Engagement through Scholarship: An Example from the Performing Arts

Engagement through Scholarship:

an example from the performing arts

Laurel Littrell

Kansas State University

May 29, 2015

Librarians excel at:

• Supporting research and scholarship of faculty colleagues

• Interdisciplinary scholarship

• Promoting the use of the library for scholarship

• Offering to host or support events that demonstrate campus achievements in scholarship

Scholarship? Research? What? • What does the word “research” mean to you?

Scholarship? Research? What?

• What does the word “research” mean to you?

– Laboratory science stuff?

– Articles in peer reviewed journals?

– Patents and grants?

Photo: k-state.edu

Research: www.merriam-webster.com 1re·search • noun \ri-ˈsərch, ˈrē-ˌ\ : careful study that is done to find and

report new knowledge about something • : the activity of getting information about a subject Full Definition of RESEARCH • 1: careful or diligent search • 2: studious inquiry or examination; especially

: investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws

• 3: the collecting of information about a particular subject

Research (verb) 2research • verb : to study (something) carefully • : to collect information about or for (something) Full Definition of RESEARCH • transitive verb • 1: to search or investigate exhaustively <research

a problem> • 2: to do research for <research a book> • intransitive verb • : to engage in research

Are these definitions adequate?

• Do they capture everything that goes on at a college or university?

Photo: K-State Orchestra, taken by Laurel Littrell

K-State “RSCAD”

• Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities, and Discovery

– “[K-State will…] create a culture of excellence that results in flourishing, sustainable, and widely recognized research, scholarly and creative activities, and discovery in a variety of disciplines and endeavors that benefit society as a whole.”

• http://www.k-state.edu/2025/plan/2025-visionary-plan.pdf

What about the arts?

• Is that scholarship?

• Aren’t those just hobbies?

• Why are these important?

• Aren’t these just extra curricular activities for students?

Photo: art.ksu.edu, BFA show, spring 2010

How Libraries Help the Arts

• Provide information regarding techniques, styles, interpretations

• Costume design, staging and lighting ideas

• Cultural and historical contexts

• Provide information for program or exhibit notes

• Provide careers for interested students!

How the Arts can Help Libraries

• Exhibitions or performances draw the college/university community as well as the public

• Librarians, arts faculty, and students can participate together in exhibits and performances

• “Teachable moments” abound!

Beyond the Box

• Playing or singing in ensembles

• Helping with background/historical information for exhibits

• Helping with staging, setting lights, or costumes for theatrical performances

• Volunteering as usher, stage manager, house manager

• Be in the audience and get on mailing lists

• The imagination is the limit!

K-State Things

• Friends of the Libraries Concert Series – Upscale events

– Music faculty eager to participate

• Collaborating in performances – Music Librarian conducted Collegium Musicum,

using library materials (public domain)

– Composition activity • Scores, sound recordings, facsimiles

• Student and faculty artwork on display

Brainstorm!

• What are some ideas that would work in your situation?

Thank you!

Photo: K-State photographic services