Today Library Journal announced that Barbara Hoffert, Editor of Prepub Alert, will retire effective September 14. In a career spanning more than 37 years, Hoffert has been a key voice within the LJ book review and in book criticism, herself shining a light on over a thousand titles each year through her prepublication recommendations and reviews. Over the years, she has convened hundreds of panels featuring authors, book editors, publishers, and other creators. And through her writing about trends in library collections and publishing, she has helped inform and advocate for the library field as it continually evolves.
Additionally, Hoffert has been a longstanding member of the National Book Critics Circle—contributing as either president, awards chair, or treasurer throughout her tenure on the board—and was honored with the organization’s inaugural Service Award in 2023. She also served as chair of the Materials Selection Committee of the RUSA (Reference and User Services Association) division of the American Library Association.
“I have loved my work at Library Journal and hope that my contributions have made a difference in the library and publishing worlds. Thank you all for the opportunity,” Hoffert said.
“Throughout her impressive career, Barbara has been a smart critic, a convener of inspiring conversations about books, and a thoughtful mentor,” said LJ publisher Rebecca T. Miller. “We thank her for her excellent work, congratulate her on her retirement, and wish her the best for this next chapter.”
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.
