A Guide to Library Research in Music

A Guide to Library Research in Music introduces the process and techniques for researching and writing about music. It provides examples of different types of writing; offers a thorough introduction to music literature; describes various information-searching methods and library-based organizational systems; and explores the wide array of music resources. The textbook is organized into three parts, allowing for three independent tracks of study. Part 1 treats essentials of the research process, explaining starting-point resources such as library catalogs, dictionaries, and bibliographies; addresses scholarly documentation, the use of style manuals, and basics of copyright. Part 2 develops skills and strategies for library- and Internet-based research, describing database structures and library catalogs, subject searching in catalogs and journal indexes, keyword searching techniques, related-record searching and citation databases, and the use of experts and thematic catalogs. Part 3 discusses the organization of a music library, emphasizing score collections, books and journals in music literature, and music teaching publications. Features include: End of chapter exercises to aid concept application and skill development. Appendices of shortcuts to specifics topics in library organizational systems, including Library of Congress Subject Headings and Classification. Bibliography of music literature and resources, especially electronic and print publications since 2000. New to this edition: Notes on the latest innovations in library catalog searching, new matters in digital technology, and the expansion in musical genres for library research.