Rethinking and Transforming Acquisitions: The Acquisitions Librarian’s Perspective

Abstract

The skills used by acquisitions and serials experts in the past will be needed in the virtual library of the future. However, the context, environment, scope of duties, and use of those skills has changed. The managerial, business, and personal skills that will be needed for acquisitions librarians to remain central to the virtual library fire discussed. I will also consider the issues of self-leadership, management, and survival in a continual state of change, and the need for creativity and innovation, as well as more traditional skills such as purchasing expertise, negotiation skills, and contract administration.