The Libraries seek to support research in the study of music. Particular areas of concentration include historical musicology, music theory, and ethnomusicology. The Libraries' collections also support creative programs, most notably composition, as well as many instructional activities, such as ear training and music performance. It supports the needs of undergraduate and Ph.D. students, MA/MS students, the teaching faculty, post-docs, and research staff members.

During the first half of the 1990’s, the following changes were observed: They include an increasing number of music undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrators. On the graduate level, an apparent increasing number of interdisciplinary projects result in a more diverse group of graduate student users.

New courses recently introduced include increased emphasis on music theory and music cognition. More courses on popular music throughout the world are being emphasized.

Areas of established specialization are historical musicology, theory, and ethnomusicology. The Library collects comprehensively the printed and recorded music of approximately 400 living composers.

Overall, the Libraries’ existing collection and current acquisitions commitment, based upon available resources, for Music are at a very strong study and teaching level. Its collecting goal, however, is at the research level.

1. Formats collected: We collect audio visual tools, monographs, reference tools and scores extensively; annuals, CD-Roms, dissertations, other electronic tools, periodicals, scholarly series, and textbooks selectively; maps and newspapers are excluded.
2. Imprint Dates Collected: We collect current and 20th century publications extensively and 19th century and earlier materials selectively.
3. Chronological Focus: We collect current, 20th century, 19th century, and earlier publication extensively.
4. Languages Collected: We collect Western European language materials extensively and Asian materials selectively.
5. Place of Publication: We collect North American and Western European materials extensively and materials published in Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia selectively.