Check It Out! Newsletter - May 2025

Jumping Into the Future: Joni Roberts

On June 30, 2025, Willamette University will be losing not only a supremely dedicated alum and accomplished employee, but also an army of frogs. Yes, the frogs are stuffed, ceramic, and plastic, but the employee is not. After four years as an undergraduate and more than thirty-five years working in the Mark O. Hatfield Library, Joni Roberts is retiring and taking with her the army of frogs that she has collected over the years.

Joni came to Willamette as an undergraduate in 1980, having grown up in Klamath Falls. Four years later she graduated with a major in English, a minor in Art, and an enduring love for Willamette. As a student, she tended well to her academics and friendships, but she also worked as a library assistant for all four years.  Post-graduation, she went to work for the library of a small little school in California named Stanford. She also studied for her Master of Library Science at San Jose State University, which she received in 1989. After receiving her MLS, Joni returned to the Mark O. Hatfield Library and has been with us ever since.   

Joni rapidly progressed from Assistant Librarian to the rank of Associate University Librarian in 1993. Through most of her career she has managed the groups responsible for reference and teaching, collection development, and at times the rest of public services. In this role she has taught countless classes, answered more reference questions than can be counted, and helped educate generations of Willamette students. Joni has twice served as Interim University Librarian, and has been active on campus, with notable stints on Academic Programs Committee (twice serving as chair), and serving as the search advocate on numerous search committees. Joni, working with others, has been integral in instituting the Willamette Reads Program, Hatfield Research award, the library’s Read Posters and the Popular Reading collection.   

In addition to her professional activities Joni is known for several personal interests in addition to her collection of frogs. On any given day you may find her striding around Willamette at a brisk pace, getting in her daily walk. Even more predictable than her daily walks is her afternoon cup of tea ritual, which this author believes he could set his watch to by observing Joni walking to get the necessary items in the library’s break room. When not on or near campus Joni delights in the company of friends and family in Oregon and has a true passion for spending time at the Oregon coast (check out her Instagram feed for wonderful pictures), and is definitely a foodie despite an intense dislike for orange vegetables.

Please join the Willamette University Library family as we wish Joni well as she strides, walks, jumps off to her exciting future.

                                                   – Craig Milberg – Mark O. Hatfield Library University Librarian

“Joni served as a ‘Long-term Salem Resident’ on my hiring committee. She was serious about this role and helped me discover Salem. Among other valuable information, she told me where to buy the best local strawberries and how to preserve them. Since I joined the library, she has always made time to share her perspectives and tips.”Monika Major – Instructional Designer

“As my supervisor and library colleague, Joni has been one of my strongest supporters from day one. When I first arrived at Willamette, fresh out of grad school, she went out of her way to make sure that I felt welcomed and well supported. During holidays, she would sneak over to our work mail boxes to leave little chocolates for people to discover in the morning as a little surprise.  It took me years to figure out that she was the mysterious chocolate benefactor after spotting a bag of candy on her desk. She loved to participate in library activities like Halloween staff dress-ups, senior spring teas, Opening Days move-in, and the Children's Winter Book Drive. 

Joni always asked about my family, and we would frequently trade stories about past experiences, vacations, and of course books. She told me that she was occasionally asked to retrieve something off of the top shelf for other customers. I can totally relate.  Fun fact, Joni loves frogs!  Her office has an abundance of frog-themed posters, paintings, stickers, and figurines from small to big. Plus a bust of Mark Twain. She's also a great listener, which was much appreciated when my mother died. Joni has been a wonderful colleague and tremendous role model, and I will miss hearing her laugh and seeing her smile throughout the library.” John Repplinger – Science Librarian, Mark O. Hatfield Library

“As a Bearcat, Joni has proudly shown her school colors, long after she graduated from Willamette University. She shared her love of reading with everyone by establishing the Popular Reading collection, joining in private reading groups, and much more. But there is another side to Joni that we don't often get to see: she loves to travel.  Over the years she has explored parts of Europe with other Willamette alumni, particularly with the wonderful Professor Roger Hull. On one of her trips to Italy, she found and brought back to me a lovely, little glass dish showing the La Scala opera house in Milano. I see this little treasure every day in my office and am reminded of Joni's adventures as well as her skill as a thoughtful giver of gifts. And she also has excellent taste in teas, too. I'm sure that reading, travel, sipping good tea, and much more will brighten the next chapter of her life.”  J. Doreen Simonsen – Humanities/Fine Arts Librarian, Mark O. Hatfield Library

"Joni has always brought such kindness and generosity to our team. From the very start, she’s been incredibly thoughtful. I’ll never forget the day I complimented the star decorations in her office. The next day, a set of my own appeared in my mailbox. That’s just who Joni is-- someone who notices the little things and goes out of her way to make others feel special.

Joni, we will miss your generous spirit and the joy you brought to our team every day. Congratulations on your retirement. You’ve earned every moment!" Abigail Chavez – Processing Archivist, Mark O. Hatfield Library

"Since the day I arrived on campus, Joni has been my go-to guide for all things Willamette and Salem. She has patiently answered my endless questions about the library and the university, and she’s always ready with insider tips—from the best local farmer’s markets and restaurants to where to find good hot chocolate. I look forward to future conversations and recommendations!" Susan Irwin – University Archivist, Mark O. Hatfield Library

“Joni has become a good friend of mine, in addition to being an amazing colleague. We have had many adventures at Willamette, including co-teaching a class with then-English professor Carol Long, co-editing a column inCollege & Research Library Newsfor 25 years, and pulling together eye-catching displays such as Banned Books Week.  Joni always gives at least a 100% effort towards everything, and has an amazing talent to make hard work seem like fun.  Her presence, contributions, and cookies will be greatly missed, but her retirement life will undoubtedly be full of adventures.”Carol Drost, Associate University Librarian for Access and Technical Services, Mark O. Hatfield Library

“Joni has been such a consummate professional, valued friend and colleague, and strident Willamette University booster that it is impossible for me imagine the Hatfield Library or Willamette without her. I’ll even miss her head shrinking barbs directed at me when she believed my ego was out of control.” Craig Milberg – Mark O. Hatfield Library University Librarian