Edited by Don Michael Randel. Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1986. This edition is actually the third to be published, and use of computer technology was made in its compilation. A standard reference tool since 1949. This valuable index is international in scope and lists articles and reviews of books and concerts.
Issues appear monthly, and the monthly issues are cumulated annually.
The network of subject headings is extensive, and references can often be found under several headings. Search capability is increased tremendously on the CD-ROM, which includes the Music Index contents for a seventeen year period. RILM Abstracts of Music Literature . Crane Library has the printed RILM Abstracts from 1967 to 1993, and on-line First Search card access to abstracts from 1969 to 1995, as well as a select number of citations without abstract from 1996 and 1997. This valuable resource includes abstracts of periodical articles, dissertations, and, occasionally, books and references to book reviews.