Building a WPA Library: A Bibliographic Exploration of the Field
Rachael Green-Howard
Abstract
In the introduction to this collection, Melissa Ianetta and Kelly Ritter identify their goal: to create one potential narrative of the identities formed and informed by writing program administration. By necessity, however, much is excluded from this narrative. As a bookend to that introduction, this bibliographic essay therefore addresses the need for a primer on the types of practical information contained in WPA literature that this volume intentionally omits, as well as a guide to building a WPA library through the books, articles, and position statements in the field. Ultimately, this essay calls attention to the diverse field of WPA work, highlighting some of the mainstays in the literature as well as branching out to other aspects of writing studies that often intersect with administration. While this brief overview could not possibly highlight everything relevant in the field, or serve as the be-all-end-all of WPA work or theory, it should help current and future WPAs organize ideas and identify further resources. It is important to note also that this essay is not an annotated bibliography; as such, it treats different works at different lengths and depths, in an attempt to flesh out those most relevant to aspirant WPAs.