MUSIC FOR THE MASSES: Q&A with MLA Prez McTyre
Jul 15, 2010Ruthann B. McTyre, MLS, head of Rita Benton Music Library (RBML), Iowa City, and president of the Music Library Association (MLA), talks to LJ columnist Matthew Moyer about the evolution of music librarianship, building a music collection on any budget, and more.
How has the role of music/media librarian evolved over the years?[Today’s music/media librarians] live fully immersed in the whole how-copyright-works environment since we deal with copyright as it applies both to performance and educational uses for sound recordings and printed music.... [We also] work hard at finding the right balance between print resources and electronic and, as a result, I think, have become much more open to the concept of access vs. ownership.
Where is the profession heading?
Music collections are tied quite firmly to the print format, as our clientele still need access to the printed score—and not just one version of a work but several. The same applies to sound recordings: not just one will do. Because of that, music libraries are still very much at the heart of our schools or departments of music.... [That said], just as librarians in other areas are doing, music librarians must be adaptable, flexible, and work to stay ahead of the curve in terms of new technologies, new delivery methods for resources, etc.
Are you noticing any trends?
I love that so many researchers and scholars are looking way beyond the confines of traditional music research. I know this isn’t necessarily a new thing, but I do think...it’s occurring more broadly than perhaps ten to 15 years ago. Every time I remember that one of our music theorists here at Iowa has done research on The Clash, it just makes me happy.
How is the proliferation of digital formats impacting your purchase of physical ones?
The digital streaming products out there have had a significant impact on how I purchase CDs, partly because after paying for subscriptions I don’t have a lot of money left to buy CDs. Still, knowing that so much of the repertoire is available through those resources, I can (and must!) take greater care in the CDs I do purchase....
As an individual looking for music, buying an MP3 is fine—I’ve bought it, it’s on my iPod, and that’s that. If that is the only format available for purchase, though, how does a library provide access to it without violating copyright laws and licensing contracts? It’s a scary thought.
Do you see vinyl making a resurgence in library music collections?
It wouldn’t surprise me, but I haven’t had any experience with that yet. Here at RBML, we still have a large LP collection, but...we are no longer adding to it. In fact, as reissues come out on CD, we are withdrawing the matching LP. Space is one reason, and cost of staff time to process a low-priority format is another. However, if vinyl is the only available choice for music that is needed by one of my library users, then I’ll buy it. Music and media librarians are used to adapting to new formats, even “new” LPs.
How can libraries with limited budgets make their music collections as relevant and valuable as possible to patrons?
Know your clientele. If you don’t know what they need to do their research, ask them. Make sure your collection development policy reflects your library’s commitment to supporting the curriculum and research needs of your students and faculty or whatever community in which your music library resides. Work with your vendors to customize an approval plan that fits your collection needs.... If your budget can withstand subscription to a streaming audio or video database or two, use them to cover the basic repertoire and use remaining dollars to be more creative for your own unique collection needs.
Any advice for library students wanting to enter into the profession?
Do whatever is necessary to get some practical work experience in a music library or in the music/media area of a public library while you’re in library school, even if you have to volunteer.... If you have not taken a music bibliography class at some point in your college/grad-school career, see if you can take one as an elective, or check with your closest music librarian about setting up a directed study. If you don’t have a music degree, consider taking several music courses.
[Finally], join the MLA! Along with the national association, there are regional chapters that...offer great programs, and the opportunities to find any number of mentors and other student music librarians abound. [You can also] contact me (ruthann-mctyre@uiowa.edu) or your local music librarian. We are always ready to talk about music librarianship!
Matthew Moyer is Reference Librarian, Popular Media Department, Jacksonville Public Library, FL
