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Acquisitions Specialist

University/Agency Illinois State University
Civil Service Classification Senior Library Specialist
View Class Spec Details
Posting Duration 9/2/2026 - 9/25/2026
Probationary Period 6 months

Job Description

This position is responsible for the acquisition of monographic library resources in all formats and languages and is responsible for receiving, processing, maintaining and updating the purchase order records for serial publications in all formats in the online library system. This work includes verifying information needed to accurately order requested resources, selecting and placing orders with the most appropriate source for purchase, and recording purchase information through creation of the purchase order, in the integrated library system.

This position is also responsible for verifying order selections to avoid errors and detect duplications.

Additional duties include strong interpersonal, computer, clerical, and organizational skills. This position also serves as a backup for other Acquisitions staff members.

Additional Information
University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/


Qualifications

Required Qualifications
1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Any combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the following categories:
a. full or part-time equivalent work experience in a library or equivalent setting.
b. college course work in any field as measured by the following conversion table:
- 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
- Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
- 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
- Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)

3. A total of two (2) years (24 months) full or part-time equivalent work experience in a library or equivalent setting performing progressively more responsible work consistent with the next lower level of this series.

Preferred Qualifications
1. Knowledge of accounts payable or purchasing practices and/or familiarity with the publishing industry.

2. Ability to work independently, utilizing individual initiative and judgment.

3. Aptitude for accuracy and detail.

4. Detailed knowledge of library acquisitions methods.

5. Ability to communicate effectively in writing, in person, and over the telephone.

6. Familiarity with the current version of the MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging) formats for bibliographic records and holdings records.

7. Familiarity with the current version of the library's integrated library system (ILS), Alma.

8. Knowledge of computer systems and software packages used in Milner, as well as their related peripherals.

9. Aptitude for accuracy and detail.


Salary

$21.68 - $22.33 per hour


Links

ISU Jobs Website


Contact Information


University/Agency Illinois State University
Department/College Human Resources
Contact Mackenzie Chapman
Phone Number 309-438-8311
Address 718 W College Ave
Comments Special Instructions for Applicants
Please fully complete the entire application including, but not limited to, the education and work history portions. Be specific on your work history, including employment dates (if part-time you must list the number of work hours) and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Please do not put "see resume" in the duties and responsibilities section of the work history. This will be considered an incomplete application and incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you are using college or university coursework to qualify for this position, then transcripts (may be unofficial) must be submitted prior to the application deadline to receive full consideration. Transcripts can either be uploaded with your application or submitted via the options listed below. In order to be eligible for Veteran's Preference points on the exam, appropriate military service documentation, such as a DD214, must be submitted prior to the application deadline.

Transcripts and/or DD-214 paperwork may be faxed or mailed to Human Resources by the application deadline:

Fax: 309.438.0011, Attn: Mackenzie Chapman
Address: Illinois State University
Human Resources
Campus Box 1300
Normal, IL 61790-1300

The Civil Service examination for this classification is based on your application materials and responses to the supplemental questions. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from applicants that qualify to take the exam. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score calculated based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register by exam score. After the application deadline, the names within the top three scores will be referred to the department for interview.

Illinois State University is authorized to do business within the State of Illinois. All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois. If hired, out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days from the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois driver’s license or a valid State of Illinois ID card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.

This position is represented by AFSCME Local 3236-Clericals.

Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for Illinois State University in the United States. Illinois State University will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Illinois State University is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-mont