The Schwob Music Library: A Treasure Trove of Resources

Written by Hanna Ivey

The Schwob Music Library offers many valuable resources. It is part of CSU Libraries and is available not only to serve the needs of CSU students and those working in the school of music, but also, according to the Columbus State website, “the needs of alumni, area musicians, music educators, community members, and students of all ages wishing to take private and group lessons in the Schwob School of Music Preparatory Division.” It is conveniently located near the Schwob School of Music lobby. 

The music library has been without a music librarian for two years. Library associate Judy Moore and library assistant Michelle Nowell have been keeping the music library running since then. Ms. Moore’s role covers many different tasks. Part of her job is to shelve and find library materials and make sure that everyone has access to them. She also answers questions, on the phone and in person. She keeps patrons happy and helps them find things, including books, scores, and journal articles. She describes her job as “to go boldly where no music librarian has gone before!” Her favorite part of her job is “meeting the students’ needs.” If the music library does not have a particular resource, she likes showing them how to get what they need from other Georgia institutions or out-of-state institutions. 

Ms. Nowell, like Ms. Moore, fulfills many roles in the music library. She does desk work, which includes answering phones and emails, and pulls and shelves materials. She also helps students and teachers with whatever they need. She said, “that can be as simple as ‘Can I have a pencil?’ to ‘How soon can we get an eight-piece ensemble ordered and shipped? I need it for a concert in a few weeks.,’” In regard to the scope of her role, she comments, “You name it, I’ve probably done it or helped with it.” Her favorite part of her job has been working with Ms. Moore and other members of the school of music.

 Working in the music library also has its challenges. The running of the music library relies heavily on technology. Ms. Nowell and Ms. Moore both described their greatest challenges as getting work done when the Internet and printing are down. 

Music students use the music library for checking email, printing, finding and scanning scores, and research papers. It is also a place where the music students socialize and interact with one another.  Kyra Strakes, a sophomore music performance major in clarinet says, “I use the music library for many different things. Most commonly, I use it to print homework or work on assignments while I'm at Schwob. I also borrow books that are relevant to any papers I'm writing.” When asked how having the music library impacts her as a student, she states, “The music library is a fantastic resource. It's very helpful to have an archive of scholarly materials on a wide range of topics relating to music. Digital versions of some books are available as well, which is very convenient. The music library has made it significantly easier to find good, reliable sources that I use in the essay writing process.” 

Shannon Wright, a junior interdisciplinary studies major with pathways in Creative and Ethical Reasoning, as well as Leadership and Communication, says, “I usually go to the music library to study, meet for tutoring, or use the computers.” She says that although she has not checked out any books at the music library, “it’s nice to have a library that’s separate for music related things.” She also enjoys interacting with the library workers: “It’s...nice to go in and talk to Ms. Judy and Ms. Michelle. I don’t know if anyone ever tells them, but it’s nice to have someone notice your presence and say hello; even if it’s brief. Also, no matter how complicated the matter was, they always helped me to the end.”

There are many resources available to students in the music library, including free online resources through CSU; print resources, including scores and books on various musical topics; and the printer and scanner. Ms. Moore and Ms. Nowell also have items such as pencils, pens, band aids, plastic ware, safety pins, envelopes, and postage stamps available for students.

Community patrons' time in the music library is primarily focused on leisure time on the computers. In addition to computer access, community patrons also have access to printing and scanning. Community members with borrowing privileges have access to the print resources in the music library. 

For more information about the music library, visit https://www.columbusstate.edu/library/music-library.php