Not just storages: the culture of service in music libraries

Abstract

Music libraries are public or private institutions that collect a multiplicity of musical sources and materials of musical interest. They are special libraries with a strategic role for the institution, with wide and specialized collections and specialist music librarians that have to satisfy the needs of their own user communities. The article examines and discusses functions, services, requirements of music libraries and music librarians to underline that the interest of professional literature is confined almost exclusive to the collections, mainly to cataloging and conservation, without a solid analysis of the organization and management of library services. This applies to all music libraries and especially for Italian conservatoires and music schools libraries, whose data about service quality are poor.
A music library is not just a storage of musical materials; especially in the field of music education, it has at least three functions: the conservation and the enhancement of music materials, the support for teaching and research and, last but not least, the cultural and social function for students, music teachers, researchers, musicians and for all citizens. Through the collection of data and evidences, service assessment then becomes an essential means to prove and increase these functions.