Users can call up color images of selected recording labels in the collection, and audio samples from five of the recordings. Music Library patrons often need recent death dates of composers and musicians, both for publications and for inclusion in concert programs. Washington University's Gaylord Music Library Necrology is an excellent source for the years 1980 to date. In addition to the Web resources, the Music Library provides other electronic products. As part of their educational program, music students need to build a knowledge of the physical characteristics and sounds of musical instruments, both standard and less commonly encountered.
Students can view an image of the instrument, read a description of it, and listen to a performance.
This product was developed locally with input from students and graduates of the School of Music's Ethnomusicology program. One of the Music Library's special services is a sound restoration program, using equipment jointly purchased by the Libraries and the School of Music. This service was originally conceived in order to tape and restore the sound on early recordings in the collections.