Troy Swanson: From Aspiring Lawyer to Esteemed Academic Librarian
When Troy Swanson embarked on his academic journey at Augustana College in Rock Island, his initial goal was to pursue a career in law. However, his experiences in the college library, where he spent considerable time due to his work-study job, led him down a different path. Swanson found himself increasingly drawn to research and the library environment. “I realized I enjoyed the research aspect but wasn’t as keen on the practice of law,” Swanson explained. “Working in the library gave me the insight that it could be a fulfilling career.”
Today, Troy Swanson is recognized for his contributions to academic librarianship. The Illinois Library Association has awarded him the title of Academic Librarian of the Year. He is set to receive this honor at 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. His responsibilities include partnering with faculty to guide students in research and evaluating credible sources. Additionally, he manages public programming at the Sylvia M. Jenkins Library, organizes events, and oversees the library’s website and collection.
Swanson also serves as an adjunct professor at Dominican University’s School of Information Studies in River Forest. He emphasizes the practical application of library practices and finds working with students to be an energizing part of his role, especially when witnessing their learning breakthroughs. Swanson was pleasantly surprised and honored by the award recognition. “Seeing my name among past recipients whom I admire is truly special. I’ve been fortunate to have supportive and active professional circles,” he stated.
Swanson attributes much of his success to the supportive library environments he’s encountered. He remains humble about his achievements, noting the collaboration and dedication of peers and mentors in his journey. Swanson has not prepared a formal speech for the ceremony, joking that he hopes it won’t be necessary. He’s looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues face-to-face.
His supervisor at Moraine Valley, Dean Terra Jacobson, along with colleagues, nominated Swanson for the award. “Troy embodies leadership and innovation, qualities that define excellence in Illinois’ academic librarianship,” Jacobson remarked. She noted the rarity of community college librarians receiving such statewide recognition. Swanson’s efforts have significantly expanded the reach and role of the Moraine Valley library on campus.
The award Swanson received acknowledges significant service and leadership in Illinois academic or research libraries. This includes collaboration across the state, promoting the value of libraries, and advancing professional standards. Among Swanson’s admirers is Don Hamerly, director of the library program at Dominican University, who praised Swanson’s commitment and expertise. Swanson’s influence extends through developing informational literacy standards and advocating for library worker protections.
Jacobson emphasized Swanson’s lasting impact on Moraine Valley’s library, which she considers his most notable achievement. Under his leadership, the library transformed into an academic hub fostering discussion and idea exchange. Swanson’s vision reshaped the traditional quiet library into an active community center. He celebrates his 27th year at the library, having worked to ensure its relevance and engagement with the community.
Swanson’s accomplishments include legislative roles such as serving as the legislative chairman for the Cook County College Teachers’ Union and contributing to the passage of HB 1859 in 2025, which mandates human instructors for community college courses. Swanson believes the law guards the integrity of college education, particularly in maintaining professional standards and outcomes that AI currently lacks.
An influential library professional, Swanson participated in a national task force for the Association of College and Research Libraries to develop standards in informational literacy. His recent book, “Knowledge As a Feeling,” published in 2023, connects neuroscience and technology to informational literacy, urging a broader understanding of knowledge as more than a logical process.
Swanson encourages those interested in becoming academic librarians to consider the rewarding nature of the profession. While the work involves more than books, Swanson emphasizes the role of libraries in fostering ideas and growth within communities. Libraries, he believes, are pivotal in nurturing intellectual exchange beyond the confines of classroom spaces.