Music research guides
- Newton for music: how to search for music materials on the Newton catalogues
- Music bibliography: how to get to know different types of reference sources
- Electronic resources for music: how to find the most relevant information about music
- How to find music journals and articles
FAQs
Borrowing, fetching & recalls
Can I renew books?
No, the Pendlebury Library system does not allow for renewals.
However, it will be possible to take out borrowed items again, as long as they are returned before the due date and they are not on hold for another library user.
Fetching
Some items need to be fetched by library staff for you (most commonly, but not exclusively, these include DVDs, CDs and microfilms). If you want an item to be fetched, and wish to use it in the library only we will ask you to leave your university card with us. The card will be kept with us, and we will return it immediately once you return the fetched item to us. This procedure applies to all fetched closed-access items (e.g. CDs, DVDs, MPhil theses, XPas, X….)., and we will start asking you for your university cards from 14 March 2012 for a trial period until September 2012.
Recalls
I need a book that’s on loan. How can I place a recall?
Go to the Newton catalogue – Departments and Faculties O-Z. Find the title of the book and click on Make a request. You will be asked for Your Account details. More information is available by clicking help (see “How can I reserve, hold or recall a book?”).
Fines
How can I pay my library fines?
You can pay your library fines in cash during the library’s opening hours, or pay them online (the minimum amount for online payments is £3). The link to the online payment system is
or as a short url:
http://alturl.com/ptaww
If you have any questions about this new service, please ask us.
When do I need to pay my library fines?
When your fines reach a threshold of £3 (Music Faculty students) or £2 (all other users) your account will be blocked. Then you will have to pay any amount in order for your fines on our system to drop below £3 (Music Faculty students) and £2 (all other users).
Finding library items
How can I find sound recordings in the online catalogue?
Click on Guided Search in the Newton catalogue and then on Apply Limits.
Choose Medium – Sound Recordings and click Set Limits. More search tips are available in the Newton for Music guide.
I typed ‘symphony’ but couldn’t find Prokofiev’s 5th symphony. What should I do?
Try searching for “symphonies”. The score doesn’t always mention the English title.
When it doesn’t, a generic title is added in English. To make it as generic as possible (to cover collections etc.) it is always plural. So for any genre, try the English plural form in either the Title or Keyword Anywhere field. More search tips are available in the Newton for Music guide.
Is there always an English title for operas in the catalogue?
No. Operas and any other works with a given title are always listed both in their original language and the language of the score, but not necessarily in English. If a search in English is unsuccessful, try finding out what the original title is in New Grove.
Access to e-resources
How can I access Naxos Music Library?
Naxos Music Library passwords are available upon application at the Pendlebury Library issue desk. Applications must be made in person. The passwords are changed every academic year.
How can I access Oxford Music Online (incl. Grove Online) during the holidays?
Grove online and many other online resources are available outside the Cam domain by using your Raven password. For more information go to eresources@cambridge – help.
Facilities in the Library
Are there scanning and photocopying facilities?
Yes. The Library has a photocopier for black and white copies in the Photocopy room adjacent to the issue desk. This is activated by a Pendlebury Photocopy Card only. Cards may be purchased from the issue desk for £2.50, and come pre-loaded with £1 credit. Cards can be topped up with cash in the machine on the wall next to the copier.
Scanning to USB/memory stick is possible on the photocopier. There is also a flatbed A4 scanner in the Library Annexe for students with Music Faculty login rights.
Links and online tutorials
- Searching for music literature [University of Washington Music Library]
- JISC’s resource guide for the arts and humanities
- Online databases and research tools for music [British Library]
- Subject information for Music [John Rylands Library]
- Reference Services [The Music Library, University of California, Berkeley]
- Internet for Music/Internet research skills [Virtual Training Suite]
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