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Shamichael Hallman
Shamichael Hallman
00:58

Shamichael Hallman

Urban Libraries Council

Albuquerque, NM USA

"I think libraries are more needed now than they ever have been."

Career Roadmap

Shamichael's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Education, and Upholding a Cause and Belief

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Day In The Life

Director of Civic Health & Economic Opportunity

I help libraries create spaces where people feel connected, valued, and part of their community.

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Day In The Life Of A Director of Civic Health And Economic Opportunity

My Day to Day

I work to help libraries strengthen civic health by creating opportunities for people to connect, learn, and engage with their communities. Some days involve working with library leaders on strategies around civic engagement, economic opportunity, and workforce development, while others are spent speaking, writing, and sharing ideas about the future of libraries and public spaces.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • Associate's Degree

    Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications

    ITT Technical Institute

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Business Administration and Management

    Faulkner University

  • Certification

    Social Impact Strategy

    University of Pennsylvania

  • Graduate Degree

    Nonprofit Leadership

    University of Pennsylvania

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    Growing up in a small town without a library, I traveled to a neighboring community and discovered how libraries don’t just connect us to knowledge but also to other people.

  • 2.

    After working at the intersection of faith and technology, I realized I needed a career change and found my way into libraries.

  • 3.

    I accepted a branch manager role despite having no library experience or library science degree.

  • 4.

    I helped lead a multimillion-dollar renovation of a historic Memphis library, reimagining what the space could be for its community.

  • 5.

    By centering community voices and reaching people who weren’t using the library, I helped create programs and spaces that reflected local needs and aspirations.

  • 6.

    A national fellowship at Harvard gave me the opportunity to deepen my thinking about design, belonging, and the power of public spaces.

  • 7.

    Through my writing, speaking, and leadership at the Urban Libraries Council, I now help libraries strengthen civic health, build community, and create opportunities for all.

Defining Moments

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I landed a library job despite not having library experience or a library science degree—I felt that other people were more deserving of the role on paper. I leaned into my strengths and relied on support and humility, and found success.

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