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The Ohio State University seeks enthusiastic and collaborative Acquisitions Librarian for a tenure-track faculty appointment. The Acquisitions Librarian responsibilities have an emphasis on one-time, profile-based and approval plan acquisitions that support the general collection, Special Collections and Area Studies.

The Acquisitions Librarian develops efficient and effective practices to support the evolving environment of collection development and acquisitions. Works under the direction of the Electronic Resources Officer and collaboratively across University Libraries to develop innovative processes throughout the life cycle of library collections. The Acquisitions Librarian manages a team of four staff.

The Acquisitions Librarian will join the University Libraries during an exciting period of transition as we implement a new library services platform, Ex Libris' Alma. University Libraries is actively building a new discovery environment to ensure a user-centered experience of seamless discovery, access, and delivery of library resources launching Summer 2025.

Those at all levels of experience are encouraged to apply. Applicants need not meet desired qualifications to be fully considered. Applicants are encouraged to communicate how their work and other experiences might contribute to success in the position, and to the organization

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership in the acquisition of monographs (including firm order e-books), tangible materials, and streaming media for the collections using one-time, approval, and use-driven collections budgets.
• Maintain knowledge of library acquisitions standards and processes as they emerge and develop. Investigate and implement local initiatives to apply new technologies, tools, services, and partnerships to improve acquisitions workflows.
• Design and continuously improve processes to leverage the new integrated library system, Alma, including possible integrations between Alma and third-party vendor platforms and systems such as from book vendors.
• Ensure that resources are acquired in a timely, fiscally responsible, and effective manner that complies with University legal and financial policies and requirements.
• Communicate, interact and sustain positive and productive relationships with internal and external agents in the business cycle, including campus fiscal offices, multiple library consortia, and vendors.
• Support the streaming media program through identification of vendors, enhance purchasing processes and negotiate licenses for single title leased or owned models, and steward the local hosting of files as needed.
• Monitor approval plan contracts and evaluate services and performance.
• Partner with stakeholders, particularly the Collections Strategist and Electronic Resources Officer, to advance the goals of the University Libraries.
• Lead and develop four Acquisitions staff, set goals and expectations for unit and individual team members.
• Participate actively on library-wide committees, task forces and teams, and represent the University Libraries in consortia partnerships, including OhioLINK and Big Ten Academic Alliance.
• Contribute to developments in the field of librarianship through active professional engagement and research, presenting and publishing in appropriate venues.

Consistently demonstrates commitment to our values and promotes an organizational culture of Discovery, Connection, Integrity, and Stewardship ( as well as dedication to advance the work of the Content and Access unit. All other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• An ALA-accredited master's degree, a master's degree with specialization in archives, a master's degree in museum studies; or a comparable graduate degree in one of the above fields from a non-U.S. university, reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging issues, trends, workflows, business models and best practices in the changing landscape of library acquisitions, gained through at least two years of experience.
• Experience managing people or providing oversight and direction for projects or functions for at least one year.
• Flexibility and creativity in workflow development and identifying process efficiencies to adapt to rapidly evolving acquisitions environment.
• Ability to work effectively and creatively in a collaborative and complex environment.
• Excellent analytical skills, including complex problem solving.
• Commitment to the Libraries' values of discovery, connection, integrity, and stewardship.
• Commitment to librarianship, scholarship, and service which are required criteria to meet University and University Libraries requirements for promotion and tenure.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience engaging in library consortia activities.
• Experience with applying organizational rules and regulations for procurement.
• Success in leading change initiatives.
• Experience using a library services platform (such as Ex Libris' Alma or EBSCO's Folio) or similar inventory systems utilized in related industries.
• Experience with or knowledge of managing contracts or licenses.
• Experience with batch loading records.
• Knowledge of the material acquisition life cycle, of all format types.
• Knowledge of media distribution and acquisition models and licensing practices, especially for film or streaming media.
• Advanced knowledge and experience using spreadsheets (for example, Excel, Google Sheets, Smartsheet) for analysis and project management.
• Reading knowledge of language(s) in addition to English.

Additional Information:

Salary: $70,000 to $80,000 annual salary negotiable.

Application:

Please submit cover letter, CV, references, and online application by June 1, 2025.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans/disability.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Associate

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Administrative, General Business, and Education

• Industries

  Higher Education

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