Hello, library community!
We have some exciting news about the Swain Education Library. As you might know, Swain has been operating on a limited basis for a while now. In 2021, we moved our education collections to Waldo Library, which really helped streamline our services. Now everything you need is just a short walk away, all under one roof. This makes it easier for you to explore research and get the support you need.
We’ve partnered with various programs at Swain, like Peer Academic Success Coaching and Global Learning Academy. As these partnerships wrapped up, we took a good look at how we use the space and realized it’s time for a change.
After 61 years of service, we have officially concluded library operations in Swain. We’re now transforming the space into the Swain Student Success Center. This change honors the building’s long history of supporting students while giving it a fresh focus under the Office of the Provost.
We can’t wait to see our Broncos thrive in this new environment and work with our academic support teams to help all students succeed.
Thank you for being a vital part of our community and for supporting the University Libraries.
A Peek into Swain’s Past
The Swain Education Library, nestled in the modern Sangren Hall, has a rich history. When it opened in 1964, it was a cutting-edge facility. It combined a vast education library with the tools needed for student teachers, like typewriters and film projectors.
As technology progressed, those tools became outdated. The center shifted to focus solely on being a library, adapting to include digital collections and online resources. When Sangren Hall opened in 2012, Swain was reborn, thanks in part to the generosity of Gary and Rita Swain.
The pandemic challenged us to rethink our services, leading to the relocation of Swain’s collections. Now, as we transition to the Swain Student Success Center, we’re committed to enhancing support and ensuring every student has the tools they need for success.
On a related note, recent studies show that academic support services significantly increase student retention rates. According to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics, students who engage with support services are 15% more likely to complete their degrees. This adds even more importance to our new focus at the former Swain Library.
With a history of adaptation and a future centered on student success, we believe the Swain Student Success Center will be an incredible resource for all.
