[Web4lib] Where to invest in music collection.

[Keith D. Engwall]

Dear Web4lib,
 
Our library is finally looking at trying to migrate from its ancient lp
collection to a more modern format.  There are some who have expressed
concern that Compact Disc is in its autumn years as a format, so that
*starting* a CD collection now would be an unwise investment.  If we
already had a sizeable CD collection, it would only make sense to
continue using that format.  But starting from scratch, is that where we
should be putting our money?
 
I'm wondering what other libraries (particularly in the academic
environment) are doing to provide students with access to music, and
what they would do if they were starting from scratch?
 
I've seen mention of colleges making deals with services like Napster,
Rhapsody, Ruckus, etc. but haven't seen details.  Also, I'm not sure
that would have any significant coverage of music other than
contemporary popular genres (in my limited experience, classical, jazz,
etc. are not well represented).
 
I've heard of Alexander Street Press' Classical Music Library, but I
don't know how well it works, what its technical requirements are,
whether students use it, etc.
 
---------------------------------
Keith Engwall
Head of Library Systems and Technology
Catawba College
Salisbury, NC
kengwall at catawba.edu
 
"For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public
relations, for nature cannot be fooled." - Richard P. Feynman