Andy Cougill joined Lake Land College as a research librarian in 2023, but his roots in the region and profession run deep. “I’m not new to the area or my profession,” he explains. “I’m a Charleston High School and EIU graduate. Before librarian life, I was a social studies teacher at Mattoon High School for a bit, then received a master’s degree and performed museum work. I entered the library field in 2009 and then worked at UIUC, EIU, and Illinois Eastern Community Colleges before coming to Lake Land.”
At Lake Land, Cougill is keeping busy assisting students from every academic program. “My main role is to serve ALL Lake Land students with their information needs,” he explains. “No matter the class or program, I teach students how to find quality information.” He has helped students research everything from Biology to Taylor Swift.
Cougill concentrates on educating critical thinking regarding research. “Different programs have different needs. Although we use our 120+ databases, some specialized information isn’t there. I teach students how to gauge the credibility of what they find on the Internet. Anyone can claim to be an expert, and there’s lots of bad information out there.”
Among his favorite aspects of his job is helping students become independent thinkers. “Research is empowering. Once you know how to locate and critically evaluate information, you can use that skill in any aspect of your life.”
However, he does confess to challenges with technology. “I love technology and AI, but we can’t let it replace critical thinking skills. Technology makes life easier, but we can become too reliant on it.” Cougill is set to teach a fall 2025 Mod II AI class.
Understanding that academic research is new to the majority of students, he works on a one-on-one basis. “If you’ve attended one of my library sessions, you know the first rule of research is conducting it alongside a librarian. Academic research is another beast compared to an internet search. When I’m working with students, I take where they are experientially and work from there. Research can take time and energy, so don’t give up—just ask for assistance!”
Reflecting on library advancements, Cougill recalls his early days. “My initial assignment as a student worker at EIU’s Booth Library was to throw away the card catalog! Research was once so dependent on print books and journals. If I needed something unique, I’d have to have a library mail it to me. Now we can access so much information in an instant. Sometimes we’re paralyzed by options.”
Beyond his librarian role, Cougill is engaged with student life as advisor for the Swiftie Nation and Motorsports & Fabrication clubs. He explains, “College is about following interests and connecting with others. Learning happens everywhere on campus. I became the advisor for Swiftie Nation because a student wanted to start it. I told him I’d advise if he went through club procedures. Here I am.”
His involvement with the Motorsports & Fabrication Club was due to faculty discussions about cars and racing. “The club unites students who share an interest in cars and welding and connects the campus to local racing tracks and series.”
Balancing librarian and club advisor duties requires prioritization. “Like any advisor, my first job is my first priority. The most important thing in advising is to make the students responsible for the club. The best thing is that students guide the direction of the club, but they must invest the time and effort to make things happen.”
Cougill finds that advising strengthens his bond with students. “It allows us to know each other outside of official roles, and we interact because of shared interests.”
To students who are shy about getting into a club, he offers encouragement. “Clubs are a great way to learn! You don’t have to have experience—just interest. College is a time for exploring new things, so no one expects you to be an expert. Just come as you are.”
Through his positions as a club advisor and librarian, Andy Cougill is committed to helping students succeed academically and personally. If you need research assistance, contact Andy via email at [email protected]
