Saturday, July 17, 2010

Week 9: Music Collections

Music collections are becoming more innovative as technology progresses. With the introduction of web 2.0 tools music collections are able to add bells and whistles to plain jane information and data. Cardell (2002) points out that databases are now able to include links to an artists biography, video, and audio. Applications like these area able to provide students, patrons, and researchers with more information in a one shop stop.

The accessibility to information is increasing and the opportunity to share that information is becoming more wide spread. For instance, people are now able to hear music that may have been discovered years ago. Researchers are able to use this information to seek out historical events or explore sociology. Right here at home in the University of South Florida library people are able to explore 4000 pieces of sheet music that influenced African American history.

The possibilities are endless in regards to the information a library can obtain, preserve, and pass on from generation to generation. And as technology continues to aid new venues more information can be upheld and delivered. Vendors are also understanding this and trying to put out promotional products that will entice mobile device holders. Gale the major component of Cengage Learning is a widely used database which is now offering free iPad applications. for public libraries.

This new application from Gale is just one example of how digital collections will most likely be a way of life in the near future. What does this mean for future generations? More access at any time. More careers created due to the increase in information. More of an information supply to the new emerging careers or college programs. Their are unlimited options that could spark new trends for the music business and as a result the need for libraries and their music collections.

Cardell, V. (2002). Digital Media Reviews. Notes, 58(4), 889.

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