Music Library

As part of the Davidson College Archives and Special Collections, the Music Library supports the interdisciplinary needs of students and faculty through a focus on instrumental and vocal performance, theory and composition, history and literature, and digital music studies. We acquire and maintain materials which advance learning and research, offer engagement with diverse perspectives, and reflect the distinctiveness of our community. These commitments are driven by the library’s enduring values of inclusion, discovery, openness, engagement, and stewardship and by the mission of the Archives, Special Collections, & Community team.

We manage our collections according to the professional standards outlined in the Music Library Association’s Mission Statement and by the Association of College & Research Libraries in their Code of Ethics for Special Collections Librarians.  

Acquisition

The Music Library’s primary focus is to support the curricular needs of the Music Department, provide teaching materials for Applied Music instruction, and to positively impact teaching and learning through our collections. In consultation with the Music Department faculty, we acquire materials in a variety of formats including scores, monographs, and audio recordings. To request materials, contact the Music Librarian or complete the library’s Suggest a Purchase form. 

Our collection areas of strength include: 

• Western Art Music (Classical)
• Jazz
• Rock 
• Film Music 
• Latin American and Brazilian 
• World Music
• Native American
• American roots music

We are committed to expanding the diversity of our collections by actively acquiring works and recordings by composers and artists from underrepresented communities. Additionally, work continues to identify, highlight, and preserve existing materials in our collections that reflect those communities.

Format

We order monographs in print or digital form, depending on the requestor’s preference and the availability of the item. Physical formats are preferred for scores due to the restrictions and availability of electronic versions. CD is preferred for audio recordings and DVD and Blu-ray discs are preferred for films. We generally do not collect analog recording formats (e.g. vinyl records, cassette tapes, VHS cassettes, etc.). The library provides access to a number of electronic resources including e-books and journals as well as streaming audio and video. Visit our A-Z list to see all of the titles. 

Donations

Due to space considerations and the high costs associated with processing, storing, and preserving materials, the Music Library typically cannot accept donations. Please refer to the Archives & Special Collections Gift and Donation Policy for more information.

All donations must be approved in advance and require a signed deed of gift with an itemized list of the donation. To discuss a potential donation, please send a message to our Music Librarian.

Deselection

The removal of some materials is key to maintaining the Music Library’s currency and usefulness. We may choose to remove items based on their age, physical condition, obsolescence, or lack of use. Before removal each item receives careful consideration from the music librarian and music faculty. 

Digitization 

For in-class use, faculty may submit digitization requests through the library catalog. See here for more detailed information about digitization requests. Alumni may request digitized recordings of Music Department recitals in which they performed by contacting Music Librarian.