Interview with Michele Besant

Partial Transcript: November 8, 2006. My name is Sandy Pfhaler and I'm an interviewer...

Segment Synopsis: Interviewer’s introduction

Partial Transcript: Good morning. Good morning. We're going to start by asking if you would talk about your early life...

Segment Synopsis: Michele Besant was born in Madison, Wisconsin, where her parents were in graduate school. They moved frequently during her childhood, but lived in and near the city.

Keywords: moving around

Partial Transcript: So, and the town was a lot smaller this is again early sixties...

Segment Synopsis: She talks about the significant growth of Madison and changes at the University and city in general.

Keywords: city growth; population boom

Partial Transcript: But I think um while you know again it's this sort of thing of accident...

Segment Synopsis: She talks about her parents’ background and education. Her childhood apartments. Growing up and living in university towns and intellectual background.

Keywords: academic surroundings; graduate students

Partial Transcript: Well what was high school like in Evanston?...

Segment Synopsis: She discusses her experiences in high school in Evanston, Illinois, in the mid 1970s. Racial tension and busing.

Keywords: busing; racial tension

Partial Transcript: Big school. It did tracking...

Segment Synopsis: She talks about the school’s “tracking” and advanced placement courses. She assesses the quality of her high school education. She believes that she got a very good education and found that her first year of university was easy by comparison.

Keywords: advanced courses; tracking

Partial Transcript: Now why did you choose to go to Illinois?

Segment Synopsis: MB attended college at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She explains why she decided to attend Illinois.

Keywords: college; family

Partial Transcript: Now did ya have good classes or classes which you remember fondly at Illinois...

Segment Synopsis: Besant talks about some of her teachers and courses as an English major at Illinois. Honors classes and undergraduate seminars.

Keywords: personalized attention; poetry; seminars

Partial Transcript: Now what years were you at Illinois?...

Segment Synopsis: She attended Illinois from the fall of 1976 to the spring of 1977, then dropped out for a year for personal reasons. She worked for a year and then returned to school. She graduated in 1981.

Keywords: discount house; dropping out

Partial Transcript: Did you have a goal in mind when you took when you decided to major in English?

Segment Synopsis: She talks about her goal of being a poet. Poetry workshops. She won a department award for her writing.

Keywords: parent's work; poetry; workshops; writing

Partial Transcript: When I left, my mother had offered me her study for the summer...

Segment Synopsis: After graduation, MB moved to Madison for a summer to write. She got into a relationship and bought a house.

Keywords: relocating; working on campus; writing

Partial Transcript: Come back to school, I came back in the English department...

Segment Synopsis: MB started back to school in the UW English Department. She wanted to continue developing her writing. Workshops. She finished a MFA degree in writing.

Keywords: English; writing

Partial Transcript: So when I was finishing that...

Segment Synopsis: She talks about a job she had doing data transfer in the department. She also worked at A Room of One’s Own bookstore. She talks about her feminism.

Keywords: A Room of One’s Own; academic staff; canvassing; feminism; job experience

Partial Transcript: So yeah so I took this kind of winding road as many of us do...

Segment Synopsis: She discusses her early work experience in libraries and book selling and book binding.

Partial Transcript: So I thought about it and it was like hmm...

Segment Synopsis: MB decided to return to school to get a degree in library science. She explains why she decided to attend UW. She worked in the conservation lab and took out student loans.

Keywords: MLIS; affordability; student loans

Partial Transcript: Talk about your experience then getting your master's degree...

Segment Synopsis: Besant talks about her course work and teachers in the SLIS program. She found the courses less intellectually demanding than her earlier work generally, but some courses were challenging.

Keywords: Wayne A. Wiegand; classes

Partial Transcript: Christine Jenkins actually refers to it in her dissertation about young adult librarians...

Segment Synopsis: She talks about librarians as being “quietly subversive.” Professional opportunities for women and gays. Progressivism and conservatism in the profession.

Keywords: Task Force on Gay Liberation; american library magazine; library tensions; radical

Partial Transcript: The little bit of research that's been done I know about sort of political leanings...

Segment Synopsis: She discusses research on the political leanings of librarians. The “culture wars.”

Keywords: politics; role of libraries

Partial Transcript: So that's probably one of the things that I really...drew me to librarianship...

Segment Synopsis: Besant talks about the factors that drew her into the field of library work. She traces her interest to her involvement with feminist book selling and publishing. The power of the written word. The role of the library in society and social justice movements.

Keywords: A Room of One's Own; access; feminism; service profession; social justice

Partial Transcript: You know I'm going to jump ahead here...

Segment Synopsis: MB talks about her teaching career. She is currently the director of the SLIS library and does not have a lot of time for teaching. She teaches one practicum course.

Keywords: instruction practicum; staffing; teaching; training library

Partial Transcript: Ok, let's back up a little bit...

Segment Synopsis: Besant talks about the origin of the Jail Project, which she started working on during her graduate years at SLIS.

Keywords: dane county; jail library; volunteering

Partial Transcript: I did, I mean, but I learned a ton. I learned a ton, um, because I really didn't know what I was doing...

Segment Synopsis: She discusses some of the things she learned about reading habits during her time at the jail. Adult literacy. The special needs of the jail population.

Keywords: Mike Exum; boredom; lack of programming; literacy; special libraries; volunteering

Partial Transcript: So, yes, so we decided we wanted to try and keep it going...

Segment Synopsis: She continued to volunteer there after her practicum semester was over. She talks about the challenges in running and maintaining a prison library program. Support from area librarians.

Keywords: diversity; service learning; volunteering

Partial Transcript: Though the first time I met her, again a cold call, she basically gave me a lot of warnings. You know, don't start something you can't keep going...

Segment Synopsis: She discusses the problem of sustainability. She talks about grant writing and efforts to get computers and other materials.

Keywords: Julie Chase; collection development; grants; jail libraries; sustainability

Partial Transcript: I think it's been a win. There are some basic services, it's not ideal. We use term library in some ways very loosely...

Segment Synopsis: Besant continues to discuss the growth and operation of the Jail Project. Publicity for the project.

Keywords: Points of Light; awards; recogniton; social justice

Partial Transcript: Has it spread? Are there programs that students from here have started?...

Segment Synopsis: MB talks about a similar program in Louisiana created by a former UW student. Books Behind Bars and other prison reading programs.

Keywords: advocacy; books behind bars; challenges; prison libraries

Partial Transcript: I think one of the things too...we're in fact coming up on a time where we'll put Louise in her power suit, Louise Robbins the director of the school...

Segment Synopsis: She discusses their efforts to maintain the support of the Sheriff’s office. Visibility and politics.

Keywords: advocacy; politics; sheriff support

Partial Transcript: So, the Jail Library Project lives on. It's entering...It will be 15. I always remember how old it is because I consider it starting the day I first step foot in jail...

Segment Synopsis: The project will mark 15 years on June 2, 2007. Besant remains involved, but tries to keep a hands-off approach to let students operate the program. Student involvement in the project.

Keywords: raising awareness; service learning; student leadership; usefulness

Partial Transcript: Is there a collection development policy?

Segment Synopsis: She talks about a collection development policy for the jail library. The jail management has its own prohibitions on certain kinds of material.

Keywords: class project; collection development; policy; request slips; restricted topics; situational ethics; student involvement

Partial Transcript: And we're really clear with our volunteers about what's ok and what's not...

Segment Synopsis: She talks about ensuring that volunteers act and dress appropriately when they are working at the jail.

Keywords: boundraries; common sense

Partial Transcript: Let's talk more about you though...

Segment Synopsis: Besant talks about her career after finishing her MLS at UW. She was interested in adult literacy and decided to apply for the Ph.D. program.

Keywords: Deb Johnson; adult literacy; graduate degree

Partial Transcript: Deb ended up not getting tenure...

Segment Synopsis: She discusses Professor Deb Johnson and her failure to obtain tenure.

Keywords: research; tenure; university politics

Partial Transcript: But anyway she was moving on, but I did stay. And I ended up being a P.A...

Segment Synopsis: MB talks about her PA position doing research on evaluation of library programming. Her doctoral program and training as a social scientist.

Keywords: evaluation; research; social scientist

Partial Transcript: And then life takes it's twists...

Segment Synopsis: She talks about the differences between the MLS and the Ph.D. programs. Research requirements. Feminist theory.

Keywords: academic degree; challanges; feminist theory; professional degree; unprepared

Partial Transcript: Who did you work with mostly?

Segment Synopsis: Work with Professor Jane Robbins. Louise Robbins. Wayne Wiegand.

Keywords: feminism; indepent study; lesbians; lesbians in librarianship; literacy

Partial Transcript: Got the opportunity to get into the classroom, first here as a T.A. and then as a lecturer...

Segment Synopsis: She talks about her first experiences as a teaching assistant and her enjoyment of teaching. Dissertation research on lesbian/feminist identity in professional librarianship.

Keywords: dissertation; feminism; identity; outsiders; teaching

Partial Transcript: So um... yeah so that was what I ended up doing...

Segment Synopsis: She finished her dissertation and graduated in the spring of 1999. Interviewing for faculty jobs. She took a job at Florida State University, where Jane Robbins was a Dean.

Keywords: Elfreda Chatman; FSU; Jane Robbins; dissertation; outreach

Partial Transcript: And I did the junior faculty thing for a few years. It was really clear to me in about a year and a half that I wasn't driven enough or focused enough to deal with it...

Segment Synopsis: MB talks about her several years as a junior faculty member at FSU. Research agenda and teaching. She was extremely busy and did not get a lot of research published.

Keywords: Elfreda Chatman; difficulty publishing; research; teaching

Partial Transcript: But when I did it was like hey you know way back when I set out to continue in the library world...

Segment Synopsis: She left her position in the summer of 2002 and moved to Portland, Oregon. She had a summer school teaching position at UW. The SLIS library job came open suddenly and she applied for it. She talks about the pros and cons of moving back to UW.

Keywords: interviewing; portland

Partial Transcript: But then I did get a job offer and you know and talked to Louise...

Segment Synopsis: She got a job offer and moved back to Madison. She talks about her adjustment period at the beginning of her time on the job.

Partial Transcript: The job lets me, and one of the attractions was it was clear that I would still be really involved with curriculum...

Segment Synopsis: MB talks about the students at SLIS. Changing demographics. People in transitional periods.

Keywords: class projects; demographics

Partial Transcript: And I feel like, you know it's an unusual job...

Segment Synopsis: She outlines some of the aspects of her job as director of a teaching library.

Keywords: library education; teaching library

Partial Transcript: That leads to the question of ... if you would talk about the culture of the department...

Segment Synopsis: MB talks about the culture of SLIS. The distinction between faculty and academic staff. The collegial nature of the department.

Keywords: Christine Pawley; Jane Pearlmutter; committee work

Partial Transcript: But this is a university, and this is a Research 1 university so when push comes to shove, ya know I'm not faculty...

Segment Synopsis: She talks about her enjoyment of working without the pressure of publishing and tenure. She is not currently very involved with campus committees or organizations. Time management issues.

Keywords: campus involvement; work life balance

Partial Transcript: And that, and I actually do want to put this on the tape. Given that it's Novemeber 8th... after this ballot measure has been voted on and we have this constitutional amendment....

Segment Synopsis: She talks about her concern about domestic partnership issues related to the recent constitutional amendment on the 2006 ballot. Domestic partnership benefits.

Keywords: civil unions; lgbt; wisconsin

Partial Transcript: And I'm um enough of my own person maybe in adulthood at this point that it's kind of like dammit ya know...

Segment Synopsis: Besant continues to talk about state politics, taxes, and domestic partner benefits. Her disappointment about the recent vote on a constitutional ban on same sex marriage.

Keywords: benefits; domestic partnership; health care; marriage

Partial Transcript: And I think because of you know a long history...in this town and with this university, and I think a lot of who I am is connected to what this university is about...

Segment Synopsis: MB discusses her strong ties to Wisconsin and the “Wisconsin Idea.” Her gratitude that the institution allows her to develop as a person and an individual.

Keywords: making change; service; wisconsin idea

Partial Transcript: Well the next question has to do with the culture. Talk about the culture for women on the Madison campus...

Segment Synopsis: Besant discusses the campus climate for women. She talks about her awareness of problems for women in some departments. Changes during the Shalala years. She outlines some areas where she believes women still suffer. The culture of research institutions and white collar work in general. She talks about the volume of service work that overwhelms many women on campus.

Keywords: Donna Shalala; Nellie Y. McKay; committee work; retention; service work

Partial Transcript: Well we're getting on towards the end of the interview and we're going to finish by going back to you...

Segment Synopsis: MB outlines some professional organizations that she belongs to. Wisconsin Library Association. Her involvement in professional organizations varies over time. She belongs to many organizations, but does not always get heavily involved.

Keywords: WLA; public library association

Partial Transcript: I think professional organizations actually are are I think they're useful.

Segment Synopsis: She discusses the general importance of professional organizations, especially for people at smaller institutions.

Keywords: continued education; professional network

Partial Transcript: As far as my involvement again it's been hit or miss. I've done some stuff with the library research round table...

Segment Synopsis: The Wisconsin Women Library Workers

Keywords: activism; feminism; quilting

Partial Transcript: Talk about any honors and awards that you've received...

Segment Synopsis: She discusses an award that the Jail Library project won. Her satisfaction that the project has continued to be successful.

Keywords: awards

Partial Transcript: And that's been true when I was at FSU I did do get involved with some community projects...

Segment Synopsis: She talks about a community outreach project she coordinated with an elementary school during her time in Florida.

Keywords: outreach; service learning

Partial Transcript: The last two questions have to do with your life after work...

Segment Synopsis: MB discusses her enjoyment of reading. She spends much of her spare time with books. She mentions several significant poets that have influenced her. Adrienne Rich. Audre Lorde.

Keywords: Adrienne Rich; Audre Lorde; feminist theory; poetry; reading

Partial Transcript: Im a Buddhist of the SGI stripe...

Segment Synopsis: Buddhism. Outdoor activities like cycling, sailing, and hiking. Travel.

Keywords: Soka Gakkai International; traveling

Partial Transcript: Are your parents still here?...

Segment Synopsis: She talks about her parents and siblings. Her partner. Writing. Quilting.

Keywords: Wisconsin Women Library Workers; family; personal essays; quilting; writing

Partial Transcript: Well we're at the end of the interview, but I don't want to turn off the tape until you have an opportunity if there's anything else you want to get on tape...

Segment Synopsis: Besant talks about her ideas for the future of librarianship. Technology and digitization. Sharing among institutions. The importance of the library as a civic space.

Keywords: collaboration; community space; digital age; information access; role of libraries

Partial Transcript: Have you seen things, have you had changes in the SLIS library...

Segment Synopsis: MB discusses the students who train in the SLIS library. The students are increasingly proficient with technology. New technology in the library operations.

Keywords: everyday technology; students

Partial Transcript: Anything else?...

Segment Synopsis: She discusses library education and the process of training librarians. She explains why she believes library education does not fit neatly into the university culture.

Keywords: library students; teaching; theory and practice