Inside Higher Ed Is Hiring A Resource Acquisitions Lead

Join Our Team as an Acquisition Specialist at UC Berkeley Library 📚

Discover a role dedicated to managing scholarly resources and supporting academic excellence at one of the world's leading universities.

About Berkeley ✨

At the University of California, Berkeley, we foster a vibrant community where everyone feels welcomed and empowered to thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes us a unique hub for students, faculty, and staff.

As a global leader in education and research, Berkeley is renowned for its academic excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and unwavering commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, generating substantial intellectual, economic, and social value worldwide.

We seek applicants who reflect California's diverse fabric and share our dedication to an inclusive, equity-driven community rooted in social justice. We encourage you to explore how your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, learning extends beyond the classroom—we support professional growth through numerous employee resource groups and provide our full-time staff with at least 80 hours (10 days) annually for professional development. Discover more about building your career with us!

Departmental Overview 🏛️

The UC Berkeley Library's Acquisition Department oversees the entire lifecycle of library materials acquisitions, supporting serials check-in, ordering, receiving, and invoicing across multiple campus libraries, excluding the Bancroft Library and the C.V. Starr East Asian Library.

Position Summary 🎯

This pivotal role is essential in ensuring the efficient acquisition of scholarly resources, directly supporting the Library's mission of research and learning. You will manage the complete lifecycle for one-time purchases of diverse formats such as print, eBooks, and physical materials, proactively resolving complex issues within the acquisitions process.

Key duties include executing purchase orders, processing invoices, verifying receipt of materials, maintaining detailed records, and tracking budgets. The role requires analytical skills to identify discrepancies, analyze trends, and implement solutions. Serving as the primary liaison, you will communicate and negotiate with over a hundred domestic and international vendors to ensure smooth resource flow. Additionally, you will troubleshoot technical issues related to purchases, diagnose root causes, and contribute to system improvements. You will also provide high-level operational support to the Head of Acquisitions, including data analysis, report generation, and participation in policy development.

Application Review Date 🗓️

The first review of applications will occur on 09/18/2025.

Core Responsibilities 🛠️

Technical Operations

• Manage ordering processes using Alma and vendor systems independently.
• Place orders for one-time purchases via multiple channels.
• Select and review print monographs, eBooks, and music scores across vendor platforms.
• Handle receiving and invoicing for print materials from approval plans and firm orders.
• Process technical data, including FTP downloads and data verification.
• Oversee processing workflows for incoming materials—both shelf-ready and non-shelf-ready.
• Coordinate distribution after acquisition.

Leadership

• Collaborate closely with the Head of Acquisitions.
• Supervise and lead career staff and student employees in acquisition tasks.
• Provide guidance on complex acquisition issues.
• Train staff and students in ordering, receiving, and invoicing functions.

Process Improvement & Project Management

• Analyze workflows and identify areas for enhancement.
• Initiate and plan special projects to improve efficiency.

Communication & Documentation

• Coordinate with librarians and staff to establish acquisition procedures.
• Document processes and procurement arrangements.
• Update and revise procedures related to ordering, receiving, and invoicing.

Other duties as assigned to support departmental goals.

Required Qualifications ✅

• Experience or training in research library acquisitions or technical services.
• Proficiency with MARC records, OCLC, Alma, and technical services documentation.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English.
• Proficiency with MS Windows, MS Office suite, FTP, and Google apps.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative and flexibility.
• Ability to cultivate cooperative relationships with colleagues and supervisors.
• Experience working with materials and invoices in languages using Roman scripts.
• Associate’s degree or equivalent training/experience in library tech or related field.

Preferred Qualifications 🌟

• Experience with monograph and serial ordering and invoicing.
• Knowledge of acquisitions modules within integrated library systems.
• Familiarity with online vendor ordering systems for books and serials.
• Experience with out-of-print book trade.
• Reading knowledge of non-Roman languages (e.g., Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, Slavic).
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.

Salary & Benefits 💼

Please see the UC Benefits Website for details on our comprehensive benefits package. The estimated salary range is $75,648.50 (Step 1) to $86,898.31 (Step 8) annually, depending on experience and qualifications. This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.

How to Apply 📝

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter through our application portal.

Additional Information ℹ️

• This position is governed by the Clerical & Allied Services Unit (CX) agreement.
• This is not a visa sponsorship opportunity.
• Final candidates will need to disclose any misconduct or disciplinary actions in the past seven years, as per UC policies.
• UC Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion.

To learn more and apply, visit our careers page.