Like a Scholar: Gaining Hands-On Experience with Specialized Music Tools and Resources

Misti Shaw DePauw University

Keywords: music libraries, music librarianship, in-class activities, hands-on learning

Abstract

Shaw relays her experience of designing a hands-on library instruction activity for students in music history topics courses at DePauw University—an endeavor that was spurred by a request from music history professor Matthew Balensuela. The activity enables them to learn how to use—and when to use—specialized music tools and resources, including thematic catalogs and composer works lists. Searching for sound recording reviews and scholarly digital archives helps them to hone their evaluative skills in a relaxed environment with a librarian’s guidance. A detailed description of the activity is included.

Author Biography

Misti Shaw, DePauw University

Misti Shaw is the Music and Performing Arts Librarian with rank of Associate Professor at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. She holds a BM in cello performance from Oklahoma City University, a MA in music from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, and a MS in library science from the University of North Texas. She currently serves as Editor for the Music Library Association Newsletter. Her publications include the chapters “Cello” and “Percussion” in A Basic Music Library (2013, ALA Editions, 4th ed.), and her reviews have appeared in Music Reference Services Quarterly and Notes.

Published

2013-07-11

Issue

Vol 4 No 1: (Fall 2013)

Section

Roundtable 2

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