library materials; tracks expenditures and purchase orders as needed. Collaborate with Library Faculty to implement shared workflows across the resource lifecycle. Supervise acquisitions personnel. Apply information technologies to the management of all acquisitions functions and administer online acquisitions systems. Coordinate ordering and receiving with other library units and provide information to Library Faculty and staff to facilitate orders and timely receipt of material. Ensure compliance with 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 maintain good 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 Library Faculty, accept, acknowledge, evaluate, and process gift materials and collections. Collaborate on Collections Strategy and Management, and Marketing and Engagement with the development of collections policies and procedures, as well as outreach, marketing, and communication with users to promote library collections and services. Collaborate on 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. Qualifications Required Qualifications : ALA-accredited master’s degree. Three (3) years of professional experience in library acquisitions, including budgeting, finance, licensing, and procurement operations. One (1) year of professional experience in an academic library. Professional experience with copyright regulations in libraries. Professional experience using library services and vendor purchasing platforms. Experience in creating and developing financial reports using recognized accounting principles. 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 Certification. Knowledge of markup 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 productivity software. Experience with Springshare software. Ability to troubleshoot hardware and software problems. A candidate who does not meet the above standards may be appointed if credentials and/or experience are substantially comparable to the above. 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 underrepresented groups. Salary & Benefits The salary range is $79,169 – $85,766 and is commensurate with experience. Faculty also have access to travel and/or research funds. WCSU cannot sponsor work visas at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Western offers a comprehensive benefits package. More information on benefits is available at Application Process Interested applicants must submit a letter of application outlining interest, qualifications, areas of service or leadership, and research interests; a current curriculum vitae; and the names and contact information for at least three professional references who can comment on performance, scholarship, and/or service/leadership. To apply, submit materials to: All materials should be submitted as PDF files. Applications must be received by Thursday, August 27, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. Western is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr