The document discusses the role of librarians in supporting research and scholarship, particularly in the performing arts at Kansas State University. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary scholarship, the definition of research, and how libraries can enhance the arts through information provision and collaboration. Ideas for engaging the university community through arts and library partnerships are also presented.

1. Engagement through
Scholarship:
an example from the performing arts
Laurel Littrell
Kansas State University
May 29, 2015

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. Research: www.merriam-webster.com
1
re·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

6. Research (verb)
2
research
• 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

7. Are these definitions adequate?
• Do they capture
everything that
goes on at a
college or
university?
Photo: K-State Orchestra, taken by
Laurel Littrell

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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!

11. 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!

12. 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!

13. 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

14. Brainstorm!
• What are some ideas that would work in your
situation?

15. Thank you!
Photo: K-State photographic services