Careers in Music Librarianship II

The late twentieth-century brought significant changes in the way music is marketed, consumed, taught, and studied. These changes have had a natural effect on the ways that libraries serve their music-loving populations. This resource examines the profession as it responds to these changes, without losing sight of the human element within it in a collection of essays that provide a practical introduction to the profession of music librarianship, and a survey of current professional philosophies and practices. Topics include: preparing for the field, mid-career options, professional organizations that support the work of music librarians, the music librarian of the future, and thoughts on the value of the work that music librarians do.

Music librarians informally describe their day-to-day activities, from maintaining the musical scores for large performing organizations to creating public programs. Speaking with enthusiasm for their chosen profession, these librarians represent a group of professionals that enjoy a special relationship with the materials they work with and the people they serve. A necessary resource for aspiring music librarians, as well as established music librarians looking for a dose of inspiration and current information on the state of their profession.

Paula Elliot is Performing Arts Librarian at Washington State University and a professional singer. She is an active member of the Music Library Association, who has served on its Board of Directors.
Linda Blair has been a Catalog Librarian at the Sibley Library of the Eastman School of Music since 1992, and Cataloging Coordinator since 1998. She currently serves on the Education Committee of the Music Library Association, coordinating pre-conference workshops.