Our collections of books, scores, periodicals, and sound and video recordings support research in a wide variety of musical disciplines, including historical musicology, music theory, ethnomusicology, composition, and historically informed performance practice.
General Collections
Archive of World Music
The Archive of World Music is a collection of archival field recordings and commercial recordings of ethnomusicological interest. Because some recordings in the Archive must be digitized before use, we encourage researchers planning a visit to contact the library well in advance.
Isham Memorial Library
Isham Memorial Library is a special collection of rare original books and scores and facsimiles of musical sources. Researchers can access paper-based special collections from the Loeb Music Library in the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room at Houghton Library. Submit requests and make a reading room appointment at least three business days prior to your visit to ensure that the materials are ready for you.