Library Employment
We are seeking talented, creative, and forward-thinking individuals to become part of the Tompkins County Public Library team, dedicated to creating a library where everyone belongs.
Compensated positions at Tompkins County Public Library are civil service positions and are supported by our local civil service agency, Tompkins County Department of Human Resources, who accepts applications, conducts civil service examinations and provides lists of eligible candidates to the Library. All professional and support positions require applicants to take a written exam or a training and experience exam except for the library page position. When a vacancy occurs at the Library, a list of eligible, qualified candidates is provided to us, or a vacancy will be posted so that interested candidates may apply to take the exam when available so that a list can be established. When no list exists, the Library may hire on a temporary or provisional basis. This can be a lengthy process. For more information on the civil service process, please visit the Tompkins County Human Resources Department website.
You can opt to receive email notifications from Tompkins County about new civil service job postings.
Career Opportunities
Director of Tompkins County Public Library
101 East Green Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
United States
As a professional librarian and leader under the general direction of the Board of Trustees, the Library Director has overall responsibility for carrying out the goals and objectives of the Tompkins County Public Library and for supervising its professional librarians and support staff. This responsibility includes the management of annual and long-range planning, service delivery, comprehensive programs, government relations, public and community relations, physical facilities, fiscal affairs, resource development, personnel and labor relations, and compliance with all laws and regulations. The Director also ensures that the library goals and objectives reflect the library’s strategic plan, including its mission statement and the needs of populations to be served, and that these goals and objectives are communicated to the library’s public. The Director performs all related duties as required.
The Tompkins County Public Library Director is a New York State Civil Service position hired through the Tompkins County Department of Human Resources
Continuous Recruitment
Continuous recruitment positions are those for which we continuously accept applications. When a vacancy occurs we will review the applications on file to fill the position. Below are those positions that are continuous recruitment:
Library Page
Page work involves the shelving of books and library materials and performing minor clerical tasks. This position requires no prior experience as employees are trained on the job, and no exam is required.
Library Page job description
Apply for the library page position. Scroll down the page until you see "Page." Although this position appears on the "Current Vacancy Lists" page, it doesn't mean the library currently has an opening, but that we are always accepting applications for this position.
Most Common Positions at TCPL
Library Page
Page work involves shelving of books and library materials and performing minor clerical tasks. This position requires no prior experience as employees are trained on the job, and no exam is required.
Clerk and Senior Clerk
Many of the clerk positions are customer service jobs assisting patrons at the front circulation desk. Clerks register people for library cards, check materials in and out, and handle accounts. Clerks also process materials and handle ordering and receiving of materials. Senior Clerks have additional responsibilities including supervising services and staff.
Library Clerk Job description
Senior Library Clerk job description
Librarian I, II, and III
Librarian positions include purchasing the materials and curating the collection, answering reference questions, managing projects and staff, maintaining the Library's electronic presence, and participating in outreach services.All librarian positions require a Master's degree in Library Science (MLS) or a Master's of Science in Information Science (MSIS) from a library school that is accredited by the American Library Association or recognized by the New York State Education Department.
Librarian I job description
Librarian II job description
Librarian III job description
Study Guides
Some study guides are posted on the Personnel Department web site. Others can be ordered from the LEAP program of the Civil Service Employee Association; order forms are available from the Tompkins County Personnel Office or online at the Civil Service Employees Association website.
Study guides may also be available in the library in the Test section under the subject heading Civil service -- Examinations. Please ask a staff person for assistance.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you are interested in unpaid volunteer work, please take a look at our volunteer opportunities.