Description
Book SynopsisThe performance librarian is the person responsible for managing, maintaining, and organizing the resources of a performance library. This personnel can now benefit from A Manual for the Performance Library, a guide for organizing and operating a library of music performance materials. Music for performance has different needs than music for study. It must be easy to read and understand, and it must be formatted so as not to impede the musician''s efforts to interpret the notes into musical sound. This book outlines, step-by-step, the ways of acquiring, processing, cataloging, and preparing music for performance. While focusing primarily on music for large ensembles, like orchestra and chorus, author Russ Girsberger also includes concepts that apply to wind, jazz, and chamber ensembles. The material is logically organized, detailing information on purchasing or renting music; cataloging and processing scores; numbering, marking, binding and shelving parts; and preparing and distributi
Trade ReviewThe author's approach is practical, and advice is presented in a straightforward, readable manner....Its chapter-by-chapter arrangement, with references categorized according to type of information, makes it very easy to identify works on a specific topic or function. A good, detailed index is provided. This book has a methodical approach, logical arrangement and it well-illustrated with examples and diagrams. It sets out clear, practical guidance for the operation of a performance library. I highly recommend it to music librarians, and as an example of a clear, well-presented manual. -- February 2008 * Australian Library Journal *
This manual belongs in all ensemble libraries, and music libraries serving performers. * American Reference Books Annual, March 2008 *
...excellent....Highly recommended... * Library Journal, 15 MAY 2007 *
Technical descriptions and definitions are helpful for anyone new to this field.... Thoroughly detailed and full of excellent practical adivce and examples, A Manual for the Performance Library is an essential book for performance librarians and conductors, as well as an informative read for scholars, composers, and performers. -- Melissa U. D. Goldsmith * Fontes Artis Musicae, July- September 2008, Vol 55, No 3 *
Performance librarian at The Julliard School in New York City, Girsberger offers guidance to librarians, musicians, volunteers, and students in operating a library for their organization. Such libraries are repository and distribution centers for music scores and parts. He outlines the basic principles and practices for acquiring, processing, preparing, and distributing music to performers; and for organizing, cataloging, caring for, and preserving the library's holdings. * Reference and Research Book News, May 2007 *
Table of ContentsPart 1 Acknowledgments Part 2 Introduction Chapter 3 1 What is a Performance Librarian? Chapter 4 2 Acquisitions Chapter 5 3 Cataloging Chapter 6 4 Processing Chapter 7 5 Part Preparation Chapter 8 6 Distribution Chapter 9 7 Other Duties and Challenges Part 10 Appendix: Forms, Categories, and Supplies Part 11 Glossary Part 12 Bibliography Part 13 Index Part 14 About the Author
