A Manual for the Performance Library (Music Library Association Basic Manual Series)

by Russ Girsberger

The performance librarian is the person responsible for managing, maintaining, and organizing the resources of a performance library. This personnel can now benefit from A Manual for the Performance Library , a guide for organizing and operating a library of music performance materials.

Music for performance has different needs than music for study. It must be easy to read and understand, and it must be formatted so as not to impede the musician's efforts to interpret the notes into musical sound. This book outlines, step-by-step, the ways of acquiring, processing, cataloging, and preparing music for performance. While focusing primarily on music for large ensembles, like orchestra and chorus, author Russ Girsberger also includes concepts that apply to wind, jazz, and chamber ensembles. The material is logically organized, detailing information on purchasing or renting music; cataloging and processing scores; numbering, marking, binding and shelving parts; and preparing and distributing the music for rehearsal or performance. Additional duties, such as describing necessary information on preparing concert programs and audition lists, and caring for and preserving the library's holdings are also covered. The manual concludes with a glossary, an annotated bibliography, and an appendix, which features sample forms for cataloging and circulating the library's materials.

Genres: Nonfiction

182 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Jonathan D Kopplin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough handbook on the intricacies of working as an ensemble librarian.

[Wagrobanite · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting but dull. It would be useful if I actually worked in music library but right now it doesn't serve any practical purposes for me right now