When Troy Swanson began his studies at Augustana College in Rock Island, his aim was to become a lawyer. However, working in the library helped him realize that he preferred research to practicing law. Swanson recollected, “They had a stellar library with excellent people that helped push me on my way.” Over two decades later, the Illinois Library Association has recognized Swanson as the state’s Academic Librarian of the Year.
Swanson will receive the award during the association’s annual conference from October 6-8 in Peoria. As chairman of the Library/Learning Resources Center at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, he collaborates with faculty to teach students about research and trustworthy sources. Swanson also manages public programming at the Sylvia M. Jenkins Library and oversees the library’s website.
Beyond Moraine Valley, Swanson serves as an adjunct professor at Dominican University in River Forest, where he integrates practical library work with academia. “Working with students at both campuses is the energizing part of my job, especially when I see learning moments,” Swanson shared.
Swanson was both surprised and honored to receive this award, expressing gratitude for being included among Illinois’s esteemed academic workers. Nominated by Terra Jacobson, his supervisor and dean of Learning Resources at Moraine Valley, along with colleagues Marie Martino and Jayne Killackey, Swanson has earned acclaim over his long career.
“Decades of modeling leadership and innovation define the very best of Illinois’ academic librarianship,” Jacobson stated, adding, “Troy has extended outreach work across campus and remains a tireless advocate for libraries and community colleges.”
The award recognizes those with “notable service” in Illinois academic or research libraries, illustrating the critical roles they play. Swanson’s innovations in reshaping Moraine Valley’s library were pivotal. He has challenged perceptions by turning a traditional library into a dynamic academic space that supports community engagement.
Swanson’s efforts extend beyond Moraine Valley. He served as legislative chairman for the Cook County College Teachers’ Union, focusing on policy issues such as pension reform and funding. He played a key role in passing HB 1859, an Illinois law mandating that community college courses be taught by human professors, maintaining academic credibility.
On a national level, Swanson contributed to the Association of College and Research Libraries in drafting the “framework for information literacy in higher education.” This document provides guidelines for information usage and learning within higher education, setting standards adopted widely by librarians.
Swanson’s latest book, “Knowledge As a Feeling,” examines how neuroscience and technology inform informational literacy within college curricula. He noted that librarianship is more about fostering ideas rather than merely housing books. The role of a library is about facilitating growth in the community it serves.
He encouraged others to explore careers as academic librarians, pointing out that the job entails much more than reading books. Libraries are places that inspire ideas and learning, bridging the space between classrooms and creating profound educational impacts.