Troy Swanson: A Leader in Academic Librarianship

When Troy Swanson started his education at Augustana College in Rock Island, his career goal was to become a lawyer. However, working in the library for his work-study role influenced a change in his plans. Swanson shared, “I realized I enjoyed the research aspect much more than the practice of law. My time in the library made me see it as a promising career.” Over two decades later, the Illinois Library Association has recognized him as the state’s Academic Librarian of the Year. He will receive this award during the association’s annual conference from October 6-8 in Peoria.

Swanson serves as the chairman of the Library/Learning Resources Center at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills. Here, he collaborates with faculty members to educate students on research methods and source credibility. Additionally, he oversees public programming at the Sylvia M. Jenkins Library, which includes organizing speakers, faculty panels, and events. He also manages the library’s website, supports the collection, and engages in various campus committees. Swanson is an adjunct professor at Dominican University in River Forest, teaching in the School of Information Studies. He remarks that working with students at both campuses is the “energizing part” of his role, particularly when student learning occurs.

Swanson was surprised and honored by the award, “Seeing my name alongside past recipients, many of whom I know, is truly special. I’ve benefited from a supportive library environment that has allowed me to lead within the state and nationally.”

His supervisor at Moraine Valley, Terra Jacobson, dean of Learning Resources, nominated him for the award, along with colleagues Marie Martino and Jayne Killackey. Jacobson, who has collaborated with Swanson for more than 15 years, praised his leadership and innovative contributions to Illinois’ academic librarianship. She expressed, “Troy has consistently modeled excellence in leadership and has been a strong advocate for libraries and community colleges.”

The Academic Librarian of the Year award is presented to an individual in an Illinois academic or research library who has demonstrated “notable service” to the association and leadership in library service. Jacobson noted, “Recipients need to collaborate statewide, working to showcase the value of libraries in academic settings.”

Don Hamerly, director of the library program at Dominican, also commended Swanson as a “smart and innovative collaborator.” He added that Swanson’s wide-ranging engagement as an information professional and faculty librarian is recognized by his students and peers alike.

Swanson has shaped the Moraine Valley library significantly, and Jacobson considers this his most critical achievement. “He has transformed what was once a traditional library into a dynamic academic center,” Jacobson explained. Swanson’s approach shifted the library towards more active engagement in the community.

Swanson attributes much of his success to making the library an integral and relevant part of the community it serves. “We are continually evolving, hosting podcasts, streaming events, and engaging in campuswide activities,” he stated. His efforts also extend to legislative work, serving as the legislative chairman for the Cook County College Teachers’ Union.

In 2025, he contributed to passing HB 1859, an Illinois law mandating that community college courses be taught by human professors rather than AI. “The value lies in ensuring courses align with professional standards and learning outcomes,” Swanson explained.

Swanson also joined a national task force for the Association of College and Research Libraries, helping create standards for information literacy. “This framework outlines skills for using information in higher education,” he said. These standards are employed by librarians both nationally and internationally.

Swanson has authored several books, with his latest work, “Knowledge As a Feeling,” published in 2023. The book examines the interplay between neuroscience, technology, and information literacy within college curriculums. Swanson encourages those considering a career in academic librarianship to pursue this path, though he advises it may not be what one initially expects. “Libraries are about promoting ideas and learning within the community,” he emphasized.