Happy New Year to all. Although 1999 is only a few
weeks old, the Music Library staff has been busily
engaged in several of the projects that will consume
our energies over the next year.
The biggest project concerns our planning for a new library system to be implemented in July. We are very excited about Endeavor, its public catalog Voyager, and the possibilities afforded by a client-server installation.
Because some data, specifically, open order records, will not migrate easily from the current system to Endeavor, we will be completing the materials order process earlier in the fiscal year, hoping to have the budget expended by 1 May. If you have requests for materials, particularly those you might need for May interim or summer courses, please get that information to me as soon as possible. Conversely, I will not order materials whose publication date is uncertain until 1 July.
We are equally enthusiastic about hosting the Association for Recorded Sound Collections 31st annual conference in May. The conference will bring to campus archivists, scholars, collectors, discographers, and even some celebrities. Mark your calendar for 19-22 May. [See adjoining article]
Our first full semester utilizing streaming audio for course reserves was a wonderful learning experience. Some students and faculty loved the convenience of listening from home and other sites on campus. Other experiences were not as positive, and many issues remain to be resolved. Among these is the amount of staff time required to do the work, the less than ideal sound quality of modem delivered files, and the broader issue of where the library's responsibility to supply students with study and listening materials lies. Nonetheless, we will continue to develop the technology. Electronic reserves, including streaming audio, is available for all courses. Any faculty member who wishes to take advantage of it should contact Peg Brown at 263-3291. Preservation activities continue to consume much of our energy. Most recently, the Music Library was awarded a $15,000 Brittingham grant to microfilm several manuscripts and first editions in the Tams-Witmark Collection. Once the filming is complete, the manuscript materials will be removed to the Special Collections vaults on the 9th floor, where the environment and security are better.
We also have made great strides in our recorded sound preservation program. On 8 January 1999, acetate disc recordings from the 1940s made by the Pro Arte Quartet were picked up by US Art for delivery to the New York studios of Seth Winner. Winner, widely known for his excellence in sound restoration, will make digital preservation copies for the library.
We are now seeking grant funds to work with Robert Fountain's recorded legacy, prompted both by the importance of his work and the ongoing interest of others. We hope to begin work with this collection later in the year.
Despite these activities, we will continue to be accessible to faculty and patrons. We have a great student and volunteer staff to help ensure that the quality of our services remain the highest possible. We thank you for your continued support.