Assistant Director at Williamsburg Regional Library Genevieve S. Owens was named the interim director of WRL for when John Moorman, who currently serves in the position, retires in December.
“Williamsburg Regional Library has a wonderful tradition of excellence in collections, programs, and services that inform, enrich, and strengthen our community,” Owens said in an email. “I will continue that tradition for the benefit of residents of the City of Williamsburg, James City County and York County.”
Moorman said in a previous interview with WYDaily his reason for his retiring was simple: he wanted to spend more time with grandchildren.
Owens will take over her role Jan. 1 but has already started working with Moorman to pick up her new duties. The director role involves overseeing a $6 million budget, 110 staff members and two buildings.
According to a library news release, Owens was responsible during her time at WRL for budget preparation, strategic planning, circulation, adult services, youth services, information technology and outreach. She’s also the president of the Association for Library Collections and Technical Services, which is a part of the American Library Association.
She will serve as acting director of WRL in Moorman’s absence while the library’s Board of Trustees seeks his replacement.
According to the Chairwoman Jean Van Tol, the board hopes to start accepting applications in early November after the opening is posted on ala.org, vla.org and jobs.libraryjournal.com. Van Tol said the post will run for about two weeks.
The trustees members will then review the applicants before making their choice. According to Van Tol, Owens’ name will most likely be on the list of applicants, as she has expressed interest in the job.
“She’s highly respected by the board, but until we receive all the applicants we can’t make a decision,” Van Tol said. “But she’s certainly highly qualified.”
Right now, WRL is working with James City County’s Human Resources Department to put together a job description and website for application submission. It’s been 13 years since the job has been open.
