Music Collection Policy

English is preferred for monographs, reference and research books, and periodicals. A limited number of German, French, Italian, and Spanish titles are collected, and texts in other languages are collected as appropriate. Scores and sound recordings are purchased regardless of the origin of publication or the language in which introductory material is written. When possible, scores of vocal music are collected in editions with texts in the original language.

Emphasis is on the classical music tradition of Europe and America, but broad coverage of world music (Latin American, African, Asian, Jewish, etc.) is maintained, with a focus on the Caribbean and Americans. Regional music–both New Orleans and Louisiana–are emphasized.