The Music Library has a wide pool of resources for users. Whether you are a new student learning everything we have to offer, or a long-time faculty member who frequently visits, this refresher is for you. Don't miss the quiz at the end! Which library resource are you?

Collections

This is just a small taste of the Music Library’s collections; you can find more information on the ones below along with the rest of the library’s collection on our website.

Performance Collection: The Performance Collection contains musical scores and parts for large ensembles and method books for music education. The collection includes music for choral, band, jazz, and orchestral ensembles.
CDs and LPs: In addition to books and scores, the Music Library has a wide range of physical media, representing a variety of composers and performers. Both CDs and LPs are available to borrow from the Music Library.
Archives: The Music Library has over 90 distinct collections that document the university’s contributions to music creation, performance, education, and research on a local, national, and international scale. Materials include both physical and digital items, including composers' autograph manuscripts, correspondence, programs, photographs, recordings, and more. You can explore the holdings on Discover Archives!
Rare Books collection: The Harvey Olnick Rare Book Room contains over 3,000 volumes exemplifying the history of music, music editing, performing, and printing. Explore liturgical manuscripts, early printed treatises, first editions of Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and Gershwin, early Canadian tune books, and much more. If you are interested in consulting material from either our Archives or Rare Books Collection, you can book time in the Harvey Olnick Reading Room.

Audio Technical Resources

We have multiple audio-technical resources, including kits to borrow and things you can use in the library. Our kits are helpful for recording auditions, conducting music-related research or studies, and other projects.

Cameras: We have Sony Alpha A7III cameras that come with tripods. Memory cards are NOT included. Must book online in advance.
Microphones: We have Blue USB multi-directional mics and Neumann KM 184 mics. These are both available on first come, first serve basis.
Podcast kits: Come with microphones, desktop stands, audio interface, cables, etc. Available on a first come, first serve basis.
Tripods: As well as the tripods that come with the digital cameras, we also have tripod boom stands for mics. These are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Lights: We have stage lighting equipment with the Orion ORCAN2 LED Can light and the Orion 16-Channel Dmx Lighting Controller. Available on a first come, first serve basis.
Other equipment: At the desk, you can borrow docks, hubs, cables, adapters, chargers and storage drives for 5 hours at a time.

And of course, you can use computers, photocopiers, printers and light therapy lamps in the library!

Digital Resources

Research Guides: We have class-specific research guides to help you get started with work for your courses, along with a Guide to BIPOC musicians and related literature and a Sustainability in the Music Library guide.
Digital scores: There are many different resources available if you are looking for scores in a digital format. IMSLP and the Internet Archive feature music in the public domain available for everyone, and as a University of Toronto student you have access to nKoda, which has millions of scores available. This is a great place to check if you are looking for music that is missing from our catalogue.
Audio and video streaming: We have a variety of streaming services for music, dance and more. From watching live concerts in high definition on the Berliner Philharmoniker Digital Concert Hall to browsing the over 2 million tracks on the Naxos Music Library, there’s something for everyone.

Bonus

Our staff: Our team at the Music Library are experts in music and research and are here to help. It’s what we are paid to do! If you need help with an assignment, are looking for a tricky-to-find piece, or have general music reference questions, please reach out virtually or in person.

You can stop by during at the service desk during our hours, shoot us an email, or make an appointment online with one of our staff.

Quiz: Which Music Library resource are you?

How often do you visit the library?
What’s your go-to genre of music?
1. Classical
2. RnB
3. Pop
4. Rock
What’s your favourite study spot in the library?
1. Study carrels
2. One of the study rooms
3. Comfy chairs
4. Teaching and Learning Space
What do you use the library for?
1. Books
2. Scores
3. Study space
4. Photocopier
What’s your order at the EJB café?
1. Tea
2. Latte
3. Cliff Bar
4. Strawberry Matcha
Which UofT library do you spend the most time in?
1. Robarts
2. OISE
3. UTSC
4. Music (the best)
What’s your preferred format for listening to music?
1. Vinyl
2. CD
3. Online
4. Live!
How do you study?
1. Lock in at the library for hours
2. Chat with your friends while “studying”
3. Create a solid study plan over time and stick to it
4. Procrastinate and get it done at the last minute
What’s your music student pet peeve?
1. People using the rehearsal room YOU had booked
2. When people don’t tape charts together or don’t print them AT ALL
3. People practicing full volume in the hallways
4. That required performance classes are .333
What’s your favourite KPOP Demon Hunters song?
1. Golden
2. Soda Pop
3. Your Idol
4. Takedown

If you got the most 1s: You are the rare books room! You have been in our beautiful vault, studied the ancient texts, and emailed back and forth with Becky the Music Archivist. You understand why coffee cannot be allowed near the beautiful old texts, but it is sad you can’t live out all your dark academia dreams in the Harvey Olnick Reading Room. Maybe try one of the comfortable chairs by the back window? Relax amongst the carrels with your fancy stationery.

If you got the most 2s: You are our CDs and LPs! As a firm believer in physical media, you know about our vast collection that you can browse and request in our online catalogue. You probably haven’t let the retro age go yet, even if it happened long before you were born. And we believe in you! Take your roller skates for a spin as you enjoy listening to disco from the library.

If you got the most 3s: You are our audio-visual equipment that is available for loan! You might more specifically be either our cameras or podcasting equipment. You are very familiar with the resources the Music Library offers, are on top of your work and need everyone else to get on your level. You also deserve a Tamagotchi.

If you got the most 4s: You are the photocopier! You are surviving – even if you don’t know there’s a second floor to the Music Library. You do, however, know that the photocopier has your back as you prep your music (potentially last minute). We recommend you browse some of the other resources the library has to offer – and invite a librarian next time you’re checking out a cool concert happening in the city.

Music Library Resources 101

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