“College libraries are unique, strange and amazing all at once. We are the direct connection to the literature and ideas of all the disciplines that make up the college.”
That is how Dr. Troy Swanson describes the role of an academic library. After 26 years at Moraine Valley Community College, the Teaching & Learning librarian and Library department chair has received statewide recognition for his work.
Swanson received the Academic Librarian of the Year Award from the Illinois Library Association at its annual conference in October. The award, presented by the Illinois Association of College and Research Libraries Forum and Library Juice Academy, recognizes an Illinois librarian for outstanding contributions to academic or research librarianship.
At Moraine Valley, Swanson has helped develop the Library into a resource for students, faculty and the surrounding community. His work has focused on information literacy, helping students evaluate information, conduct research and understand how to use sources effectively.
He also has contributed to the Association of College and Research Libraries Information Literacy Competency Standards Task Force, delivered keynote presentations at the Information Literacy Summit and presented at state and national conferences. His work includes published books and articles, editing and advocacy for libraries and librarians with state and local government.
Swanson said an academic library serves several purposes, from helping students complete research assignments to giving them access to technology and assistance when they are unsure where to turn.
“We are a place where the history of ideas lives,” he said. “We are a research hub where librarians can guide students through the research process from idea generation to the final citation page of a paper.”
The Library also gives students opportunities to explore tools such as 3D printers and find help with their coursework, he said.
Although Swanson was surprised and honored by the award, he emphasized that his accomplishments reflect the work of colleagues who have supported him throughout his career.
“There are very, very few projects in my day-to-day work that I work on alone. Everything is a team effort. I have been very lucky to have had great partners over the years,” he said.
Outside his work at Moraine Valley, Swanson recently authored “Knowledge as a Feeling: How Neuroscience and Psychology Impact Human Information Behavior.” He occasionally hosts the “Circulating Ideas” podcast and serves as legislative chair for Local 1600.
Despite those accomplishments, Swanson said his work at the college remains the most meaningful part of his career.
“I am most proud of the work we do in our Library. It is the most challenging and meaningful part of my professional life,” he said.
Dr. Terra Jacobson, dean of Learning Resources at Moraine Valley, said Swanson has helped change how the campus views the role of its Library.
“Troy’s career is a testament to the power of academic libraries’ ability to transform lives and the unique role our libraries continue to hold on our campuses,” Jacobson said.
She said Swanson encourages students and faculty to use the Library as a place to engage in informed discussions about current issues. His collaborative approach to planning and developing new initiatives also helps shape the future of community college libraries, she said.