Berkeley, California
Cranford, New Jersey
Posted: 30-Apr-26
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: R150086
The Acquisitions Materials Buyer has a primary focus on procuring resources for the Libraries collection. Under the supervision of the Acquisitions Librarian, the Buyer performs purchasing functions, including research, analysis and sourcing of library resources; coordinates and troubleshoots batch record load ingests and outputs as they relate to ordering and invoicing; serves as a liaison to collection managers and vendors for orders handled; assists with funds management; and tracks the status of licenses in collaboration with the Electronic Resources Management Team. The position serves as a purchasing card (P-Card) coordinator and fulfills record-keeping requirements for associated purchases.
The Buyer is a key player in developing an iterative strategy to assess workflows to stay current with the University, state, and federal regulations, and devise best practices to keep abreast of the evolving financial and legal policies as they pertain to acquiring library resources. In this role, the Buyer may advise colleagues and student employees on policy interpretation and provide assistance with procuring resources in a timely manner. The position primarily works independently and may assists in training other team members and student employees, and supports other operational needs of the unit.
University Libraries faculty and staff embrace Ohio States Shared Values and strive to enact the behaviors guided by those values in all that we do. This position is dedicated to advancing the culture of University Libraries and the work of the Acquisitions and Electronic Resources Department. All other duties as assigned.
Experience and Education
Required: High School Diploma or GED required. Four (4) years of finance (e.g., purchasing, accounts payable), supply chain/logistics, and/or inventory experience. Experience with Microsoft Office programs or equivalents; experience with inventory, task, and/or procurement systems; experience serving the public.
Desired: Preferred Bachelor's or Associates degree in accounting, business administration, finance, a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in acquiring resources; knowledge of or experience using financial systems such as Peoplesoft or Workday; experience working with vendors to place orders, troubleshoot, and solve problems related to orders and/or invoices; experience with an integrated library system (OSU currently uses Alma). Reading knowledge of one or more languages other than English.
Possess a high degree of technical knowledge; ability to work effectively and collaboratively to complete tasks; strong prioritizing, organization, and problem-solving skills; strong analytical and independent decision-making skills; excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills; ability to learn complex procedures with great attention to detail; ability to balance multiple workflows in a high production environment; flexibility and adaptability to ongoing change.
The posting range for this position is $20.24-$23.00 per hour.
Ohio State will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.
Function: Library and Museum
Sub-Function: Acquisition, Description, and Metadata
Career Band: Individual Contributor - Technical
Career Level: T4
Please submit cover letter and resume with the online application.
About The Ohio State University Libraries
The Libraries promotes innovative research and creative expression, advances effective teaching, curates and preserves information essential for scholarship and learning at Ohio State, and shares knowledge and culture with the people of Ohio, the nation, and the world.
The Libraries greatest resource is our faculty and staff. Their expertise produces value beyond the collections and their commitment to continual improvement and innovation is one of the most significant ways the Libraries meets the varied and evolving information needs of university students, faculty, and staff, alongside scholars throughout Ohio and the world.
As a global leader, the Libraries is actively engaged in local, statewide, national, and international initiatives to help shape the future of academic research libraries. These activities and the innovations that result enhance our ability to acquire, manage, and preserve emerging information resources, support knowledge creation, and enable its effective transmission to future learners. Learn more on the Libraries website.
The Libraries strives to provide welcoming, supportive environments for all to pursue and share knowledge. The Libraries is guided by our strategic directions and Ohio States Shared Values. All positions are expected to contribute to building and advancing this environment and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
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