A Guide to Library Research in Music

Review Bayne and Komara take readers through the wide breadth of music research. Those using the book can read cover to cover, use the alternative reading order suggested by the authors (moving between overview chapters in Part 1 and skill-developing chapters in Part 2), or dive into sections as needed. The work is divided into three parts. “The Short Course” breaks down the basics of research, covering library catalogs and dictionaries, the use of style manuals, and copyright. “How To” helps readers hone skills for finding information, and “Resources” “explores the logic behind the arrangement of music materials using the Library of Congress classification system.” The format makes what may be an overwhelming task easy to digest, highlighting subject-specific searching techniques and resources. Like the first edition, this one doesn’t disappoint, and the authors spotlight new resources available since the original was published in 2008.... Written for students at the undergraduate and graduate level, as well as for general learners, this is a necessary tool for those looking for guidance in finding music research. ― Library JournalThis book is intended as a textbook for music research classes, but it could also be a valuable resource for serious music researchers. Bayne (emer., Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville) wrote the first edition (2008), and is now joined by Komara (SUNY Potsdam). Like the first edition, the volume is divided into three parts: "The Short Course: Music Research and Writing," "How To: Discover and Use Resources," and "Resources: The Literature of Music." Each chapter starts with basics, defining what a certain type of research resource or process is and providing significant examples, and each ends with learning exercises appropriate for class use. Both print and electronic resources receive ample coverage. Notably, part 3 details the complex Library of Congress classification system for music and includes supporting appendixes. The amount of space given to this often-overlooked topic is a welcome validation of its importance to music researchers. A valuable resource for university music libraries and for public libraries with significant music collections. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty; professionals. ― ChoicePauline Shaw Bayne and Edward Komara demystify the most daunting aspects of music research in an update that remains approachable for beginning researchers. -- Misti Shaw, Head of Music Library Public Services and Outreach, Cook Music Library, Indiana University Product Description A Guide to Library Research in Music introduces students to the process and techniques for researching and writing about music. It provides examples of different types of writing, offers a thorough introduction to music literature, describes various information-searching methods and library-based organizational systems, and explores the wide array of music resources. This second edition discusses the latest innovations in library catalog searching, new matters in digital technology, and the expansion in musical genres for library research. The book’s organization allows for three independent tracks of study.Part 1 treats essentials of the research process, explaining starting-point resources such as library catalogs, dictionaries, and bibliographies. It addresses scholarly documentation, the use of style manuals, and basics of copyright.Part 2 develops skills and strategies for library- and Internet-based research, describing database structures and library catalogs, subject searching in catalogs and journal indexes, keyword searching techniques, related-record searching and citation databases, and the use of experts and thematic catalogs. Part 3 discusses the organization of a music library, emphasizing score collections, books and journals in music literature, and music teaching publications. About the Author Pauline Shaw Bayne is retired assistant dean of li