Finding Media Items
The Music and Video CollectionReed’s music and video collection is housed in the Instructional Media Center, located in lower level one, room L32 of the library building. CDs, LPs, VHS tapes, and DVDs are kept in a closed vault behind the circulation desk, along with music scores, CD-ROMs and a small collection of miscellaneous books about music. To check out an item, give the call number or title to the IMC circulation worker, along with your Reed ID.
Searching for CDs and LPs
Compact discs and records are cataloged by composer. The simplest way to find a particular piece is to type keyword searches of the title and composer. If you are unsure of the exact title, using the composer’s last name and one keyword in the title will usually suffice. When searching the catalog, always limit your search to the appropriate collection. For instance, music CDs and LP records are part of the “sound recordings” collection. When searching classical music, knowledge of the composer’s country of origin can help with keywords, particularly instruments, as titles and notes are sometimes cataloged without translation.
Finding DVDs and videotapes
Videos are cataloged using Library of Congress call numbers. Since these call numbers were conceived with books in mind, the classifications with regards to videorecordings have been liberally applied. Consequently, it is not out of the ordinary to find the same title with different call numbers. Searching for movies is as simple as putting in the title (as either a title or keyword search) and limiting it to the video collection. If you need further reduction of the search results, try the title and the director or lead actor’s last name. The call number will be followed by either “video” (VHS) or “DVD” depending on the format. You can also view a database of movies by title, release date, or language from the IMC home page.
Finding Scores
When searching from the library web page, the easiest way to find scores is to type in the title, composer, and the phrase “score”. There is no way to browse music scores only from the webpage since they are part of the larger library collection as a whole. The circulation workers, however, can refine a search within scores using Millennium (Reed’s cataloging/circulation program) so it may be easier to have them look it up. Since there can be several types of scores for the same title, please specify the type. For instance, are you looking for a full orchestral score, reduction, or an instrumental/vocal part? Don’t hesitate to have the IMC desk worker pull all the parts for a particular title. They are generally shelved together so it’s simple to do so.
Circulation (Borrowing)
Please note that most CDs and many videos do not circulate outside the IMC. The circulation desk worker will make you aware of this. Use these materials within the IMC and do not remove them without express permission from the IMC manager.
Thanks,
Jim Holmes
IMC Manager
(503)777-7352
