MH211 -- Survey of Western Music
Getting Started: Miscellaneous tips for locating information
- Get your background information first - make sure you know something about your topic or assignment before you look in a database.
- Look in the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (Ref. ML 100 .N48), it has a wealth of information. For more contemporary individuals check the Baker's Biographical Dictionary of 20th Century Musicians (Ref ML 105 .S612 1997).
- Note variant spellings in names of people and compositions. Is there a popular title associated with a specific piece of music?
- Is it possible something may be described in more than one way? Think of synonyms or like terms. (i.e. song, leider)
- How broad is your topic? The more prolific a composer, the greater amount of information you will find and the more specific you will need to be in your search.
- What kind of information are you looking for? Make sure you are looking for the right kind of information in the right place. Think about the content of the various databases.
- What is the time frame of the information you are looking for? Double check the dates of material included in the source you are searching.
- Use Reference sources! For an extensive list of music resources available at Millikin visit the Music Research Guide.
When in doubt, please ask to see a Research Librarian!!
A Comparison of Music Index and RILM
Music Index and RILM are databases devoted exclusively to music materials, making them the starting point for music research.
Although there is some overlap in content, there will be many unique items in each database. In most cases, a search in each of these will be helpful.
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Music Index
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RILM
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| Dates of coverage |
1949 - |
1967 - |
| Format |
Print: 1949 - 2001
Online: 1976-present (some info. from 1962-1975) |
Print: 1967-1979
Online via EbscoHost:
1969-present |
| Updates |
Irregular, but several times per year |
Monthly |
| Content |
Periodical articles only (magazines, journals, etc.) |
Articles, dissertations, bibliographies, books, reviews |
| Scope |
Primarily English language |
International (many languages) |
| Records include |
Citations only |
Citations and abstracts,
limited full -text |
| Subject focus |
Classical and popular music, music education, book reviews, obituaries, music industry, musicians |
Scholarly works, ethnomusicology, music therapy, elementary music education, advanced music theory, history |
RILM
The RILM Abstracts of Music Literature database is the primary database for scholarly music sources.
Music Index is a database devoted to both popular and scholarly music sources.
Academic Search Premier
A general academic database that includes music periodicals. To limit to scholarly journals only, select Peer Reviewed. This database does include some full-text articles.
Use MILLINET, the Staley Library Online Catalog to locate books, recordings, and music in our collection.
- If you know the exact title select Search by: Title to begin searching, leave of initial articles (a, an, the).
- If you know the composer or author use the Search by: Author option entering the last name first.
- If you are uncertain of the exact title or author name, Search by: Any Word Anywhere or Boolean Search.
- For general music/genre searches use the Search by: Subject option and enter a valid Library of Congress Subject Heading. Use the Library of Congress Subject Headings volumes in the Ready Reference section of the library to determine these.
- If you know are looking for a song or piece of music that might be part of a larger collection, enter the title, enclosed by quotation marks and use the Any Word Anywhere search.
- To locate books and music in other Illinois libraries, click on the I-Share Catalog button. Proceed with your search in the new database.
Naxos Music Library
Naxos Music Library is an online audio resource for listening. It will provide you with the opportunity to listen to different interpretations of various pieces of music. Most selections will also include a recording's liner notes as well. Clicking on "Text Resources" provides access to a glossary, pronunciation guides, opera synopses, opera libretti, and several audiobooks on music history. Follow instructions on class handout for using Naxos.
Naxos Music Library: Jazz
Naxos Music Library: Jazz is an online music audio resource for an extensive catalogue of jazz recordings.
Connecting Music to Other Disciplines
You may need to connect your topic to non-musical events as you proceed with your research. To locate articles in non-music sources use the Periodical Databases list to determine those in which to begin your search.
There are also numerous encyclopedias in the Reference Collection that focus on other disciplines. Note the call numbers on these items and then browse the shelves on the upper floors in these sections for similar, circulating sources. Ask a librarian if you need assistance locating these sources.
Annotating a Bibliography and Citing Your Sources
For assistance in annotating your bibliography see Preparing an Annotation. This page contains information on what is included in an annotated bibliography as well as examples.
A guide to using the MLA Format, illustrated with Millikin University resources is available. See the MLA Citation Guide  or ask for assistance in the Writing Center.
How much time do you need to allow to complete your paper? Check out the Assignment Calculator. (From the University of Minnesota Libraries.)
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