Due to the distinctive nature of music as a separate "language" that non-musicians are often unable to read or understand, the cataloging and classification of music materials frequently present special challenges. In response to this often problematic situation, this volume is designed to introduce the principles of music classification to beginning music catalogers, as well as to non-specialist catalogers, and those who only occasionally deal with music materials. It will surely relieve the stress level for general catalogers by providing practical guidelines as well as clarifying and...

The goal of the MLA Basic Manual Series is to present definitive discussion on specific aspects of the music library profession, but this third volume in the series is a bit atypical. Although it focuses uniquely on instruction in the music library, because music library users' needs, curricular content, or institutional designs differ, it would be impossible to present a single viewpoint on this subject. Because the nature of such instructional programs meshes intimately with the institution itself, to divorce a program from its library would negate the context for its development. As a...

Because music publishing and distribution are largely outside the network of publishers and vendors that libraries use to acquire most of their monographs, there are many inherent difficulties faced by librarians and library staff whose jobs include the acquisition of printed or recorded music. Because of the international nature of the music publishing industry, libraries must often acquire their music stock from many countries and in multiple languages. Library Acquisition of Music is a how-to guide that addresses these issues and provides answers on where and how to acquire these materials.