What are the responsibilities and job description for the Acquisitions Assistant position at Vanderbilt University?
The Acquisitions Assistant performs highly detailed activities related to acquiring and making available library resources in all formats and a variety of languages to users in support of teaching, learning, and research at Vanderbilt University. This requires specialized knowledge of the bibliographic records and purchase orders, vendor systems and provider platforms, vendor relations, and software related to this work, as well as the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in a team environment.
About the Work Unit:
The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries at Vanderbilt University comprises nine libraries, as well as service departments in collections services, digital scholarship & scholarly communications, information technology and digital services, and teaching & learning. We seek to create a welcoming environment and serve as partners in research and scholarship. The libraries are dynamic places for faculty, staff, students, and alumni to reflect and discover. We also strive to be a workplace in which staff at every level continuously grow in knowledge and skills, staying abreast of advances and trends in librarianship to power relevant, vibrant research libraries. The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries are fundamental to the university’s goal of advancing scholarship and learning. We collect, preserve and make accessible a wide variety of resources, we partner with faculty and students to shape research and teaching, and we encourage the development of informed scholars and engaged citizens
Within the Collection Strategy team, the Acquisitions unit is responsible for purchasing, claiming, and processing of all library materials in physical format, e.g., books, educational kits, rare materials, as well as the eresource lifecycle of monographic ebooks and streaming films. It collaborates with the Eresources and Metadata teams to determine the most effective local workflow and practice.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
- Create purchase orders in the library or vendor system ensuring accuracy and adherence to university and unit policies and procedures.
- Pay invoices for library materials in all formats following basic budget and expense report guidelines.
- Process incoming physical and ensure access to electronic materials.
- Perform preorder review and bibliographic record selection or creation and import of records to library online catalog following departmental procedures and timelines in a variety of languages.
- Communicate with vendors and university staff in an accurate and professional manner.
- Assist in day-to-day projects or troubleshooting of acquisitions and electronic resource access related issues.
- Stay current with new job-related technologies and existing system functionality.
- Participate fully and positively in library and team-wide initiatives by assisting in the development and achievement of established goals.
- Complete other job duties as assigned.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position has no supervisory responsibility; reports to the Acquisitions Manager of the Acquisitions unit.
Education and Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent combination of education and experience is necessary.
Experience and Skills:
- Proven ability to prioritize multiple ongoing projects and assignments based on evolving library needs is necessary.
- Ability to review materials, records, and vendors using a language other than English is preferred.
- Clear evidence of having worked successfully in an environment requiring strong attention to detail is necessary.
- Demonstrated proficiency with office productivity software and common communication tools, as well as the proven ability to work with, and adapt to, new technologies as they evolve is necessary.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative setting is preferred.
- Evidence of excellent communication and interpersonal skills is necessary.
- Able to adapt to new and evolving technologies as the position requires is necessary.
- At least one year of relevant experience in a related field is preferred.
