Information Services

Collection Development Policy

Theater  

Purpose

The Theater program at Connecticut College encourages students to study and work on all elements of theater: acting, directing, design, technical theater, playwriting, dramaturgy, and dramatic literature — so that they understand the entire process of creating theater.   We seek to balance the intellectual and experiential development of the student in the classroom and on the stage; in this way we provide students with the opportunity to discover and explore their individual creative abilities. The major in theater forms an integrated study wherein students develop a broad knowledge of theater by balancing the study of literature, criticism, and history of drama with creative experience in studio work, production, and performance

General Guidelines

The Library's collection will reflect the integrative nature of the course of study in Theater to support undergraduate and faculty research and teaching needs.   To this end, subject scope will include the following: critical commentaries on performance; playscripts and monologues; histories of theater; histories of design; stage design, lighting, and sound; directing, producing, and stage management; acting; dramaturgy; costume design and construction; costume history; psychology of clothing; props; voice, diction, accents and dialects; and playwriting.   The diversity of collection formats will include print, audiovisual, and electronic titles.  

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 and obsolete materials from the shelves will be conducted using the criteria outlined in the Collection Development and Information Access Policy.

Types of Materials Collected

The primary types of materials that support undergraduate research and faculty teaching needs include monographs, monologues, playscripts, journals, databases and indexes relevant to theater, general reference works and audiovisual materials.    Professional-level handbooks and “how to” guides will be selected on a limited case-by-case basis.   When feasible the Library will provide full text electronic journal access while maintaining relevant print titles.   For all types of materials, the emphasis will be on current materials published in English.

Format of Materials Collected

Monographs, monologues, playscripts, and general reference works will be acquired in print format, although electronic versions may be considered on a case-by-case basis when funds allow.   High priority will be given to collecting audio-visual materials.   Generally the Library will subscribe to journals in one format only, and preference will be given to electronic versions when available with the exceptions listed in the Collection Development and Information Access Policy.   Preference will also be given to electronic indexes with full text access to journal articles when coverage is comparable.  

Languages     

Most materials, regardless of format, will be in English to facilitate use by the majority of students.

Geographical Areas

Emphasis is given to materials covering North American and European theater, and to world drama materials based on recommendations from department faculty.

Chronological Guidelines

The Library will collect materials that reflect a broad spectrum of historical periods in theater.

Special Collections and Manuscripts

The acquisition of primary source materials and rare books on theater will be determined by the Special Collections Librarian.   The Sheaffer-O'Neill Collection continues to provide an important resource for theater research for students and faculty.

Other Resources Available

Currently registered students and Connecticut College faculty and staff have access to monographs, playscripts, and audiovisual materials from Trinity College and Wesleyan University through the CTW Consortium.   Interlibrary loan provides access to print resources not available in the CTW Consortium, and to journal articles not available at Connecticut College .

Creation Date and Revision History

Draft document created April 2005 by Carolyn A. Johnson, Library Liaison to the Theater Department, and Leah Lowe, Assistant Professor in Theater, after consultation with the department chairperson and other members of the department

LC Class

Primary: GT, PN (1/2)

Secondary (overlap with other collection subjects): GV, PR, PS

Collection Development and Information Access Policy

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

Ordering Library Materials

Recommendations and requests for purchase of theater materials should be addressed to Carolyn Johnson, Library Liaison to the Theater Department

Liaison

Carolyn A. Johnson
Music Librarian
Greer Music Library
Cummings Arts Center
(860) 439-2710
carolyn.johnson@conncoll.edu