Sally Eakin has been a part of the administrative staff of the UI’s Graduate School of Library and Information Science for 33 years, enduring several office moves and continually keeping up with changes in job responsibility and technology. Her work includes purchasing, planning and logistics for instructors and students – both on and off campus. She is a 2002 winner of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Staff Award.
HOW MANY TIMES HAS YOUR OFFICE MOVED DURING YOUR TENURE AT THE UI?
When I first started in 1978, this department was still within the library.
Within a year we moved to the fourth floor of David Kinley Hall and in 1994 we moved here (to the GSLIS building). And then, in 2001, the university added to the building. I’m also the one who helps employees move within the building. It happens every summer and is based on the needs of the staff. Right now I’m helping move two staff and two faculty members. I keep thinking, some summer will pass without the need for internal moves!
WHAT’S BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE IN YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES OVER THE YEARS?
Every time we’ve moved it feels like I’m starting a new job. My responsibilities have changed with every move. We are now in the 16th year of our online education option for the master’s and certificate of advanced study degree programs. When the online option first started it was a very small group and they’d come here for a required weekend session every semester. Now there are as many in the online option as there are earning their degree on campus. Now (the on-campus session) involves students and instructors from all over the country. We used to just go out and get a couple of dozen doughnuts and that would do it, but it’s gone well beyond that. There’s a lot of planning and logistics involved.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE A SUCCESSFUL ON-CAMPUS DISTANCE LEARNING SESSION?
They (students and instructors) are under a lot of pressure in that small amount of time. If they don’t have to worry about where they lay down their heads or where they’re going to park while on campus, then they can relax and focus on the academic program.
WHERE DID YOU WORK BEFORE BEING EMPLOYED BY THE UI?
I worked in retail as a department manager at Goldblatt’s, a store that used to be in the area but is gone now. My least favorite part was inventory, but guess what’s part of my job here? Inventory. It’s different than when I was in retail, though, because it’s not shelf inventory, it’s equipment inventory. We do biannual inventory here, but it’s to keep track of where things are and not so essential to the retail bottom line. I like the variety of this job.
YOUR DEPARTMENT HAS HAD THREE DISTINGUISHED STAFF AWARD-WINNERS, INCLUDING YOURSELF. WHY SO MANY?
We do work as a team and that accomplishes a lot. There are so many departments and divisions on this campus, we couldn’t get anything done if we didn’t all work together. One thing I’ve learned working at the UI: It’s never just me, it’s many. Everyone in this department sees it that way and everyone lets you know they appreciate your effort. I think it shows how this department encourages employees to be the best they can be – and they really support employees by allowing us to keep up-to-date on technology and anything that will help us do the job more efficiently and effectively.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU AND YOUR CO-WORKERS?
We want to continue our No. 1 ranking among library schools in the U.S. and Canada. It’s a point of pride and we don’t want to lose it.
WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD EMPLOYEE?
I think my willingness to step up and do what’s needed. I deal with many people and I’ve learned you need to express your thoughts, even when you’re wrong. There is a willingness here to listen and if you see conflicts you need to speak up. Your supervisor may agree or disagree, but they always appreciate the input.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS?
Yes. I lived in Urbana for a short term but I’ve spent most of my life in Bondville. My parents still live there. My mother retired from the Illini Union Bookstore and my father retired from the Champaign Unit 4 School District.
WHAT DO PEOPLE DO FOR FUN IN BONDVILLE?
It used to be that you knew everybody, but not so much anymore. It is nice living there because I can still come (to Champaign-Urbana) to shop and enjoy all that it offers. I’m a member of the Centreville United Methodist Church – I like to think I’m an active member. We recently packed flood packs and health kits to be distributed through the Midwest Distribution Center for the victims of this year’s flooding. Our church also has a knitting club and I like to crochet. I also like to garden, though the last three years haven’t been that good for gardening. I like to grow things that are different, like gourds or pumpkins. I also enjoy traveling, especially out West.