III. Closing Plenary: “It’s Showtime, Folks!”: The Evolving Nature of Research and Public Engagement With Performing Arts Collections

Abstract

Throughout the conference we have seen innovative and traditional performances and performing arts materials, both within and outside the library. For this closing plenary, let’s look back at what we learned and consider some of the things that can be done with materials in all of our collections. Marvin J. Taylor will speak about items found in almost all of our collections, theater materials. Who doesn’t have a play or two, or hundreds, in their collection? What special consideration do we have for these materials beyond normal books and pamphlets? Which researchers use these materials and for what? Douglas Reside will speak about performing arts materials within the digital age. What is missing in the digitization of materials unique to the performing arts such as set and costume designs, manuscripts, photographs, programs, and ephemera? Is there tactile information that is lost? What is gained? How can exhibitions, programs, and classes serve to animate performing arts collections? How can they be leveraged to provide a window into the possibilities of these collections?