ACQNET: RE - Career Acquisitions Question (1 reply)

Date:    Thursday, 8 Jan 2004
From:    Audrey Fenner (UNC at Greensboro) <fafenner_at_uncg.edu>
Subject: Re: ACQNET: Career Acquisitions Question

Miriam,

Speaking from my own experience and that of others I know, learning on
the job is a very common way to make the change. Begin doing
acquisitions work in a small or medium-sized library. Keep some good
acquisitions reference books on hand, read journal articles, and ask
colleagues for advice when you need it, both in person and online. Most
people are glad to help! After several years of experience, you may
want to move to a larger library where you will do more managerial and
less hands-on work.

I became an acquisitions librarian after working full-time as a
librarian for a number of years, first in reference and then in
cataloging, in both academic/research and public libraries. Although I
enjoyed reference work and cataloging, I enjoy acquisitions work still
more. I feel it combines the best of all worlds. In acquisitions there
is frequent contact with both co-workers and patrons. The work is
practical and it makes a visible difference on a daily basis. There is
never any lack of variety! Keeping up with demands can be challenging,
and also very satisfying. An added benefit is that acquisitions
librarians have regular office hours and often a more flexible schedule
than librarians who work at a public service desk.

Best of luck with your plans!

Audrey

----------------------
Audrey Fenner
Head, Acquisition Department
Walter Clinton Jackson Library
1000 Spring Garden Street (P.O. Box 26170)
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
336-334-5281 (Dept. phone)
336-256-1193 (direct line)
336-334-4731 (fax)
fafenner_at_uncg.edu

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