This blog entry is part of a series introducing LVA employees and exploring what they do day-to-day. If you are interested in what goes on behind the scenes, entries in this series are collected under the tag 7 Questions. Other entries discussing the internal work of the Library of Virginia are filed under the category “The Stacks”.
Vanessa Anderson
What is your background?
I’ve spent 26 years in state government, starting with the Department of Human Resource Management in the Health Benefits Contract Division. I was formerly employed by various state agencies: Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State University, Virginia Department of Transportation, Department of Juvenile Justice, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Human Resources from Averett University, a Master of Science of Administration/Human Resources from Central Michigan University, and a Master of Arts/Education from Central Michigan University.
How do you explain what you do to others?
Human Resources is a resource to support the employees and the employer. We are responsible for recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, benefits administration, policy, and payroll.
Have you held other positions at the Library? If so, what?
No.
How has technology affected your current job?
Recently, technology has enhanced the ability for HR to conduct virtual interviews with potential candidates. It allows the HR team to work remotely with the ability to access files.
Just about everything done in HR requires the use of technology. The following examples are just a few of many electronic resources the HR team uses:
- Personnel Management Information System (PMIS) – host system for position data and staff data
- Recruitment Management System (RMS) – system used to post and manage job ads, and accept job applications
- Commonwealth of Virginia Learning Center (COVLC) – state system used to provide in-house training and transcripts of completed training
- VRS Navigator (VNAV) – system used to reconcile employee accounts monthly, determine plan for new employees, and approve purchase of prior service agreements and retirement applications
- TAL – timekeeping and leave system that allows HR to set up new employees, batch wage timesheets for payroll, key FMLA, VSDP, Parental Leave, pay docking, and leave without pay on behalf of employees, run leave reports, and monitor timesheets
Describe what you enjoy most about working at the Library of Virginia.
One of the things I love about HR is that it’s constantly growing and changing. From compliance with new laws and legislation, to technology and employee expectations, it’s never boring and always challenging.
What was your first paid job?
Teller with Sovran Bank (now Bank of America).
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
I played the cello in an orchestra from middle school through high school.
