Music Library Collections

General Collections

The Northwestern University Music Library includes over 250,000 volumes of books, printed music, sound recordings, and journals; maintains subscriptions to over 400 periodicals; and provides access to a wide variety of online resources. Recognized internationally for its extensive holdings of 20th-century and contemporary music, the library acquires nearly all new publications of works composed since 1945 and purchases most new recordings of 20th-century and contemporary music.

Additional Information: Recent Acquisitions

Special Collections

Rare Books & Scores

Among the Music Library's holdings of rare materials are first and early editions of treatises, libretti, and printed music as well as facsimiles of manuscripts and other primary sources. Rare books and scores can be located via NUcat.

General Manuscript Collection

Over 1,300 music manuscripts and nearly 1,000 pieces of correspondence comprise the General Manuscript Collection. Although this collection represents music from the 14th century to the present, emphasis in placed in four areas:
  • Music composed since 1945, particularly experimental and avant-garde music
  • Works by composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries whose influence contributed to the development of 20th-century music
  • The process of music composition as represented in sketches, completed manuscripts, revisions, publication proofs, and variant editions
  • The art and development of music notation
Most materials in the General Manuscript Collection can be located in NUcat and WorldCat with detailed bibliographic information and a link to a digital image of each item. Such images are intended for educational purposes and to assist researchers in the identification of particular works or sources.
More Information: Guide to Finding Music Manuscripts in NUcat

Archival Collections

The Music Library is home to archival collections that document the work of particular composers, conductors, performers, and organizations through manuscripts, correspondence, and other primary sources. Collections relating to experimental music since 1945 include the archives of John Cage, Ben Johnston, Robert Moran, and the ONCE group, while further holdings, such as the Fritz Reiner Library, the Ricordi Collection, and a portion of the Moldenhauer Archives, represent other important musicians, styles, and eras. Archival collections held by the Music Library include:

  • Johnston, Ben
  • Lombardo, Robert
  • Martinon, Jean
  • Mason, Edith
  • Meyerowitz, Jan
  • Moldenhauer Archive
  • Moran, Robert
  • New Music Chicago
  • ONCE
  • Raphling, Sam
  • Reiner, Fritz
  • Ricordi
  • Sowerby, Leo

Access

Music Library special-collections materials are available to Northwestern University students, faculty, and visiting researchers for on-site examination by appointment only and in accordance with the Policy for Using Rare Music Library Materials. Unprocessed collections are accessible only under special circumstances. Inquiries regarding access to or reproduction of Music Library special-collections materials should be directed to the Head of the Music Library.

Grey Rule
Northwestern University Music Library
1970 Campus Drive
Evanston, Illinois 60208

Phone: (847) 491-3434
Fax: (847) 467-7574
musiclibrary@northwestern.edu

Last updated: April 14, 2008