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 Business Manager
101 East Green Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
United States
The Tompkins County Public Library is seeking a qualified Business Manager to support the Library’s mission through supervising and coordinating the fiscal systems, human resources, and other operational functions of the Library. The successful candidate will work as an essential part of the TCPL leadership team and in partnership with Tompkins County, the City of Ithaca, the Town of Ithaca, the Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library, and the TCPL Foundation. Communication skills, active listening, and an enjoyment for working with people in a collaborative environment are essential for success.
This is an exempt, full-time, 40-hours-per-week, noncompetitive position in downtown Ithaca.
Please submit a cover letter and resume with your application.
Applications must be submitted through Tompkins County Civil Service.
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.