1.Begin with the text version of Sage

 

2.Try keyword searching first (W) due to the nature of music materials (multiple formats, generic titles, various languages,

prolific composers, etc.)

 

3.Pick out the distinctive parts of the title, such as op. 64 or K. 330, and combine that with the composer's last name:

Example: Beethoven's 9th Symphony in D minor, op. 125

Actual search: WORD : Beethoven 125
 

4.You can limit by material type (compact discs, phonorecords, scores, videos, books, etc.) by using the following

commands:

L> Limit this search
M> Material type
 

5.Examine your results to determine which item you want, write down the entire call number, and note the format of the

item. If the item is a sound recording or music video, ask for it at the circulation desk.

 

 
 
 

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Library of Congress classification system
The Music Library contains all the M class materials owned by the St. Olaf libraries.
Call numbers starting with:
M = the music itself (both scores and recordings)
ML = music literature (materials about music, composers, or music history)
MT = music theory or music education materials

Expanded Academic ASAP, 1985-present

Online via Libraries' Home Page

An online index to over 1600 journals covering a variety of subject areas. A good way to gain access to recent materials as well as more general journals that may not be indexed in Music Index.
 

International Index to Music Periodicals (IIMP), 1874-present

Online via Libraries' Home Page

Indexes a wide variety of international music periodicals, some back to the late 1800s. Includes abstracts from 1996 to the present.
 

Music Index, 1949-present

[Music Library Reference ML118.M9 (Index tables) and online]

The major index to periodical literature in the field of music. Indexes obituaries, book reviews, reviews of performances, and scholarly articles from over 300 music periodicals. Does not include abstracts. Online database covers 1979 - present.

Encyclopedias and Dictionaries:

The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music. New York: Garland, 1998.  10 vols.

[Music Library Reference ML 100 .G16 1998]

An excellent starting place for research about world music. Volumes include Africa (Vol. 1); South America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean (Vol. 2); The United States and Canada (Vol. 3); Southeast Asia (Vol. 4); South Asia: The Indian Subcontinent (Vol. 5); The Middle East (Vol. 6); East Asia: China, Japan, Korea (Vol. 7); Europe (Vol. 8); Australia and the Pacific Islands (Vol. 9); and General Perspectives (Vol. 10).   Substantial scholarly articles, complete with bibliographies and illustrations, are provided. The index provides access to information on specific regions or ethnic groups.  The library also owns accompanying CDs.
 

New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 2nd ed.   29 vols. Stanley Sadie, ed. London: Macmillan, 2001

[Music Library  Reference ML100.N48 2001 and online.]

Use the lists of composers' works following articles about them to locate specific works within collected sets of composers' complete works.
 

New Harvard Dictionary of Music. ed. by Don Randel. Cambridge: Belknap, 1986.

Music Library Reference ML 100.A64 1986

The basic dictionary of terms in music. Emphasizes the historical point of view and does not include biographical information. Bibliographies at the end of articles may be helpful for further research.

Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians. Centennial ed. rev. by N. Slonimsky. NY: Schirmer Books, 2001.  6 vols.

Music Library Reference ML 105.B2 2001

A useful and reliable dictionary offering concise biographical information about musicians from all times and places. Not a source for complete information, but a handy quick reference tool. Major works by composers are listed.
 

Consult reviewed and “collected” links to music sites (metasites) accessible via the Music Library Homepage

Music Library Reference Hours:

• Posted on Music Librarian's door
• Regular reference assistance provided by Beth Christensen, Music Librarian, and Kathy Blough, Music Cataloger
• Please be sure to ask for help  if you need assistance!