Download Theatre - Saint Mary`s College

Collection Development: Theatre
I.
Program Description
As stated on the department’s web page, the theatre program gives students the opportunity
“to gain knowledge of both the process of theatre production and the ideas explored in the
literature of the theatre.” The program has as its goals: “to introduce students to the
multiple and varied arts which comprise the theatre; to engender in students an
understanding and respect for the discipline of the theatre; to develop a knowledgeable and
appreciative audience for live theatre through course offerings and theatrical productions;
to produce, in as professional a manner as possible, important pieces of dramatic
literature.”
II.
Interdisciplinary Relationships
The theatre program combines liberal studies with courses that explore the historical and
literary foundations of the theatre, all aspects of stage production, as well as performance.
Courses in history, English literature, and dance complement the course of study for theatre
students.
III. Collection Description
A. Library of Congress Classification
Works supporting the theater curriculum are found in a number of different areas. Material
for research in theatre: PN1600-3307 (literature - general. drama); PN 1720-1861 (drama.
history); PN2000-3307 )dramatic representation. the theater); PN6110.5-6120 )collections
of general literature. drama.)
The following areas of literature also have call number ranges for drama history and
criticism and drama collections. Plays and criticism are in the subject area for individual
authors:
French Literature - PQ500-591 (drama history and criticism); PQ1211-1241 (drama
collections); PQ1411-2726 (authors).
Italian Literature - PQ4133-4160 (drama history and criticism); PQ4227-4245 (drama
collections); PQ4265-4926 (authors).
Spanish Literature - PQ6098.7-6129 (drama history and criticism); PQ6217-6241 (drama
collections); PQ6271-6726 (authors).
English Literature - PR621-739 (drama history and criticism); PR1241-1273 (drama
collections); PR1490-6126 (authors).
American Literature - PS330-352 (drama history and criticism); PS623-635 (drama
collections); PS700-3626 (authors).
German Literature -: PT605-709 (drama history and criticism); PT1251-1299 (drama
collections); PT1501-2728 (authors).
The following call numbers are useful in understanding the historical context and design
elements of plays: D (general and world history); E and F (American history); GT
(manners, customs, fashion, and costume); HN (social history); M (music); NA
(architecture); NK (decorative arts).
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B. Subject Treatment
Relevance to the current curriculum of the theatre department is the number one selection
guideline with a focus in areas of present course offerings at Saint Mary’s College.
Collecting efforts are also aimed at maintaining a well rounded collection for the
undergraduate in all areas thus providing a basic collection as curricular and research
interests change. As such, the following subject areas will be collected: literature and
history of theatre, acting, directing, play writing, theater design, lighting, staging, and
production, costumes and costume design, fashion, individual plays, collections of plays.
C. Languages
English is the primary language of the collection.
D. Geographical Limits (subject content or publication source).
There are no geographical limitations.
E. Chronological Coverage
There are no chronological limitations.
F. Date of Publication
Preference is given to recent publications. Retrospective material will be collected as
deemed appropriate.
IV. Selection and Assessment Tools
Recommendations from the faculty are encouraged and expected. It is assumed that
expertise in their respective fields will guide them in recommending titles for the library to
purchase. Publisher’s catalogs, conference attendance, and association memberships also
provide resources from which titles might be suggested. The collection development
librarian along with the other library faculty will also make recommendations. In addition,
the following tools provide useful guidance for both selection and assessment of the
collection:
 Choice Reviews Online
o a review source for academic libraries
04/20/09
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