Collection Policies

 A contemporary composers' collection, in the formative stages, is intended to support research leading to performance of contemporary musical works. Thus, major elements of the collection include scores in manuscript, recordings of performances, and papers of composers. Significant development of the collection is anticipated with the completion of the Diehn Composers Room, a special collections facility planned as an addition to the Diehn Fine and Performing Arts Building.
 

Languages: There are no language limitations.

Chronological guidelines: The collection’s focus is twentieth century postwar composers and their compositions.

Geographical guidelines: Although the collection is international in scope, collecting will be concentrated on works of American composers.

Formats collected: Manuscript scores, sound recordings of performances, personal papers, memorabilia, and related materials of twentieth century composers.

Date of publication: There are no limits.

Other considerations:

• There are few special collections of twentieth century music in the United States and none known to be in Virginia. Therefore, complementing existing collections is not a significant issue.

• The library’s listening collection of music of all periods is a broadly representative collection intended to support instruction in music department programs. It is not a special collection and, thus, is not included in this policy statement.

Bibliographer: Jean Major