The purpose of this study was to gather five categories of data on acquisitions librarians in academic libraries: which libraries employ them; their managerial status; their goals; the satisfaction they derive from their work and positions; and their influence on library policies. Two surveys, "Role of the Acquisitions Librarian in University and College Libraries" and "Acquisition Processes in Small University and College Libraries," were sent nationwide to 312 college and university libraries. Fifty-three percent responded with valid questionnaires. Principal findings revealed that: (1) five distinct classes of libraries could be identified and ranked--research, strong, good, acceptable, and marginal; (2) the position of acquisitions librarian is more prevalent at higher ranked libraries; (3) a significant percentage of good and acceptable libraries have combined the collection development manager's position with that of head of the acquisitions department; (4) non-librarian managers in strong libraries devote their efforts to running the acquisitions department, while managers at acceptable and marginal levels are also engaged in other work; (5) the number of non-managerial acquisitions librarians increases with the lower ranked libraries; (6) job satisfaction and ultimate professional goals in the position of acquisitions librarian increase with each reduction in library class; and (7) a large percentage of acquisitions librarians greatly influence decision-making. (CGD)