In library catalogs, musical works each have a unique, standardized preferred title (also known as "uniform title"). Whereas the title of a work can vary on different scores and recordings, its preferred title in library catalogs is always the same. Therefore, if you know a little bit about preferred titles, you can use them to search more effectively.
For example, the uniform title Mozart's first piano concerto is:
Uniform titles are indexed in our catalog record. That's why it's helpful to use "sonatas" or "concertos" as a title when searching for a sonata or a concerto.
To learn more, see the tutorial "Using Preferred Titles" from the Cook Music Library, Indiana University.
When using UC Library Search to find scores and recordings, always use Advanced Search and click on "Resources in the Library:"
Still stumped? Final tips:
Vinyl LPs up to XL2 26,999 must now be requested through the UCSB Library Catalog.
LPs above XL2 27,000 should be requested at the Music Service Desk.
We will retrieve them within 1 day and hold them here onsite for you for one quarter.
You can listen to them, or any of the library's 16,000 CDs (which are still onsite), over stereo speakers in our individual listening rooms.
Assistance will gladly be given at the Music Service Desk!
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France, ca. 1790. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, D. C.