Kasey Swords

Job Title
Education Librarian
Company
Curriculum Lab and K-12 Resources; Subject Specialist for Education
Type
Faculty
Department
Research and Instruction
Location
Thrift Library & Curriculum Lab (Johnston Hall 215)
Phone number
(864) 231-5705
Email
kswords@andersonuniversity.edu
URL
View my availability

How I Can Help You 

  • Help you navigate our subject-specific databases 

  • Give class presentations  

  • Assist with research projects 

  • Answer questions about the Curriculum Lab 

  • Provide expertise and recommendations for Children’s and Young Adult materials 

Education 

  • Master of Library and Information Science, University of South Carolina, 2013 

  • Bachelor of Arts in History and English, University of North Carolina, 2010 

Experience 

I began my career working in public schools, both as an elementary school teacher assistant and tutor and as the facilitator of a high school online learning lab, while also working toward my MLIS degree. In 2012, I was hired as a Reference Librarian at the Pickens County Library System. After a year, I was promoted to the manager of a small branch in Liberty, SC. Being a branch manager afforded me the chance to work with a wider community, and I realized that I very much enjoyed serving children and families. When an opportunity became available in the Youth Services department, I jumped at the possibility and became a Children’s librarian in 2017. During my time in the Youth Services department, both as a librarian and eventually the manager of the department in 2020, I found a passion for instilling a love for education, literacy, and libraries in the youngest users of the library. I left Pickens County in 2023 to become the Youth Services Librarian for Oconee County Public Library before joining AU as the Education Librarian in September of 2024. I look forward to working and learning with you here at AU! 

About Me 

  • I grew up in a small town in North Carolina and moved to South Carolina in 2011 after meeting my (now) husband.  

  • In my spare time, I enjoy reading for pleasure, watching movies and TV shows, spending time with my family, playing cards and board games, and gardening. 

  • My husband, Nathan, and I live in Liberty, SC. We have two children, Scout and Hudson, and two cats. 

  • My family and I attend NewSpring Church’s Clemson campus. 

  • Fun fact: No matter what university I am affiliated with, I tend to be a black sheep. My family are huge Duke fans, but I went to UNC. My family by marriage are die-hard Clemson fans, but I received my Master’s degree from South Carolina. And, my dad is a Lenoir-Rhyne alum, and I’m working for AU! 

Professional Organizations 

  • American Library Association: American Association of School Librarians

  • American Library Association: Association for Library Services to Children 

  • American Library Association: Association of College and Research Librarians/Education and Behavioral Sciences Section

  • Association of Christian Librarians

  • South Carolina Association of School Librarians