Music librarians can be thought of as systematizing their love of music. However, beyond this broad definition, the responsibilities of a music librarian vary greatly, and are determined the type of institution where the librarian works. Public and academic libraries, as well as music publishers, music conservatories, and media outlets such as television and radio stations, are some of the most common employers of music librarians.
A music librarian at a public or academic library may spend a significant amount of time organizing the library’s music collection, which may include books, manuscripts, and audio and video recordings. He or she may also look for new materials to add to existing collections and assist library patrons in effectively searching and using the collection’s materials. A music librarian, particularly in academic institutions, may teach classes or seminars on topics such as music cataloging or manuscript preservation, as well as conduct and publish original research in the field of music.
However, music librarianship is not limited to traditional library settings. Music publishers frequently hire music librarians to edit manuscripts for publication and catalog archival materials. A conservatory’s music librarian may be in charge of purchasing or renting sheet music for student performances. Producers may collaborate with their station librarian to select music appropriate to their programming needs, as radio and television stations often rely on a music librarian to build a collection of music that can be used to enhance programming. Depending on the nature of the station, the resident music librarian may also be asked to locate complete recordings of live performances for broadcast.
Obviously, this type of librarianship necessitates a thorough understanding of the field of music. As a result, many music librarians have bachelor’s degrees in fields like musicology, supplemented coursework in other humanities disciplines, allowing them to comprehend how music fits into the larger context of the arts. They frequently have firsthand experience as musicians. Libraries are increasingly hiring candidates with advanced degrees; as a result, many music librarians also hold Master of Library Science degrees.
The Music Library Association (MLA) was founded in 1931 to provide music librarians with career information and support. Furthermore, the MLA hosts a number of workshops that allow music librarians to network with colleagues from other institutions. The MLA can help people who are looking for information on music librarian training and job opportunities.