Acquisitions Librarian

Acquisitions Librarian

The Acquisitions Librarian is responsible for all resource acquisitions operations for LSU Libraries. The Acquisitions Librarian will oversee efficient strategies and methodologies for obtaining and processing new print and electronic resources and content for both monographic and serial resources. This position will also foster partnerships with other library colleagues involved in collection development, budgeting, and resource discovery and access. The Acquisitions Librarian has overall responsibility for disbursement of the Libraries' acquisitions budget, working closely with the Head of Collection Services on budget administration and analysis. Provides supervision and guidance to unit staff, including training and professional development support. The Acquisitions Librarian regularly evaluates work methods and workflows considering new services and technological advancements to strengthen operations and purchasing relationships through innovative acquisition strategies and solutions. The Acquisitions Librarian initiates and maintains relationships with booksellers, subscription agents, and content providers.

Responsibilities:

• 60% Acquisitions: Coordinate the ordering, receiving, and invoicing of print and electronic resources, including monographs, serials, databases, and streaming media. Ensure compliance with LSU and state procurement policies and maintain accurate acquisitions records in the library management system. Collaborate with Administrative Services to monitor and reconcile fund balances, review expenditures, and track budget allocations. Serve as liaison with vendors, publishers, and subscription agents to facilitate purchasing and resolve billing issues. Responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the acquisitions management information system. Maintain and update acquisitions workflows, documentation, and statistics; identify areas for improvement and propose solutions. Resolves complex acquisitions problems and applies knowledge of current issues and trends in acquisitions, scholarly communications, and the publishing industry to improve services. In collaboration with the Director of Collection Services, monitors library materials expenditures. Develops/analyzes statistical and financial data and prepares reports for Director of Collection Services, subject librarians and the Library administration.
• 15% Assessment: Assists the Head of Collection Services in the collection, analysis, and presentation of acquisitions data for annual reporting, audits, and strategic collection planning. Support subject librarians by providing data and analysis on fund use, expenditure trends, and cost-per-use information. Stay informed of trends and best practices in acquisitions, scholarly publishing, and open access business models.
• 10% Supervision & Staff Development: Supervise and mentor staff within the Collections and Resource Strategies department, setting performance goals and providing regular evaluations. Identify training and professional development needs to ensure staff maintain current knowledge of collection trends, tools, and practices.
• 10% Performs service to the libraries, university, and/or profession.
• 5% Performs other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in Library & Information Science from an ALA-accredited program.

3 years related working experience and 1 year of supervisory experience.

Experience with acquisitions, electronic resources, serials, collection development, procurement, or finance in higher education or libraries. Experience with library services platforms such as SirsiDynix, Alma, GOBI, OCLC Connexion, or OCLC Worldshare.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of acquisitions functions including monographic ordering, approval plans, licensing, renewals for print and e-resources, invoicing, and accounting for library collection resources. Experience with library financial processes, vendor management, or university procurement systems. Knowledge of budget management, fund accounting, or fiscal reconciliation in a library context.