Elizabeth Mary Hallam Smith (née Hallam; born 5 November 1950) is an English historian and information professional who was the librarian of the House of Lords Library from 2006 to 2016. She was the first woman to hold the post as well as the first to hold the post in conjunction with Director of Information Services.
Hallam Smith was born in Midsomer Norton, Somerset, the daughter of Edwin William Lewis Hallam and Barbara Mary Anthony Hallam.
She earned a BA (Hons) and Ph.D. at the University of London.
Hallam Smith began her career at the Public Record Office (which became The National Archives in 2003), serving as an Assistant Keeper 1976âÂÂ93, Director of Public Services 1993âÂÂ2004, and Director of National Advisory and Public Services 2004âÂÂ2006. In 2006 she joined the Parliamentary Library.
She was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath in the civilian division (CB) in the 2017 New Year Honours, for services to parliament and national heritage. She is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of East Anglia and the University of York. From 2021 to 2024 she served as a Vice President of the Society of Antiquaries of London.
Hallam Smith was married to Terence Stephen Smith from 1975 to 2004. They have one son and one daughter.