Top 15 Acquisitions Librarian Interview Questions
Question 1 of 17
Are you comfortable negotiating with vendors?
List of Acquisitions Librarian Interview Questions
- Are you comfortable negotiating with vendors?
- When have you given suggestions on what books an Acquisitions Librarian should purchase? Did they follow through on your suggestion?
- What do you feel is the most important skill an acquisitions librarian should possess?
- How often do you read reports on what books are most popular at your library?
- Why do you want a career as an acquisitions librarian?
- Have you purchased books for the library before?
- What makes you passionate about being an Acquisitions Librarian?
- What is your philosophy towards work?
- What individual has had the greatest influence on you?
- What three words would you use to describe yourself?
- How well do you work with people?
- What makes you uncomfortable?
- What was the last book you read for fun?
- Are you happy with your career as an acquisitions librarian?
- Why should we hire you?
- What major challenges and problems did you face at your last position?
- What type of orders does your library generally use when purchasing new materials?
Acquisitions Librarian Information
August 17th, 2017
Acquisitions librarians are responsible for selecting and ordering books and other assorted reading materials including periodicals for the library. They keep a record of books that they already have in the library and refer to it while making their selection to prevent duplication. Acquisitions librarians work in diverse settings, from school and college libraries to law firms, nonprofit organizations, museums, public libraries and government agencies amongst others.
A master's degree in library science along with an extensive knowledge of books are absolutely essential for anyone who wishes to pursue a career as an acquisitions librarian. Certification requirements differ from one state to another. Doing an internship under the supervision of an experienced acquisitions librarian is the best way to learn the ropes of the job.
At your interview for an acquisitions librarian job, the interviewing panel will ask you why you chose this career path and how much work experience you've had. They will also ask you questions to gauge whether or not you have a thorough understanding of how a library works. When you go to mock interview questions, you will find some of the more commonly asked questions at acquisitions librarian interviews. Read through these questions and think about how you will answer them. This will help you reply more confidently when you go for your interview.
Acquisitions librarians are responsible for selecting and ordering books and other assorted reading materials including periodicals for the library. They keep a record of books that they already have in the library and refer to it while making their selection to prevent duplication. Acquisitions librarians work in diverse settings, from school and college libraries to law firms, nonprofit organizations, museums, public libraries and government agencies amongst others.
A master's degree in library science along with an extensive knowledge of books are absolutely essential for anyone who wishes to pursue a career as an acquisitions librarian. Certification requirements differ from one state to another. Doing an internship under the supervision of an experienced acquisitions librarian is the best way to learn the ropes of the job.
At your interview for an acquisitions librarian job, the interviewing panel will ask you why you chose this career path and how much work experience you've had. They will also ask you questions to gauge whether or not you have a thorough understanding of how a library works. When you go to mock interview questions, you will find some of the more commonly asked questions at acquisitions librarian interviews. Read through these questions and think about how you will answer them. This will help you reply more confidently when you go for your interview.
Acquisitions Librarian User Submitted Interview Answers
Question 1 of 17
Are you comfortable negotiating with vendors?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Yes I have previous experience of this and built up long term relationships with publishing houses. I had to negotiate with publishers about rising subscription fees and transportation costs.
2.
Yes, I have previous experience in a business environment where I worked with vendors.
3.
Yes, I believe so. I have not had to negotiate with vendors before but I know how to research book prices as well as compare prices of various vendors. Many vendors are more than happy to offer discounts based on the company's history of purchasing and future orders such as standing orders.
Question 2 of 17
When have you given suggestions on what books an Acquisitions Librarian should purchase? Did they follow through on your suggestion?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
While working at Methodist University I regularly gave suggestions for recommended reading.
2.
I get book selections often and they are usually from library patrons, whether it's at an academic or public library. Patrons will request books that they have heard of or seen in a book store or even adverised on television and want our library to acquire it. Faculty will suggest books for use in accordance with their course curriculum.
Question 3 of 17
What do you feel is the most important skill an acquisitions librarian should possess?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
The ability to work under pressure is one important skill. I have experience of this in my latest role when customers come in whilst the phone rings and a queue starts to form.
2.
I believe the most important skill is attention to detail and organization skills since you can have many contracts happening at once.
3.
Knowledge of the books they need to acquire. Many librarians are given various subjects to purchase books and it's extremely important to know what is available, what is popular, what is current and what is consistently needed for both the open collection/circulating collection as well as the reference section.
4.
Knowledge of the community.
5.
Acquisitions best practices.
Question 4 of 17
How often do you read reports on what books are most popular at your library?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Our libraries will receive reports perhaps once a month on which books are most popular at any library. The reports can be a bit challenging for our systems library which is why they are only printed once a month. However, while creating Research guides, it was vital that I know which items were the most popular so that I could add them to the research guide as well as research similar items in an attempt to acquire them for the library.
2.
I regularly read scholarly publications like School Library Journal to keep up with children's and teen trends.
3.
I read the Issue the latest bestseller posters are displayed there. I also try to keep abreast of new and upcoming titles to deal with enquiries efficiently.
Question 5 of 17
Why do you want a career as an acquisitions librarian?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Be part of the development and innovative section.
2.
I think its a challenging department to work in that still serves the community. I am attracted to the business environment and would like to have this type experience to build my knowledge about collection development.
3.
I enjoy curating a collection that supports the community; I am interested in current trends in literature and popular culture, and I am adept at anticipating the needs and interests of readers.
Question 6 of 17
Have you purchased books for the library before?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I have not purchased books before direct but I have worked with the department to purchase several copies of a book from a local author. I have also selected many books professionally for bookclubs and reader's advisory.
Question 7 of 17
What makes you passionate about being an Acquisitions Librarian?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Seeing the community enjoy the materials our Library brings to them.
Question 8 of 17
What is your philosophy towards work?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
My philosophy towards work is to focus on the big picture. I have daily and weekly accomplishments I set for myself and I do not focus on negative complications.
2.
Do the work well, and take pride in it, and help your colleagues if they need it.
Question 9 of 17
What individual has had the greatest influence on you?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
My mother she was ver creative,strong and love God.
2.
My father because he was such a hard worker and very supportive of my career ambitions.
3.
My first library director.
Question 10 of 17
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Enthusiastic, practical, and dependable.
2.
Loyal, compassionate, adaptable.
3.
Loyal dependable efficient.
Question 11 of 17
How well do you work with people?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I am a team player, I like working with people very much.
2.
I work well with people since I am a good team player and I respect all people.
3.
I work very well with people and have been lucky to work with a great staff at the Norwood branch. We socialize outside of work and I believe we had built a good team.
4.
Extraordinarily well--I enjoy working with teams, and helping to foster an environment that is dynamic and productive and feeds off of the creative energies of the participants.
Question 12 of 17
What makes you uncomfortable?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Extreme anger does make me uncomfortable, I work better with calm correction or criticism.
2.
When people around me are unhappy.
Question 13 of 17
What was the last book you read for fun?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Currently I am reading the Shadow by Sylvain Reynard due to a book display I made.
2.
"The Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline.
Question 14 of 17
Are you happy with your career as an acquisitions librarian?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
Yes, I am very happy but I want to expand and be exposed to more of the business environment of the library.
2.
Yes! It's endlessly fascinating.
3.
Yes im very happy I will enjoy working in acquistion.
Question 15 of 17
Why should we hire you?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
I have experience working in the library im a commited person and hard worker ill woill do my almost best to complete the tasks.
2.
I believe I would be a great asset to the department due to my enthusiasms and work ethic. I have a true interest in contributing to the acquisitions department.
3.
I am a loyal and hardworking asset, and I possess a great deal of experience in this field. I am adaptable and a fast learner, and can work in both teams and individually. I believe in this Library and the community it serves, and will help our Library achieve its goals.
4.
I hve a strong educational background, an important experience and a good communication skills.
Question 16 of 17
What major challenges and problems did you face at your last position?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
The high volume of students to assist working alone.
2.
Since I am still fairly new I was still face with the challenge of being able to answer really in depth reference questions.
3.
Being part time the major challenge has been accomplishing a full time job on part time hours. I actually planned several programs and brought them with me when I started the position so I would have some extra time to adjust. I then learned how to best organize myself and the time I had available to accomplish my professional duties.
4.
Making use of limited budget funds to serve the diverse needs and collection interests of our community; helping staff remain united and motivated in a period of extraordinary and fast-paced change.
Question 17 of 17
What type of orders does your library generally use when purchasing new materials?
User Submitted Interview Answers
1.
The library uses Sierra based on popular request.