The Theatre Arts Department has several definable sections of the Library collections and also draws on the dramatic works of literature produced in many different languages and countries. Because these are scattered throughout the Library of Congress Classification it is impossible to estimate the total size of the collection which supports their teaching and research. Consequently, what is acquired for Theatre Arts enhances, and is enhanced by, the purchases made for most other national literatures. We can say that we currently receive 75 serials specifically in the area. We have more than 6,000 titles classed in the theatre portion of the PN classification, and another 4,000 or more in the performance portions of the GV class, but there is much more material in other parts of the general collection, and in Special Collections, the Orwig Music Library, the Art Slide Library, and Media Services.
For example, current graduate research appears to be well-supported by both the general collections and those in the John Hay Library. In particular, work on beauty pageants and the burlesque strip show, with its concentration in popular entertainment, will find significant resources in the Harris Collection of American Poetry and Plays and the Miller Collection of Wit and Humor, which was received since the last review. Recent graduate work in such areas as the Irish theatre movement, contemporary African-American performance, and modern British playwrights, among others, also appears to have been successfully supported. The Art Slide Library’s collection of slides and photographs on all aspects of culture that can be represented visually loans material for classroom use and will produce slides on-demand or purchase them from vendors. Current holdings include sections on stage design and costume, as well as on theatres and performances. The Orwig Music Library collects extensively in the area of musical theatre and other areas related to the performing arts.
The tables below show the expenditures for the past five years first on the general collections, then on pertinent John Hay Library collections :
| General Collections: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expenditures | 1994/95 | 1995/96 | 1996/97 | 1997/98 | 1998/99 |
| Firm Orders | $2,874 | $1,070 | $1,223 | $735 | $566 |
| Approvals | $4,000 | $5,393 | $6,833 | $4,396 | $4,242 |
| Serials | $3,497 | $3,872 | $3,281 | $3,893 | $3,605 |
| Total | $10,371 | $10,335 | $11,337 | $9,024 | $8,413 |
| Special Collections: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expenditures | 1994/95 | 1995/96 | 1996/97 | 1997/98 | 1998/99 |
| Harris | $ 69,941 | $71,827 | $69,253 | $68,247 | $66,966 |
| GB Shaw | $ 45,293 | $ 63 | $ 63 | $25,000 | |
| Magic | $ 192 | $ 4,221 | $ 3,853 | $ 4,061 | $ 4,940 |
| Total | $118,426 | $76,111 | $73,106 | $72,371 | $96,906 |
According to the Collection Development Policy Statement, prepared for Theatre Arts in 1983, the desired coverage in the various aspects of the discipline is, generally, RESEARCH or STUDY. A RESEARCH level collection is one which includes the major source materials required for dissertation and independent research, including secondary materials important to researchers. It also includes all important reference works and a wide selection of specialized monographs, and an extensive collection of journals and major indexing/abstract services. A STUDY level collection is one adequate to support undergraduate and graduate course work. The Library has endeavored to achieve the levels indicated on the Collection Development Policy Statement. A revision of the policy statement, which will bring it completely up-to-date with current interests of the Department, is in the planning stage. We think that our efforts have resulted in a collection that adequately supports the teaching and research in the department.
Since the last review, the Library has added substantially to available electronic and Web-based resources and has improved access to the Internet. Besides numerous online versions of major periodicals in literature and drama, we have access to the MLA Bibliography and Annual Bibliography of English Language and Literature, and have added full-text databases like English Drama and Editions and Adaptations of Shakespeare.
We expect to continue to add to both the print and electronic collections in an effort to remedy any gaps that exist and expand their range and scope to match the wide-ranging interests of the faculty and graduate students. We encourage their suggestions and efforts to make us aware of the availability of relevant material.
William S. Monroe, Head, Collection Development,
Steve L. Thompson, and Rosemary Cullen
Department of Theatre, Speech, and Dance
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