This document describes methods and systems for common search space configuration and system information acquisition. As part of the methods and systems, a base station (120) wirelessly communicating with a user equipment (110) that is in an engaged mode determines (402) to configure a common search space through which the user equipment (110) can receive a system information block that is other than a system information block type 1 or a master information block. The base station (120) transmits a first message (404) that includes a set of common search space configuration parameters for the user equipment (110) to receive the other system information block. The base station (120) transmits (406), in accordance with the set of common search space configuration parameters, a second message that includes the other system information block.