Information Services

Collection Development Policy

Dance

Purpose

The dance department at Connecticut College has established a philosophical framework supported by its curriculum and activities in response to the present state of the education of the arts including multiculturalism and internationalization. The centerpiece of the department is the recognition of the importance of an individual's interaction with the world as a whole person, not just as an artist.

The department of dance offers an integrated study of theory and technique with an emphasis on performance and choreography; it provides students with a broad knowledge of dance that supports creative and intellectual development in a liberal arts context.   The department's curriculum also fulfills the requirement for Dance Teacher Certification in Connecticut (2006).  

Beyond the major in dance, students may choose a concentration in performance and choreography.   A minor in dance is available.

General Guidelines

The Library's collection will reflect the department's focus on dance as a creative process reflective of its interdisciplinary nature, contemporary society and a global community.

General topics will include the historic and contemporary aspects of dance including choreography, technique and performance with a focus on modern dance. The collection will also reflect the topical and geographical specialties of the faculty to include: anatomy and kinesiology, dance production, world dance, dance music, dance writing and technology & dance.

Faculty research needs will be accommodated within the scope of the general guidelines and limits of the materials budget. In general, the library does not collect textbooks or multiple copies of materials.

Faculty are invited to submit purchase requests and make recommendations to the departmental liaison.   The liaison, in consultation with the Director of Information Resources, will make the final purchasing decision.

The periodic removal (weeding or deselection) of extraneous or obsolete materials form the collection will be conducted using the criteria outlined in the Collection Development and Information Access Policy in consultation with the faculty.

Types of Materials Collected

The primary types of materials that support undergraduate research and teaching include monographs, journals, electronic databases and indexes relevant to dance and its associated fields. Monographs will provide the bulk of the research collection. General reference works, audiovisual materials, and government documents will also be collected. The library will maintain its collection of journals that support dance and coordinate with other departments to maintain interdisciplinary titles where relevant. The library will provide full text electronic journal access when feasible. For all types of materials, the emphasis will be on current materials published in English.

Audiovisual materials are an especially important resource in the study and teaching of dance.   The library will acquire audiovisual materials in all formats that can be reasonably supported by Media Services to include equipment and repairs. Purchase of materials adhering to other than NTSC standard will be done on a case-by-case basis.

Format of Materials Collected

Monographs and general works will be acquired in print format.   Generally, the library will subscribe to journals in one format only, and preference will be given to electronic format when available with the exceptions listed in the Collection Development and Information Access Policy.

Preference will be given to electronic indexes with full text access to journal articles when coverage is comparable.  

Languages

Most materials, regardless of format, should be in English to facilitate use by the majority of undergraduate students. Materials in other languages will be collected on a case-by-case basis.

Geographical Areas

The primary focus of interest is on acquiring materials from English-speaking countries, primarily the United States . The collection will emphasize the cross-cultural nature of dance and collect resources that reflect this international focus.  

Chronological Guidelines

Primary emphasis will be on acquiring current materials, with selective acquisitions of historic materials reflecting the interdisciplinary and theoretical foundations of the field.    

Special Collections and Manuscripts

Other Resources Available

The Greer Music Library, located on the first floor of Cummings Arts Center , serves the research, information, and performance needs of the department of music and the entire college community. Collections include books on music and musicians, periodicals, reference sources and indexes (both in print and electronic), collected works of major composers, study and performance scores of music, sound and video/laser recordings of musical performances, and computer-based support for the teaching and research needs of users.

Currently registered students and Connecticut College faculty and staff have access to monographs, audiovisual materials, and government documents from Trinity College and Wesleyan University through the CTW Consortium.   Interlibrary loan provides access to monographs not held within the CTW Consortium as well as journal articles not available at Connecticut College

Creation Date and Revision

Draft document created March 2005 by Beth Hansen, Library Liaison to the Dance Department.

LC Classification

GV1580-1799.3 Dancing

Collection Development and Information Access Policy

The Connecticut College Libraries' Collection Development and Information Access Policy can be viewed at: http://www.conncoll.edu/info-resources/colldevpolicy.html

Ordering Library Materials

Recommendations and requests for the purchase of dance materials may sent to  
Beth Hansen, Box Library or e-mail - beth.hansen@conncoll.edu , phone - x2681

Liaison

Beth Hansen, Director of Research Support & Instruction
Shain Library – Connecticut College
270 Mohegan Ave. , New London , CT   06320-4196
Phone 439-2681; Fax (860) 439-2871
e-mail beth.hansen@conncoll.edu