Module Information

Module Identifier
DS34610
Module Title
Introduction to Music Librarianship
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Dr Julie Mathias
Semester
Distance Learning
Reading List
View example reading list on Aspire
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Blog Post  1250 Words  50%
Semester Assessment Report  1250 Words  50%
Supplementary Assessment Blog Post  1250 Words  50%
Supplementary Assessment Report  1250 Words  50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

define the purpose and nature of music libraries

outline the processes of creating and distributing music and how this affects libraries;

describe the needs of performers and listeners and how they affect library provision

describe the main information retrieval problems music causes and outline some basic solutions

consult music catalogues and indexes to find information about music

discuss the management, marketing and training issues relevant to music libraries

Brief description

This module describes the common problems of music librarianship and identifies potential solutions. It also examines the place of music libraries in the wider library world. It is aimed at those who may find themselves having some responsibility for music in a broader management context.

Content

The module will cover the acquisition, bibliography, cataloguing and classification, circulation and other aspects of music library work in an online environment, and will examine the particular nature of music services within academic, public and special libraries including Music Information Centres and music publishers, hire libraries. It will pay particular attention to the management of music collections, since music library work requires special training in such areas as, for example, cataloguing and conservation, and in catering for a wide variety of different user groups.
Unit 1: Music Libraries: the whys and wherefores
Unit 2: The nature of music
Unit 3: Information retrieval: an introduction
Unit 4: Supply and demand
Unit 5: Managing the music library: staff, stock, finance

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Co-ordinating with others Scope for online discussion with other users
Creative Problem Solving Exercises and content enable the student to develop the skills to clarify the needs of music library and music collection users, as well as to retrieve, manage, and promote relevant music resources to meet those needs
Critical and analytical thinking Identification of reading and critical review of literature and applications for contribution to discussions and completion of assignments.
Digital capability Identification of online catalogues, databases, and overview of RDA and music classification systems
Reflection This is a professional subject module where the learner reflects on own skills and evidence-based workplace practice. Working through a selection of study guide activities will facilitate student development.
Subject Specific Skills Discover how libraries can access range of music sources, understand needs of performers and listeners, explore information retrieval problems and solutions related to music, exposure to music catalogues and indexes, consider management of music libraries, training and marketing.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6