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Employment Opportunities

Customer Service and Technology Director
Looking for an energized organization and the opportunity to perform a greater variety of tasks than you might be able to do in a more specialized environment?  Perhaps a rural regional library, on the edge of amazing Hampton Roads in eastern Virginia, is the place for you.

We are a team-oriented library group who has fun together even while we are working hard.  Our nine branches are varied and interesting. Our bookmobile travels the backroads the old fashioned way. Our headquarters is in Courtland, Virginia with branches in Smithfield, Franklin, Windsor, Wakefield, Waverly, Surry and Claremont.  Check out our website for pictures: (www.blackwaterlib.org). We are spread out over 1600 square miles, and you will become familiar with most of it!

Rural we may be, with all the joys of working directly with patrons and being an important part of all of our communities. But we are on the western edge of the thriving Hampton Roads area:  one hour west of Virginia Beach, one and a half hours south of Williamsburg, one and a half from Richmond.  You can have dinner in Norfolk and get groceries at Trader Joes in Newport News afterward.  Combine the joys of country living with the nearby beauty of coastal life and the offerings of Hampton Roads (www.hamptonroadsvisitor.com/).

The Customer Services and Technology Director is responsible for all adult Collection Development in the nine branches (books, music, movies, audio). They also oversee anything that relates to technology such as our website, Web 2.0 initiatives, or keeping  all of us up to date on the latest trends in technology.  They work with our Systems Administrator (outside contractor) to meet our Long Range Plan goals.

This position supervises the Technical Services Department (acquisitions, cataloguing and technology), and as part of its customer services “arm” develops library marketing initiatives such as pathfinders and system-wide reading initiatives. The successful candidate must be a self-starter and demonstrate strong technical computer knowledge, effective oral and written communication skills, knowledge of library terminology, procedures, and equipment, and the ability to relate effectively with people of all ages. Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience working in a library. MLS degree is preferred.

Library Assistant, Part Time
Blackwater Regional Library is seeking a Part-Time Library Assistant, primarily located in the Windsor Library branch. The position will work 8 hours a week and hours will include evenings and weekends.

The Library Assistant staffs the circulation desk and must be knowledgeable in basic computer operations to assist customers in computer access and research. The successful candidate must demonstrate good oral and written communication skills, the ability to relate effectively to people of all ages, and must be able to bend, stoop and lift up to 40 lbs. Preference will be given to individuals with previous library experience and strong computer skills.  Individuals must have a valid Virginia driver’s license. EOE

Library Assistant, Part Time
Blackwater Regional Library is seeking a Part-Time Library Assistant, primarily located in the Walter Cecil Rawls Library branch.  The position will work 15 hours a week and hours will include evenings and weekends.

The Library Assistant staffs the circulation desk and must be knowledgeable in basic computer operations to assist customers in computer access and research. The successful candidate must demonstrate good oral and written communication skills, the ability to relate effectively to people of all ages, and must be able to bend, stoop and lift up to 40 lbs. Preference will be given to individuals with previous library experience and strong computer skills.  Individuals must have a valid Virginia driver’s license.

Blackwater Regional Library offers benefits to part-time employees, including, but not limited to, annual leave and medical leave prorated based on the number of hours worked. EOE

Substitute Library Assistant:
Blackwater Regional Library has Substitute Library Assistant positions available for the library system. Hours vary and may include nights and Saturdays. Computer knowledge required for circulation deskwork. Must be able to relate well to people of all ages. Must be able to bend, stoop, and lift up to 40 lbs. Must have a valid Virginia driver’s license. Open until filled. EOE

What we're like:

Blackwater Regional Library is a thriving rural public library system in Tidewater Virginia made up of 9 branches and a bookmobile serving 1600 sq. miles.
Our staff works every day to help patrons in any way we can. We get them the information they need, the books they love, and the programs they can't miss. Our group laughs a lot, and we're always looking for new, creative ways to expand library service. EOE

How to apply:

Send cover letter, Virginia State Application, and a list of three references to

Human Resources Director
Blackwater Regional Library
22511 Main Street
Courtland, Virginia 23837
Or email: bjbritt@blackwaterlib.org