MUSC 205 – Women in Western Music
Books and Electronic Encyclopedias
Research & Instruction Department
Albert S. Cook Library
Researching women in music will include both subject specific books and
biographical information. This guide profiles some paths and tools to help you
discover ways to find information about individuals and music related subjects.
Finding Books in the Library Catalog
Cook Library Catalog (http://libraries.towson.edu)
 Lists all books, ebooks, sound recordings, musical scores
contained in the library collection
 Search by keyword, author, or title using drop down menu for
search type
Start on the library homepage by clicking
directly on the “TU Library Catalog” link:
Choose a type of search and input search terms. Try “subject words” or “subject
beginning with” to start.
From the catalog record, note the call number for the book to find it on the shelf.
Stacks = books on the fourth and fifth floors you can check out
Reference = books on the third floor to be used in the library
Note: if you have exhausted the TU library collection, try a USMAI Library Catalog
search to pull in books from other state university libraries.
Using Ebrary
Ebrary is a database of e-books for viewing on your desktop. Open the database from
the A to Z list or the Subject Guide to Music. In Advanced Search, search as
illustrated below:
Subject Guides for Research
To see electronic encyclopedias and handbooks of music, visit the library’s Subject
Guide to Music.
Start at the Cook Library web page: http://libraries.towson.edu
Click on the Research Guides icon
then on “Subject Guides”
Scroll to the Subject Guide of your choice:
Encyclopedias on Music Subject Guide to Use in Researching Women in Music:
 Oxford Music Online – best bet all around source for music history, composers,
singers, and specific musical styles
 Biography in Context – biographical resources (encyclopedias, magazine articles,
newspapers, and more) for composers, performers, and historical figures
 Encyclopedia of Popular Music – includes profiles of singers, composers, and
groups
 Musicians and Composers of the 20th Century – biographical entries on
performers and composers from 1900 to the present
 Also of note: Gale Virtual Reference Library – will include both biographical and
general articles on a variety of topics related to women and music
Other Recommended Subject Guides
Still having trouble finding materials about your topic related to women and music? Think
of Subject Guides beyond music that may include your specific research topic:
African American Subject Guide:
 Oxford African American Studies Center
Women’s and Gender Studies Subject Guide:
 Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History
Off Campus Access to Electronic Resources
If you are accessing electronic resources from off campus, you will first need to log in as
a TU user to gain access. Use your Net ID information to do this.
Lisa Woznicki – Performing Arts Librarian
Liaison for Dance, Music, Theatre Arts and IDFA Departments
Web page & blog: http://wp.towson.edu/lwoznick/
email: [email protected] office: (410) 704-2498
Albert S. Cook Library, Towson University
09/2016 LW 201 MUSC205 1 inclass.doc