Serials and Acquisitions Librarian

Location: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity. About the Department A hub for scholarship and training, the Art Institute Research Center brings together the museum’s Ryerson and Burnham Library, the Art Institute of Chicago Archives, and the department of Academic Engagement and Research to care for, modernize, and share the Art Institute of Chicago’s broad array of research resources. The historic Ryerson and Burnham Library is one of the nation’s preeminent art research libraries. The collection holds more than 670,000 print titles, 100,000 auction catalogs, 200 current serial subscriptions, and extensive digital resources. The Library resources the museum’s eleven curatorial departments, supporting myriad research fields spanning the globe and all time periods. In addition to upholding the museum’s core activities, the Library makes its collections accessible to the scholarly community, faculty and students, artists and architects, and inquisitive public visitors from around the world. Position Summary The Serials and Acquisitions Librarian oversees library collection development, including the administration of monographs, serials, and auction catalog acquisitions, as well as the processing of gifts. The role manages all library acquisitions activities and is responsible for collection development in a specified area. This role reports to the Associate Library Director of Collection Services, and works in close consultation with the Library Director. Responsibilities Library Acquisitions: oversees acquisition of library materials, including searching, ordering, tracking orders, claiming, cancellations, receipts, returns, and checking for duplicates in the ILS. Selection: works with a specified curatorial department to select items in response to their needs, changing priorities, and upcoming exhibitions, and collaborates with other librarians to maintain high standards of collection development. External Communications: maintains ongoing relations with vendors, monitors vendor performance, resolves order issues, follows up on back orders, cancellations and returns, and drafts loan approval letters or purchase agreements. Record‑Keeping: manages order records and budgets in the Integrated Library System (ILS) for acquisitions across several funds, maintains accurate vendor and purchase records, creates, reviews, and updates ILS records, and may generate gift‑processing forms and acknowledge donations. Organization: maintains a structured system for monitoring order statuses and responds appropriately; manages time efficiently, balancing a variety of tasks; frequently assesses workload and processes, proposing improvements when necessary. Payments: processes payments on a credit card or by reconciling and paying invoices, archives receipts and invoices, monitors payment pipeline for timely delivery, files reimbursements, maintains clear communication with colleagues, advises interns and student workers, supports other departmental projects, and performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications MLIS degree required; coursework in arts administration, museum studies, library science, art history, or related subject preferred. Minimum of one year of library experience, with experience in collection services or related responsibilities preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suites required. Capacity to learn museum software and library‑specific collection database systems quickly, including Alma/Primo, Airtable, Jira, Concur, and the museum’s in‑house collection management software CITI. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; professional email etiquette, and sensitivity to different communication styles. Demonstrated ability to manage data in complex project environments and work proactively. Strong organizational skills and initiative. Proficiency with digital tools and budget record management. Highly detail‑oriented and organized; demonstrates initiative and excellent time management; ability to prioritize, self‑manage, and initiate appropriate change; enjoys being in a vital role on a large team, in service of a diverse collection; strong cataloging, writing, research, and communication abilities. Physical Requirements Capable of stooping, bending, stretching, lifting up to 50 pounds, and pushing book carts weighing up to 150 pounds to receive, process, and maintain physical collection materials. Specific vision abilities required: close vision, ability to adjust focus, and sustain prolonged visual concentration. Most of the day spent sitting at a desk and working on a computer; must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time. Often moves around inside the office, stacks, and across museum spaces to access storage areas, receive and move collection materials, and perform other related tasks. This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31. The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr School of the Art Institute of Chicago