The Distinguished Practitioner in Residence (DPIR) program at the University of Washington Information School brings experienced library leaders into the academic environment to bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice. Distinguished Practitioners in Residence provide the iSchool with their valuable expertise as teachers, colleagues, researchers, and critical links to the library world. They work closely with the King County Library System and other public library leaders as part of an ongoing collaboration to align workforce needs with the curriculum taught at the iSchool.

The DPIR program is made possible by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Launched in 2016, the program has since brought prominent figures such as former California State Librarian Susan Hildreth and Denmark’s Rolf Hapel to the iSchool. Over their two-year term, Distinguished Practitioners contribute to curriculum development, mentor students, and conduct research on the future of libraries. Their work ensures that future librarians are equipped with the adaptability, critical thinking, and social-service mindset required to meet the complex challenges of modern libraries. This alignment between education and workforce needs strengthens the relevance and impact of the MLIS curriculum.

2024-2026 Distinguished Practitioner in Residence

Tracie D. Hall

Professor of Practice, Board Member of the Academy of American Poets, College Unbound, Court Theatre, and the Crossroads Fund, and former Executive Director of the American Library Association.

Tracie D. Hall is a nationally recognized leader in championing diversity, inclusion and intellectual freedom. She advocates for early and adult literacy, broadband access, and the expansion of library and literary services for people who are incarcerated. Following her tenure at the ALA, Hall served as a visiting scholar at the University of London and co-founded a community library in Chicago that highlights banned books and authors targeted for censorship.

Her impactful work has earned her widespread recognition, including being named a Library Journal “Mover & Shaker.” She is one of only two librarians to receive a National Book Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2023, Time magazine honored her on its annual TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people.

2023-25 Distinguished Practitioner in Residence

Lorcan Dempsey 

Professor of Practice, librarian, writer, and advisor who has worked with library, non-profit, and educational organizations in Ireland, the UK and the U.S.

Dempsey’s work has been recognized with an honorary doctorate from the Open University (UK) for contributions to the evolving digital environment, the IFLA Medal for contributions to international librarianship, and the Miles Conrad Award for impact on the library and knowledge industries. He has also been honored by the American Library Association and the Irish Library Association for his individual and collaborative contributions.

Dempsey promotes an inclusive approach across teams and initiatives, with a particular focus on identity, diaspora and representation. He values working in international contexts and has welcomed opportunities to collaborate with libraries around the world.

Past Distinguished Practitioners in Residence

2020-2022: Cindy Aden 

Teaching Professor, MLIS Program Chair, MLIS alum ’87, and former Washington State Librarian.

Aden has a long and varied career in libraries. She has served at the Library of Congress, in academic and public libraries, and with private companies such as Amazon and Corbis. During her tenure as DPIR, Aden conducted research on tribal libraries in partnership with Assistant Professor Sandy Littletree and collaborated with researchers at TASCHA (the Technology and Social Change Group) on a National Science Foundation-funded project to help communities recognize misleading information through a co-design process involving rural libraries.

Aden was recognized with the Above and Beyond for Broadband in the State of Washington award by the Washington State Office of Broadband and was named a Digital Opportunity Equity Recognition (DOER) honoree by the FCC Commissioner in 2020. She stayed at the Information School as a teaching professor and chair of the Master of Library and Information Science program after her DPIR tenure ended.

2018-2020: Rolf Hapel 

Affiliate Instructor, Director of Citizens’ Services and Libraries for the City of Aarhus (2016–2018), and former Danish City Librarian.

Hapel is an internationally recognized leader in public libraries. His work focuses on leadership and management of public libraries, the development of services and spaces, and community engagement and partnership-building. He is a frequent international speaker on topics such as library development, digitization and strategies for building the future of libraries.

During his time at the iSchool, Hapel developed curriculum, taught courses, and led a research project focused on the future of libraries. He also served on the MLIS Program Committee and the advisory committee for the iSchool’s TASCHA (Technology and Social Change Group), a key partner in the Gates Foundation’s Global Libraries initiative.

2016-2018: Susan Hildreth 

Affiliate Instructor, former City Librarian in San Francisco and Seattle, former California State Librarian, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (2011–2015), former Treasurer of the ALA, and the iSchool’s first DPIR.

Increasing public libraries’ community engagement has been a major focus for Hildreth throughout her long career. She has encouraged librarians to step out into their communities, listen deeply to local needs, and use that input to design programs and services.

In her role at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), she oversaw major investments in early learning, a longtime passion of hers. Hildreth was also an early and vocal supporter of free broadband access in public libraries, especially in rural and under-resourced areas. She helped champion the creation of digital media learning labs nationwide. As a Distinguished Practitioner, Hildreth served as an impactful instructor and mentor and helped shape the future direction of the MLIS program.