Networking Groups
Networking groups offer opportunities for you to meet with your fellow SWAN library staff and share best practices and ideas. Networking groups are chaired by library staff.
Learn about SWAN user groups and how you can contribute. SWAN user groups focus specifically on topics around our shared library platform. If you don't see a SWAN user group that matches what you are looking for, check out the offerings from LACONI (Library Administrators Conference of Northern Illinois) and RAILS Networking Groups.
User Groups
Next meeting:
September 11, 2025
Join co-chairs Susana Leyva, Downers Grove Public Library, and MaryKellie Marquez, Warrenville Public Library District, for a lively discussion of acquisitions cataloging practice, including materials handling, serials, and review of cataloging standards. This is an opportunity to learn from colleagues and share effective techniques.
Next meeting:
September 9, 2025
Join co-chairs Paul Dobersztyn, Warrenville Public Library District; Melissa Siddiqui, Oak Brook Public Library; and Sarah Slack, St. Charles Public Library to discuss all things Aspen Discovery. This is an opportunity to network with your colleagues and share ideas on customization, readers' advisory features, patron service strategies, and searching tips and tricks. Do you have a topic you want to discuss, or something amazing your library has done with your catalog? Post to the SWAN Community Forums to share at the next meeting.
Next meeting:
October 8, 2025
This gathering of will discuss programming, collection development, circulation practice, holds management, cataloging and all things book club! Creative solutions and methods of meeting demands for book discussion groups will be shared.
Also visit the Book Club Users Community Forum thread to learn and share!
Next meeting:
June 18, 2025
Join chair Peggy Tomzik and Victoria Muraiti for a lively discussion of circulation processes, procedures, and software/application use related to circulation functions. This is an opportunity to network with peers and share successes. Participants will provide tips on providing service efficiently and optimizing software.
Working Groups
Working groups collaborate with SWAN staff to complete projects and make decisions for the consortium. Participation is limited to working group members. Working group elections and nominations open in the Fall of each year.
User Groups
Next meeting:
July 10, 2025
The Cataloging Working Group is comprised of members from the Cataloging Libraries group. The group supports SWAN through participation with input on cataloging standards and configuration changes applied throughout the consortium as well as desired enhancements. The work is presented to the entire membership at the Acquisitions & Cataloging Networking Group meetings.
Next meeting:
July 16, 2025
The Circulation Working Group works alongside SWAN staff to create recommendations for better circulation practices. Members also serve as mentors for new Circulation Managers.
Next meeting:
July 24, 2025
The Discovery Working Group is comprised of library staff across public and technical services. The group supports the SWAN discovery platform through participation in user research and testing; library staff training; and input on development priorities, configuration changes, and desired enhancements.
Next meeting:
September 25, 2025
The E-Resource Working Group is comprised of library staff across public and technical services. The group will work together to review troubleshooting topics and documentation of electronic content that is relevant to SWAN member libraries. The group will also vote and work on an annual project.