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Senior library assistant vs acquisitions assistant

The differences between senior library assistants and acquisitions assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a senior library assistant has an average salary of $34,518, which is higher than the $32,357 average annual salary of an acquisitions assistant.

The top three skills for a senior library assistant include library materials, library patrons and library policies. The most important skills for an acquisitions assistant are HR, data entry, and background checks.

Senior library assistant vs acquisitions assistant overview

Senior Library AssistantAcquisitions Assistant
Yearly salary$34,518$32,357
Hourly rate$16.60$15.56
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs1,0991,102
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age4747
Years of experience--

What does a senior library assistant do?

As a senior library assistant, you have to look after the day-to-day operations of the library. You are in charge of the entire library. So, you have to answer the desk questions of the readers who come to the library. You have to issue the library cards to readers as well. In addition to this, you also need to collect the money given by the readers and maintain the library record. Moreover, you also have to respond to the reader's request for books as well as locate and reserve the books at the right place. To be a senior library assistant, a bachelor's degree is a must.

What does an acquisitions assistant do?

An acquisitions assistant helps the acquisition team in performing different administrative tasks. They conduct detailed research to plan and keep the acquisition process running smoothly. Besides categorizing and storing goods and materials and placing orders to the vendor, acquisitions assistants also prepare and keep payments and purchase records and receipts for reference. They receive the requested orders, evaluate the goods and other items, and return all damaged materials to the vendors. Moreover, these professionals maintain magazine records, book records, and other journal records in the library.

Senior library assistant vs acquisitions assistant salary

Senior library assistants and acquisitions assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Senior Library AssistantAcquisitions Assistant
Average salary$34,518$32,357
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $44,000Between $18,000 And $55,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between senior library assistant and acquisitions assistant education

There are a few differences between a senior library assistant and an acquisitions assistant in terms of educational background:

Senior Library AssistantAcquisitions Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorEnglishBusiness
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNorthwestern University

Senior library assistant vs acquisitions assistant demographics

Here are the differences between senior library assistants' and acquisitions assistants' demographics:

Senior Library AssistantAcquisitions Assistant
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 31.6% Female, 68.4%Male, 28.5% Female, 71.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 6.3% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 6.4% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between senior library assistant and acquisitions assistant duties and responsibilities

Senior library assistant example responsibilities.

  • Collect data, compile bibliographies, manage current contents and perform copy cataloging functions.
  • Train patrons on Westlaw, Lexis and general reference computer system.
  • Direct and train library staff in receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.
  • Collect data, compile bibliographies, manage current contents and perform copy cataloging functions.
  • Assess and discard non-fiction collections as assigned.

Acquisitions assistant example responsibilities.

  • Lead post-award conferences on behalf of USAID.
  • Coordinate with cataloging department and manage all receivable materials.
  • Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, cassette tapes, cds, and dvds.
  • Shelve, sort, and pull books and DVDS.
  • Search and download records off OCLC.
  • Train and mentor newly hire FSN staff members and technical teams regarding USAID policies.
  • Show more

Senior library assistant vs acquisitions assistant skills

Common senior library assistant skills
  • Library Materials, 12%
  • Library Patrons, 11%
  • Library Policies, 9%
  • Library Operations, 6%
  • Student Assistants, 6%
  • Library System, 6%
Common acquisitions assistant skills
  • HR, 21%
  • Data Entry, 10%
  • Background Checks, 8%
  • Interview Process, 7%
  • Linkedin, 6%
  • Library Materials, 6%

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