When there is music in the air...

ALIA Music Library Special Interest Group formed

The creation of a Music Library Special Interest Group was recently approved by the ALIA Board of Directors, and is now looking for members. The group has been set up to provide support for all people working in music libraries. This includes everyone from volunteers, to librarians, to managers, as well as the users of those libraries. Music libraries can be as small as a few hundred records in a public library, through to a dedicated academic reference centre. In between there are libraries to be found in most community radio stations, commercial radio and television stations, universities, conservatories, and special collections which may be independent from other institutions.

The group aims to give members access to a community of other libraries so that they can ask questions, find resources, and take part in group events. For people new to music libraries, especially those in community radio libraries, there will be discussion of broadcasting events, and the essentials of setting up a library in a broadcasting environment. For experienced practitioners, larger issues dealing with technology, copyright, and issues unique to music libraries will be discussed.

The Music Library SIG also aims to reach out to younger members of ALIA and people who are interested in studying librarianship. The group aims to show a different side to what librarians can do, as music libraries are quite unique in their collections and function.

Suggestions for activities and articles for the group's forthcoming newsletter are welcome.

For more information about how to join the Music Library SIG, please write to the convenor by e-mail mlsig@start.com.au.nospam (please remove '.nospam' from address) or by post to Fiona Bradley, SBS Radio Resource Centre, Locked Bag 028, Crows Nest NSW 1585.