Hallie Rich

United States

Editor-in-Chief at Library Journal

Featured in: Favicon

libraryjournal.com

Articles

Library Is a Contact Sport | Editorial

6 days ago | libraryjournal.com | Hallie Rich

I played basketball from the time I was about nine years old until a knee injury sidelined me in high school. The game features in some of my happiest memories from growing up—from my dad coaching our undefeated rec league team to summer open gym sessions to laughing with my teammates at pre-game dinners and post-game bus rides. I enjoyed playing basketball, but what I really loved was being part of a team.
What Does the Future Hold for the Library of Congress?

2 weeks ago | libraryjournal.com | Hallie Rich

Library of Congress Photo by Wally Gobetz via Flickr A dispute over leadership at the Library of Congress (LoC) has emerged as a test in the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches of government. Following the May 8 firing of Dr. Carla Hayden, former LoC deputy librarian Robert Newlen assumed the acting Librarian of Congress post.
Leadership Limbo at the Library of Congress

2 weeks ago | libraryjournal.com | Hallie Rich

Library of Congress Photo by Wally Gobetz via Flickr A dispute over leadership at the Library of Congress (LoC) has emerged in what appears to be a test over the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches of government. Following the May 8 firing of Dr. Carla Hayden, former LoC deputy librarian Robert Newlen assumed the acting Librarian of Congress post.
Lawsuit Filed Over Cuts to IMLS, Federal Agencies

2 months 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

2 months 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

2 months 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

2 months 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?

2 months 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

2 months 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

Mar 3, 2025 | 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.