Music Requests

Submitting requests

Requests may be submitted as either author/title or reference requests, depending on how much information has been verified by library staff. If very little information is available or no verification has been done, a reference request should be placed.

If WISCAT or OCLC has been searched and exact composers and titles have been verified, author/title requests may be submitted for the needed pieces, using a monograph request form on WISCAT ILL. Separate requests should be submitted for print and recorded music, instead of one request that says "sheet music and cassette recording of _____________".

The following guidelines apply to subject requests but it may be helpful to include similar information in the Special Instructions field of the WISCAT ILL form.

Recorded music

When searching WISCAT, OCLC or other sources, staff may find many performances of a particular work. For requests on monograph forms, substitutes are automatically provided if the requested version is not verified or available. When a substitute version is not acceptable, the Special Instructions field should indicate "this performance only" or "this recording only."

If any performance of the work is acceptable, the request may have a better chance of being filled or may be filled more quickly. Although noting this on the monograph form is optional, it will help to add this to reference requests.

The Special Instructions field should be used to note the EXACT format that the patron/user wants. VHS, DVD, CD, AC (audio cassette), LP (phonograph record), etc., should be specified.

Printed music

The Reference and Loan Library has a circulating collection of approximately 8000 pieces of popular sheet music and 1900 indexed song anthologies. The sheet music collection is especially strong in songs from the 1880's through the 1940's. The library's in-house index is searchable by title or keyword.

Library staff in Wisconsin helping patrons locate a song may call 888-542-5543 (Choose 5 for Reference services) toll-free. Librarians calling from outside Wisconsin should dial 608-224-5393. Individuals should contact their local library to access the index. Requests may also be sent via e-mail using the Ask Wisconsin Librarians e-mail form at this website: http://dpi.wi.gov/rll/qp_form.html

When requesting a song, providing the name of the lyricist or composer will be helpful, as many songs have similar titles. Reference and Loan Library staff will search the index and provide information on locating songs.

Classical music

Prolific composers such as Haydn or Vivaldi can be a problem because there are various numbering systems for their works. Requests should be as specific as possible, with opus number and any other known numbers included. Alternate and popular titles of works, as well as instrumentation should be added to the Special Instructions section of the form.

Popular songs

When requesting popular music, the following information should be provided whenever possible: composer, artist, lyricist, year/decade it was published, era in which it was popular, first line of song or chorus, and how positive you are that this is the exact title. When requesting a song "by XXXXXXX," indicate if you mean it was written by or recorded/performed by that person.

Musicals

Patrons may want the soundtrack of the motion picture or of a stage performance. If there is a particular cast desired (e.g. London or Broadway cast), this should be noted in the Special Instructions field.

For more information about requesting music from the Reference and Loan Library, Wisconsin librarians may call the library toll-free at 1-888-542-5543 (Choose 5 for Reference services). Individual library users should contact their local public library.

For questions about this information, contact Shiela A. Pollock (608) 224-5395

Last updated on 2/25/2008 1:35:50 PM