Michigan State University

Collection Development Policy Statement: Music Literature

Analysis of the Subject Field

A. Chronology/Restrictions

Maintain general-level collection for music literature prior to 12th Century.

Maintain/increase music coverage from 12th Century to present.

Collect material on folk cultures, especially Latin America.

Jazz literature (historic or scholarly titles) will be collected at high level, including almost everything published in English but excluding "fanzines" and similar material.

B. Language

No restrictions.

Music literature pertaining to popular culture and jazz will be collected primarily in English; books on American jazz/culture in other languages will generally not be collected.

Theory treatises should be collected in original language with English translation if possible.

C. Geography

No restrictions.

Continue to increase folk, ethnomusicology, and world music collections, especially for the Americas.

Continue to increase material on art music of other cultures.

D. Format

No restrictions.

Electronic books will be purchased as needed, especially edited works and those on more generally popular topics, with print books preferred when images, illustrations, and musical examples are an important part of the text. Textbooks are not generally purchased unless they are seminal texts in their respective areas.

Microforms may be added very selectively.

Cooperative or consortial collection agreements, particularly for electronic resources, should be considered whenever possible.

E. Date of publication

No restrictions.

F. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A majority of the music collection focuses on Western European art music, which is partly a reflection of historical curricular requirements and collecting priorities for academic music libraries in North America. An ongoing priority is to expand the collection beyond the Western European white, male canon, historically typical of many academic music curriculums, and increase holdings of works by underrepresented and historically excluded authors, composers, performers, and other artists. 

Going forward, it is essential that the collection more accurately reflects the growing diversity of the students and curriculum of Michigan State University and is equitable in its representation of music by marginalized authors, composers, performers, and other artists. Music from excluded populations, musical traditions, and geographic areas will be actively and intentionally sought in a variety of ways, including intentional selecting, updating approval plans and profiles as needed to ensure inclusivity and continuing to assess the collection for areas of weakness. Additionally, it is important to seek opportunities to collect music through non-traditional publishers, vendors, and other sources, in a variety of formats, both printed and online, especially when those creator communities do not have access to more traditional means of publishing and distribution.