Hallie Rich

United States

Editor-in-Chief at Library Journal

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libraryjournal.com

Articles

Lawsuit Filed Over Cuts to IMLS, Federal Agencies

2 weeks ago | libraryjournal.com | Hallie Rich

A multi-state coalition files lawsuit following week of rapid changes at IMLS. On Friday, April 4 attorneys general from 20 states filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration to stop the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as well as the Minority Business Development Agency and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
Going, Going...Gone? | Editorial

3 weeks ago | libraryjournal.com | Hallie Rich

Last year I read about a meteorologist named Chris Gloninger who took a job at a television station in Des Moines, IA, with a goal of increasing the station’s climate coverage. Agriculture is the cornerstone of Iowa’s economy, and he saw an opportunity to provide information about climate issues that could be valuable to farmers. Yet when Gloninger spoke openly about climate change in his weathercasts, he began to receive death threats.
National Museum and Library Services Board Weighs In

1 month ago | libraryjournal.com | Hallie Rich

The National Museum and Library Services Board, which serves in an advisory capacity to the director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), pens a letter to new Acting Director Keith Sonderling outlining which functions it considers essential obligations of the organization.
Building Bridges | Reflecting on Alan Inouye's Career as He Steps Down from ALA Public Policy Leadership

1 month ago | libraryjournal.com | Hallie Rich

If you’re not deep in library policy and advocacy, you may not have crossed paths with Alan Inouye—but America’s libraries have surely felt the impact of his work. Inouye has led advocacy and public policy for the American Library Association (ALA) since 2007, where he’s touched everything from E-Rate to copyright to ebook access, securing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for libraries.
What Happens to Libraries if IMLS Goes Away?

1 month ago | libraryjournal.com | Hallie Rich

On Friday night, March 14, President Trump issued an Executive Order that called for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and six other agencies. In FY24, the IMLS budget was $294.8 million, of which more than $211 million was dedicated to library services through the Library Services Technology Act (LSTA), the leading source of federal funding for America’s libraries.
LJ, SLJ, and APA Survey Confirms Digital Audio Dominance

1 month ago | libraryjournal.com | Hallie Rich

Together with the Audio Publishers Association (APA), in September 2024 Library Journal and School Library Journal fielded a survey about audiobooks in the United States’ public libraries. Nearly 500 librarian respondents provided insight into audio format demand, budgeting, licensing terms, and selection influences. Survey questions were framed for both adult and youth audio collections.
Our Secret Weapon: Stories | Editorial

1 month ago | libraryjournal.com | Hallie Rich

I recently spent two days with library champions strategizing about library advocacy. The group discussed essential resources for aligning on messaging and connecting with diverse audiences, but what was fundamental to the work reminded me of why many choose to pursue library careers: the value of stories.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison | Review Anew

2 months ago | libraryjournal.com | Hallie Rich

Morrison’s unflinching depictions imbue her characters with a richness and complexity that directs readers to regard them as worthy of attention and love. Even in the most painful scenes, she compels readers not to look away. An important text for generating discussion on race, culture, and U.S. society, this is an essential work for public, high school, and academic libraries.
Garland County Library, North Bergen Free Public Library, Queens Public Library Awarded 2024-25 Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize Honorable Mention

2 months ago | libraryjournal.com | Lisa Peet |Hallie Rich

The 2024–25 Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize has gone to Missouri’s St. Louis County Library for the variety of ways it prioritizes neighborhood needs. Out of many deserving entries, three others stood out as well for their imaginative and replicable focus on equity, local partnerships, and the health of their communities.
Complexity and Courage | LJ Directors’ Summit 2024

2 months ago | libraryjournal.com | Hallie Rich

Two days after the 2024 election, public library leaders from across the nation gathered at Richland Library in Columbia, SC, for Library Journal’s annual Directors’ Summit. This year’s program explored the ways public libraries are called upon to respond to complex community challenges and opportunities.