Music librarians organize and enhance music collections in various institutions, including public and academic libraries, music publishers, conservatories, and media outlets. They require in-depth knowledge of music and often hold bachelor’s degrees in musicology and master’s degrees in library science. The Music Library Association provides career information and support.
It can be said that music librarians systematize their passion for music. Beyond this basic generalization, however, the duties of a music librarian can vary widely and are dictated by the type of institution in which the librarian works. Some of the most common employers of music librarians include public and academic libraries and, to a lesser extent, music publishers, music conservatories, and media outlets such as television or radio stations.
A music librarian at a public or academic library may spend a great deal of time organizing the institution’s music collection, which may include items such as books, manuscripts, and audio and video recordings. In addition, he or she may seek out new materials to enhance existing collections and help library patrons research and use materials in the collection effectively. For academic institutions in particular, a music librarian may teach classes or seminars on subjects such as music cataloging or manuscript preservation, as well as conduct and publish original research in the field of music.
Music library science is by no means limited to traditional library settings. Music publishers sometimes employ librarians to edit materials for publication and catalog archival material. A music librarian at a conservatory may be responsible for purchasing or renting sheet music needed for student performance. Radio and television stations often rely on a music librarian to create a collection of music that can be used to enhance programming, and producers can work in coordination with the station’s librarian to select music appropriate to their programming needs. Depending on the nature of the station, the resident music librarian may also be required to obtain recorded performances for broadcast in full.
Obviously, this type of librarianship requires in-depth knowledge about the field of music. Thus, many music librarians hold bachelor’s degrees in areas such as musicology, supplemented by courses in other areas of the humanities, allowing them to understand how music fits into the broader context of the arts. They often have first-hand experience as musical performers. Increasingly, libraries hire only candidates with advanced qualifications; as such, many music librarians also hold master’s degrees in library science.
The Music Library Association (MLA) was founded in 1931 to provide career information and support for music librarians. In addition, the MLA organizes several workshops that allow music librarians to interact with colleagues from other institutions. Individuals seeking information on librarian training and employment opportunities may contact the MLA for assistance.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
