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, which 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. 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
Library Clerk
101 East Green Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
United States
All applications must be filed online at https://tompkinscivilservice.org/
This is a class of positions involving the performance of routine and standardized clerical tasks. Although detailed instructions are
given for new assignments, and practices are rather definitely fixed, employees must be able to exercise independent judgment in
applying them to specific cases. In some libraries, Library Clerks use computer terminals in the performance of the duties. This
use is limited to the input or retrieval of information and does not involve data processing or computer programming. (The use, or
non-use, of the computer terminals does not affect the essential nature of this class, which is the performance of routine
library-clerical duties.) The work may be reviewed by immediate observation, by checking completed work, by periodic or spot
checks, or by requiring cross-checking by clerks. The incumbent will perform all related duties as
required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative. Activities are not necessarily limited to this list)
Issues, renews and receives library materials;
Receives, check in and sorts returned materials:
Shelves returned materials;
Works with volunteers assigned to area
Opens, sorts and collates library materials;
Pastes book plates, pockets and date slips in books;
Adds marks of ownership to books and other materials;
Shellacs, reinforces, repairs, cleans, and puts covers on library materials;
Sorts and files book cards, microfilm, microfiche, invoices and other materials;
Returns materials to publishers and dealers;
Letters and labels library materials;
Sets up registration or circulation desk;
Inspects audio-visual materials;
Counts and records statistics;
Receives and records money;
Issues overdue notices;
Requests inter-library loans and fills inter-library loan requests;
Types forms, cards, labels and other materials not requiring a proficient typist;
Gives directional information to readers;
Assists in taking inventories.
FOR TOMPKINS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY ONLY:
May pick up and deliver books and other library materials to reading centers.
May assist in routine downloading of ebooks to devices; checked devices out via circulation system to patrons and checks devices
upon return; places devices in charging carts; refers more complex technology problems to supervisors.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Working knowledge of office terminology, procedures and equipment;
Working knowledge of business arithmetic and English;
Ability to understand and follow simple oral and written directions;
Interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with a diverse population at a busy public services desk;
Ability to write legibly;
Ability to work with automated systems via computers and automated selfcheck machines in the performance of the duties;
Clerical aptitude;
Mental alertness; neatness of appearance; tact and courtesy; physical condition commensurate
with the position.
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.
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.
Apply for the library page position by visiting the Vacancy List on the Tompkins County Department of Human Services website. Scroll down the page until you see "Page," and begin your application by clicking "Apply." 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.