Music Guidelines

I. Purpose and Program Description

A. Library's Collection Development Objectives

The collection's primary purpose and emphasis is to support studies at the undergraduate level in Music. Music is included in the Department of Fine Arts. At present there is no formal degree program leading to a Bachelor's in Music. A selection of courses are offered which lead to minors on European and American classical music; a secondary emphasis is on American popular music. Selected purchases are made of materials covering non-Western cultures.

B. Curricular Program Description

The Department of Fine Arts combines the disciplines of Visual Arts and Music offers a major in Visual Arts. At present, a minor in music is offered.

C. New and Expanding Areas of Interest

Recent areas of interest have included the collection of audio/video tapes of non-western music, along with compact disc recordings. A greater emphasis is being placed on covering non-western music.

D. Areas of Specialization

The collection currently lacks in depth specialization. Basic works are included for traditional European composers.

E. Overlap with Other Academic Disciplines and Library Collections.

Overlap occurs with the fields of History, International Studies, Sociology and Theatre.

II. General Selection Guidelines

A. Languages: For monographic works dealing with music history and biography, English is the primary language collected.

B. Chronological Coverage: No time period.

C. Geographical Coverage: No limitations.

D. Types of Materials: Includes encyclopedias, dictionaries, monographs, discographies, yearbooks, scores, audio and vcr tapes.

E. Imprint Date: Current in-print publications receive priority, however, selected retrospective publications are purchased in available formats as funding permits.

F. Physical Format: Includes hard and paper bound, sheet, audio and vhs/vcr tapes.

G. Treatment of Subject: Major emphasis is placed upon western composers and their music (classical). Popular American music and composers are also given coverage. At present, the collection consists primarily of musical biography and historiography.                     

H. Place of Publication: Primarily the United States, though English language publications from other countries will be considered where applicable. For audio and vcr tapes, location will not be a consideration.

I. Acquisition Plans Affection Music

The Library currently receives new title announcement slips from Blackwell North American and Baker & Taylor to cover music publications. Usage is also made of sales catalogs from Dover, H&B Recordings, and Shirmer Books.

J. Major Assessment / Selection Tools: Books for College Libraries; Katz, Bill Magazines for College Libraries; Choice.

K. Weeding/Replacement: Currency is not a primary consideration in the field, therefore weeding will be kept to a minimum. Items will be considered for weeding should their physical condition become such that the item is no longer capable of being used. Where possible, replacement copies will be obtained. Discussions between the departmental and library liaisons will determine whether microformat is acceptable as a replacement.

L. Classifications That Define the Scope of the Collection:

M         1-5        Musical scores
M      6-1490      Instrumental music
M   1497-1998    Vocal music
ML    35-3930     Literature on music
MT      2-949      Musical instruction and study

Library Liaison: Hightower                     Subject: Music

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY STATEMENT:
CLASSED ANALYSIS

Collection Level