Member Spotlight - Susan Franzen
October 28, 2024
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Our latest spotlight is on Susan Franzen, the Associate Dean for Public Services and Organizational Development at Illinois State University's Milner Library. Susan serves on the 2024 ILA Conference Program Committee and has previously held the role of president of the Illinois Association of College & Research Libraries Forum (IACRL), along with participating in various IACRL and ILA committees.
We asked Susan to answer a few professional and amusing questions. Continue reading to find out more about Susan.
A little background on Susan:
My career began as a teenager at my local library in Bloomingdale, IL, and has since woven together my passions for both teaching and librarianship. After earning my master’s degree in English Education from Illinois State University (ISU), I taught at high schools, community colleges, and ISU itself. Transitioning from education, I worked at Bloomington Public Library in a variety of roles, including reference librarian, marketing assistant, and bookmobile driver. In 2006, I received my MLIS from Dominican University, which opened the door to a diverse range of new roles. I’ve served as an embedded librarian, liaison librarian, campus library manager, public library director, and now, as an associate dean.
Libraries have always been my passion, and I cherish the community of librarians as my professional family. Over the past two decades, I’ve embraced the many changes in the field with enthusiasm and resilience. The Illinois Library Association has been instrumental in my growth as a librarian, and I’m honored to be featured in the ILA Member Spotlight.
How did you get your start in libraries?
I began my library career at the age of 14 in my hometown library in Bloomingdale, IL. My frequent visits caught the attention of Patricia Chanley, the children’s librarian, who offered me a position as a shelver. This early experience ignited my passion for libraries. After pursuing an English Education major at Illinois State University (ISU), I taught high school for several years but found myself drawn back to librarianship. My journey continued at the Bloomington Public Library, where I had the opportunity to work in various departments; driving the bookmobile was my favorite.
Returning to education, I taught composition at ISU, but my love for libraries remained strong. Five years later, I re-entered the field at Peoria Public Library. Determined to deepen my expertise, I enrolled in an MLIS program while working as a library assistant at Olympia High School. I was fortunate to be part of the Alliance Library System and Dominican University’s grant-funded cohort program, from which I earned my library degree.
Throughout my career, I’ve held various roles, including director of Hudson Public Library and campus library manager at Illinois Central College. Currently, I serve as the Associate Dean for Public Services and Organizational Development at Milner Library, returning to my alma mater, ISU. My journey reflects a deep commitment to the field of librarianship, where I’ve continued to grow and contribute throughout the years.
Best advice you've received since starting your career in libraries?
“We are here for our patrons.” I can’t recall a single individual sharing this advice with me but many of my mentors shared their patron-focused philosophies. As librarians, our purpose is to support our users, the people who come to the library for information, community, and enjoyment. The decisions we make and the work we do in libraries is for them. No matter who walks in the door, up to the desk, or into a program, we do the best for that individual.
People need libraries, and, as librarians, we welcome them and help them to the best of our abilities. Public service is the main reason I love library work. Interacting with patrons is incredibly rewarding to me.
Any advice to newcomers working in libraries?
Library experience, skills, and talents are transferrable. No matter what type of library you work in now, what you learn is transferrable to a different type of library or position. There are so many opportunities within libraries. You can always do something different.
I’ve enjoyed working in many various types of libraries in different positions. My myriad library experiences have been invaluable whether I was working at a public, school, or academic library.
When and why did you become a member of ILA?
I don’t remember when I became a member. I’m sure I was a member when I was at Bloomington Public Library many, many years ago. I became a member because I love community, collaboration, and cooperation. ILA committees have taught me so much. For example, when I was on the Advocacy Committee over ten years ago, I learned about the Legislative Meetups, which are a fantastic way to spread the good work of libraries.
I was disappointed that there were no Legislative Meetup in the Central or Southern part of the state. I knew my colleagues would benefit from the meetups, so I worked closely with others to advocate for more legislative meetups and planned the first one for Central Illinois in Bloomington-Normal along with Celeste Choate at Urbana Free Library. Now there are meetups all through Illinois!
ILA committees give us the opportunity to learn from each other and to support each other. ILA advocates for all libraries and librarians and is well-respected in the state.
How has being a member of ILA helped you professionally?
I’ve met and connected with so many people throughout the state of Illinois as a member of ILA. I love learning about what other libraries do and incorporating what I learn into my own work. Being with others who are passionate about libraries is uplifting. Libraries continue to change and evolve. It’s exciting to be part of it! I can always count on ILA to help keep me aware of and educated about the changes in the library field.
Serving on various ILA committees and participating in the IACRL forum have been pivotal in shaping my development as a librarian. Each of these experiences has contributed to my professional growth. I am grateful ILA advocates for libraries, makes connections between librarians across the state, and creates professional development opportunities for many different library types and positions.
What is your proudest professional achievement to date?
I wish I could ask someone who knows me to answer this question. It’s difficult to answer objectively. I’m proud that I started a young adult collection and advisory group at one of my previous institutions when there was none when I arrived. I’m also proud to have written my first professional library article with colleague Colleen Bannon and had our publication named one of the Library Instruction Roundtable’s Top 20 articles of 2016.
I am also proud to have served as the IACRL President. I am most proud of working with incredible librarians across the state to assist library patrons, improve access to libraries, advocate for libraries, and encourage others to join the profession. Librarianship is not a solo profession; it’s a collaborative one that thrives on teamwork and innovation.
Hardcover, paperback, e-reader, audiobook, or all?
All of them! I surprised myself by learning I enjoy reading on my phone using the Libby app since the “pages” are easy to flip, text can be larger, and contrast makes it easier to read. I’m also an avid audiobook listener. Every long car ride needs a good audiobook! Even so, my house is still full of paperbacks and hardbacks.
Favorite authors?
The answer to this question has changed a great deal over the years. At different points of my life, these writers have been my favorites:
Erica Jong – She inspired me as an English undergrad.
Pete Hamill – His passion for New York is contagious.
Laurie King – Her mysteries are intelligent and compelling.
Alice Hoffman – She introduced me to magical realism.
Susan Elizabeth Phillips – I love her Chicago Stars series.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, what five books would you want with you to pass the time until being rescued?
I know I should say survival books, but I would not have them with me when the plane crashed. I’m often reading from the annual list of the book club I co-founded with Carol Reid many years ago.
This month, we're going to discuss Small Gods by Terry Pratchett. I usually have a historical mystery audiobook going; I just began Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver last night. For work, I’m currently reading Dare to Lead by Brené Brown. To unwind on stressful days, I like to have something light and fun at hand like When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
In addition, I’m trying to cook more, and since I’m a fan of Trader Joe’s, The I Love Trader Joe’s Cookbook is a perfect reference. That last one is the least practical for a desert island. It would likely be torture to look at pictures of food I don’t have. Perhaps I’d use it for kindling.
Cat or Dog?
I’ve had both in my life, and I don’t have either now. However, the pet who has stayed most in my heart is Evidence, the black cat I adopted from the Humane Society when I was in grad school. Evi was with me for many years. He watched my son grow up, greeted everyone who entered whatever house I was living in, and was the most loving pet I’ve ever had. I still miss him and haven’t owned another pet since.
Favorite film, podcast, or television show?
Competition cooking shows are hands down my favorite television viewing. I don’t cook myself, so I am amazed at the delicious food the pros and amateur chefs make, especially under extreme conditions. Top Chef is probably my favorite (I’ll miss you, Padma!), but I also enjoy Chopped, Master Chef, Guy’s Grocery Games, and Next Level Chef.
One person you would like to meet, dead or alive why?
My grandfather, Ernest Franzen, passed away when I was only two. Everything I know about him I heard from other people along with pictures and silent home movies. He was one of seven children born to my great-grandparents in Sweden. He came to America when he was in his early twenties and never saw his family again. My Grandma Olga joined him many months later when he sent her money and a ticket to come to the United States to join him. No one knows what made him decided to leave Sweden.
I have so many questions about his life—his time working on the railroad in Minnesota, settling in Andersonville in Chicago, raising my father, and his many years of marriage to my grandmother. I’ve visited my family in Sweden twice, and I’m proud to keep those connections alive. I’ve seen the house my grandfather grew up in and learned bit and pieces about him. I wish I could hear about his life from him.
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