Although systematic efforts have been taken to develop and organize music collections in libraries for many years, documentation is scant and scattered. This retrospective of literature pertaining to the bibliographic control of music in libraries includes full citations for works dealing with the organization, classification, description, and provision of catalog access to printed and recorded music. Beyond understanding the origins of current practice, earlier literature provides a basis on which to formulate theoretical paradigms, which can be tested and used to articulate principles. This project illuminates both the history and future of the profession.

A select bibliography of about 1,000 periodical and monographic citations relevant to the organization of music in libraries makes up the heart of this text. A brief introduction to facilitate use of the bibliography explains the coverage and arrangement in detail. An additional essay provides the historical and philosophical context of relevant literature and frames the agenda of research suggested by the findings of this project. Author, title, and topical indexes are included.