Review of Library Resources and Information Literacy

Proposed new course: Perfa 138: PORTFOLIO

The Performing Arts allocation for Library resources is shared between music, dance, and theater and also includes support for the LEAP program. The Library works collaboratively with the Department Chair and/or designated library liaison to develop and maintain an appropriate collection of monographs, serials, media, and electronic resources in support of the four tracts of the Performing Arts curriculum: Music, Dance, Theatre - Performance and Theatre Studies, and Theatre - Technical Theatre and Design. [Library Review, November 2012]

As stated above in the Library Review from 2012, I greatly appreciate the partnerships with PA faculty who keep me apprised of course content, reading lists, and research assignments. They make timely recommendations for books, journals, and media that will enhance their teaching and students’ learning at Saint Mary’s. We collaborate to design research assignments that meet the learning outcomes of the course as well as supporting the information literacy requirements of the core curriculum. The Performing Arts Department has seen tremendous growth in recent years with changes and expansion in all areas—music, dance, theatre, and theatre design. I’m pleased to see this new innovation and growth. This new course proposal is an example of this growth and will support the program in its evolution.

The Library Collection. The Library’s ability to support student research in the Performing Arts has greatly improved over recent years, especially with increased access to streaming media and electronic books. The Library owns some of the key reference handbooks and encyclopedias in the field in digital format, e.g.: Oxford companion to theatre and performance, The Cambridge history of American theatre, International encyclopedia of dance, Shakespeare’s theatre: a dictionary of his stage context, and Wilson’s Play Index.

In addition, we have several databases that support research in the Performing Arts, such as International Bibliography of Theatre and Dance, Naxos Music Library, Academic Video Online (VAST), Films on Demand, and Dance in Video II.

Library Instruction / Information Literacy. This is a “workshop” class, so there is little or no expectation for outside research. The Portfolio will help the students compile, organize, and present research and projects completed in other courses where they would have had support of the library for information literacy skill development.

Recommendations. The Portfolio Syllabus includes support services for students across the College. I would suggest the Library Statement also be included. An example is provided here:

LIBRARY STATEMENT Reference/Information assistance is available at the Reference Desk, by phone (925) 631-4624, text message at (925) 235-4762 or Chat( IM). Check the Library’s “Ask Us” link for details: http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/library/ask-us. Extended assistance is also available with your librarian subject specialist, Sharon Walters. For an appointment with Sharon, please contact her at swalters@stmarys- ca.edu or (925) 451-2891 (office).

1 In summary, I have no concerns related to library resources or support for this new course. Thank you for consulting me regarding the new Course Proposal.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon Walters Librarian, Performing Arts October 13, 2014