Library Journal Editor in Chief Francine Fialkoff Leaves Publication
Note: Our very best wishes to Francine. It has been both an honor and pleasure to work with her. As you might imagine, Francine was key in helping infoDOCKET become LJ infoDOCKET. I look forward to talking with her at library events in the future.
–Gary
From a Library Journal News Release:
Today, Library Journal announced that editor-in-chief Francine Fialkoff is leaving LJ effective September 1. Fialkoff has had an extraordinary career at LJ spanning 35 years, with over 15 years at its helm (as editor and editor-in-chief). Under her leadership, LJ moved from a print magazine to a multiplatform entity.
Fialkoff’s work has benefitted libraries across the United States and beyond. Highlights of her career at LJ include being a driving force behind the pro bono restoration of the devastated Alvar Street branch following Hurricane Katrina. She was integral to launching the annual LJ “Movers & Shakers,” a coveted annual award that identifies up and coming stars in the library world, now boasting over 550 inductees. She helped put LJ on the map as a major player in library building and design, with, among other things, the launch of a biannual Library by Design tabloid as well as a popular Design Institute event series now in its 11th cycle. And she has been involved in the creation of awards, including Best Small Library in America Award, the LJ Teaching Award, and the new LibraryAware Award, as well as enhancing the impact of the annual Library of the Year and Librarian of the Year awards. She has also overseen the launch into important original research such as Patron Profiles; the integration of webcasts; and the launch of LJ’s widely read enewsletters.
A passionate advocate for libraries and librarians, Fialkoff retains her enthusiasm for LJ and its role in the library world both as a source of news, information, and education, and as a community of, by, and for librarians and those in the library field.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the smartest people both at LJ and in the library world,” said Fialkoff, “and I have great confidence in LJ’s future.”
“Francine’s departure leaves all of us at LJ saddened. Her dedication to the brand, the staff, and the markets she cares so deeply about are an inspiration for all of us to follow. Library Journal has an experienced editorial team with close ties to our readership and mission. We are confident it, and its voice, will continue to thrive and innovate as it serves the library market and our valued readers. On behalf of the entire staff at Library Journals, and Media Source, we wish Francine the absolute best in her future,” said Ian Singer, VP and Group Publisher, Library Journals, LLC.
Effective immediately, LJ’s executive editor Michael Kelley (mkelley@mediasourceinc.com) will take over as interim editor-in-chief. Fialkoff plans to stay in the library world and can be reached at (ffialkoff@gmail.com).
You can read Francine’s final editorial here.
Filed under: Awards, Libraries, Management and Leadership, News, Profiles, Publishing

About Gary Price
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com.