Troy Swanson: Award-Winning Librarian Transforming Academic Libraries

When Troy Swanson enrolled at Augustana College in Rock Island, he planned on becoming a lawyer. However, the time he spent working in the library for his work-study job led him to reconsider. He found he enjoyed research but not the practice of law. A stint in the library sparked the idea that librarianship could be his calling. “They had an excellent library with great people who guided me,” Swanson recalls.

Over two decades later, Swanson has been honored as the Academic Librarian of the Year by the Illinois Library Association. He will receive the award at the association’s annual conference in Peoria from October 6-8. Swanson serves as chairman of the Library/Learning Resources Center at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills. There, he collaborates with faculty to teach students effective research techniques and how to identify trustworthy sources. He oversees public programming at the Sylvia M. Jenkins Library, including speaker events, faculty panels, and film screenings. Additionally, Swanson manages the library’s website and participates in committee work on campus. He is also an adjunct professor at Dominican University’s School of Information Studies in River Forest.

“Bringing real-world practice into library education keeps my work exciting,” says Swanson.

Swanson expresses surprise and honor upon receiving the award. He mentions knowing many previous recipients and feels proud to be among them. He attributes his success to a supportive and active library environment. Although he hasn’t prepared a speech, he’s eager to meet colleagues at the conference.

Swanson was nominated by Terra Jacobson, his supervisor at Moraine Valley, along with colleagues Marie Martino and Jayne Killackey. Jacobson commends Swanson’s leadership and innovation, noting his influence extends beyond community college librarianship. “It’s rare for community college librarians to receive such recognition,” she says.

The award highlights notable service within Illinois academic libraries. It acknowledges leadership and collaboration across the state, showcasing an individual’s impact in promoting libraries in academic settings.

Don Hamerly, director of the library program at Dominican, praises Swanson as a “smart and innovative collaborator.” Hamerly cites Swanson’s engagement as an information professional and his leadership in developing new standards for information literacy and advocating for library workers’ rights.

According to Jacobson, Swanson’s most significant achievement is his role in redefining Moraine Valley’s library as an academic center for productive dialogue. Swanson strives to make the library more active and relevant to its community. This transformation is part of why he received his award. He notes the library offers classes, podcasts events, and even hosts games, constantly evolving to remain significant.

Swanson also serves as legislative chairman for the Cook County College Teachers’ Union. He represents employees from multiple community colleges, engaging in policy work like pension reform and funding. He contributed to HB 1859, a law requiring human professors in community colleges. This law emphasizes the professional standards AI cannot meet, underscoring the value of human faculty credentials.

Swanson was part of the task force for the Association of College and Research Libraries, drafting national standards for information literacy in higher education. These standards are used by librarians nationwide.

His latest book, “Knowledge As a Feeling,” published in 2023, explores neuroscience and technology’s relationship with information literacy. Swanson’s work challenges traditional views of knowledge and encourages alignment with scientific findings on cognition.

“Libraries aren’t only about books. They’re about ideas and community learning,” Swanson says.

He hopes others consider academic librarianship, noting that the profession offers more than many assume. Librarians may not sit and read all day, but they play a vital role in nurturing community learning and intellectual growth.