Acquisitions Librarian, University of Georgia Libraries, (Athens, GA)

Posted February 9, 2026

Reporting to the Director of Collections, the Acquisitions Librarian plays a key leadership role in shaping and overseeing the Libraries’ acquisitions strategy for purchased and licensed content. This position is responsible for streamlining resource procurement processes, assisting in managing the collections budget, and supporting collection development to align with the Libraries’ goals. The Acquisition Librarian also fosters strong vendor relationships, addresses order and payment issues, and ensures effective collaboration across departments. Additionally, the role includes staff leadership, including hiring, training, and performance management of approximately 3 staff, while contributing to library-wide planning, governance, and ongoing professional development. To learn more about the University of Georgia, please view the official job advertisement.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Leads and manages acquisitions activities within the Libraries, overseeing the procurement of materials in various formats, such as print and digital books, monographic series, streaming video, and other resources.
Designs and implements effective workflows incorporating current technologies and standards. Applies knowledge of professional best practices while staying current with trends in acquisitions, scholarly publishing, and academic librarianship, adapting strategies as needed.
Supports collections budget management by maintaining accurate acquisitions data and ensuring responsible resource stewardship. Assists with fiscal transactions related to the budget and develops expenditure data to inform collection development decisions.
Hires, trains, and evaluates employees, while coordinating workflows and ensuring clarity of responsibilities. Sets performance goals aligned with Library objectives and communicates them effectively.
Collaborates with vendors and publishers to negotiate favorable terms with regard to price, accessibility and more. Resolves issues related to orders, receiving, and payments with vendors.
Works closely and collaboratively with Collections Coordinators, User Services, Cataloging, Discovery and Digital Services, the Special Collections Library, and other library departments, demonstrating flexibility and cooperation.
Engages in library-wide planning and governance, contributing effectively to a collaborative decision-making environment.
Pursues research and scholarly endeavors to advance knowledge and contribute to the field.
Participates in relevant local, national and state-wide professional organizations.

Minimum Qualifications: An ALA-accredited Master’s in Library and Information
Science or relevant terminal degree.

Candidates will be considered at the rank of Librarian I, II, III, or IV. For more information about the requirements for the Librarian ranks, please see the Guidelines for Librarian/Archivist Faculty Rank and Promotion: Guidelines for Librarian/Archivist Faculty Rank and Promotion.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, and/or Certification:

Two or more years of experience leading, supervising, or mentoring others.
Two or more years of experience with the acquisition of library materials.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

Excellent analytical and communication skills.
Understanding of Integrated Library Management Systems, such as ExLibris Alma.
Ability to effectively supervise, mentor, and support professional growth among library staff.
Familiarity with data/metadata formats and standards used in libraries, such as COUNTER or MARC.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Power BI and Microsoft productivity tools.
Ability to successfully navigate issues relating to copyright, fair use, and rights management.
Demonstrated understanding of trends in open access to scholarly materials and publishing services.
Excellent project management skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Strong attention to detail.

Salary: $60,000-$90,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

UGA librarians are non-tenured faculty members with an annual professional development allotment of $2,000.
UGA offers an attractive benefits program including a choice of health and retirement plans, dental plan, vision plan, tuition remission via USG’s Tuition Assistance Program, generous paid relocation, 21 days annual leave, 12 days sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.

How to Apply:

Applicants should attach a 1-2 page letter of interest, a complete CV, and the names, titles, and contact information of three professional references. The University of Georgia Libraries wish to emphasize that preferred qualifications are not required and we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop preferred knowledge, skills and abilities. Applicants are encouraged to communicate the ways in which their work meets required or preferred qualifications in ways that may not be obvious. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by March 8, 2026, however, the position will remain open until filled. Applicants can apply directly through the University of Georgia’s employment portal.