Swatling, Carol-Ann

Carol-Ann Swatling was raised in Buffalo, New York, in what she subtly calls a “non-traditional upbringing.” Her primary caregivers during her early years were her maternal grandmother, who she fondly recalls and a great uncle and aunt who operated a hearse business. Her mother was in and out of her life, but it was her mother’s sister who mentored her while working at a retail store during high school.

Swatling had encouragement from her aunt to attend Business College and guidance that develop her sense of responsibility to herself and to others. She spent years on welfare as she raised her two sons. Eventually she moved westward, first to Hawaii and then to Las Vegas, Nevada.

In 1982, Swatling interviewed for two positions available at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas library and accepted the one in the reference department. She was finding her self-confidence growing and the position only enhanced her skill development. She has also considered herself as one of “The Three Musketeers” in the department. Swatling retired after 28 years of experiencing various evolutions in the university’s libraries.