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Use the Catalog to find books, videos, e-books, and other media
Search for online journal and newspaper articles, e-books, and streaming video
Guides for finding and citing sources in many different subject areas
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This guide is designed to assist you in locating resources such as books, videos, articles, websites for use in the study of Music.
If you need additional help, please contact the Music Librarian or stop by the Reference Desk. You can also get help from our online reference service: Ask A Librarian.
Contrary to popular opinion, there are millions of books and articles whose content is not freely available on the open web.
As we all know the Internet contains an incredible amount of useful information. Conversely, it also has a lot of information that is not credible, reliable or well-informed. Some information on the web are blatant lies, or half-truths published in order to support a particular belief or opinion. (For more information on learning how to distinguish the good, bad and ugly on the Internet, see The CRAP Test.
Using resources available through the Library will save you time and frustration, and undoubtedly will lead you to producing higher-quality work.
Use reference materials, such as encyclopedias and dictionaries to get background information and a basic understanding of your topic.
Books and journal articles provide a more focused examination of the topic. Again, most books and articles found in the Library's databases are written by experts.
Start your research by clicking on the tabs below.
Search the Library's Catalog to locate books, scores, sound recordings and videos on music-related topics. Our collection includes materials written by and about composers and musicians, music theory and performance-related works.
I-Share allows you to borrow books from over 80 Illinois academic libraries. You must have a current COD library card, and create an account to request books from an I-Share library. Current COD Online students can obtain a library card online.
Use reference resources, such as dictionaries, encyclopedias and handbooks to learn background information on your topic. Below are some "Best Bets" covering a wide ranges of resources. Note that many of these sources are multi-volume sets. Also note that some resources are available online.
Reference ML102.C7 E54 2012
Reference ML156.4.P6 G73 2002
Reference ML101.U6 N48 2013
Reference ML101.U6 M87 2013
Reference ML 100 .N48 Also available online through the Oxford Music Online database
Reference MT95 .K52 1997
Reference ML102.O6 G74 2013
Reference ML160 .T18 2005
This resource draws information from the following resources:
In the Catalog Search screen, type the names of the topics that you're interested in finding. For example, if you'd like to find a video on composer Igor Stravinsky, enter "Stravinsky, Igor" in the keyword search box, and then click search. See below for example. You can search for videos using several search types, for example, by genre, idiom, composer, musician, history, theory and geographic location.
From the results page, on the left side of the screen, click on the box labeled "Videos."
View your search results. Note that in the upper left corner of the screen the number of search results is displayed.
Click on the title to display the location, availability and call number.
Type in the name of the composer and search in the library catalog. From the results page, on the left side of the screen, click on the box labeled "Musical Score."
Click on the title to display the location, availability and call number.
Type in the name of the artist, orchestra, ensemble, etc. in the library catalog and click search. From the results page, on the left side of the screen, click on the box labeled "Music."
Click on the title to display the location, availability and call number.
Email resources to yourself or instructor by clicking on the resource and then clicking on the email link towards the top of the page. Fill in the email address(es) and enter your name in the respective boxes.
Use these databases to locate articles on composers, musicians, music theory, musical styles, and more. Many of these databases offer articles from both popular and scholarly, peer-reviewed journal sources. All articles found in JSTOR and Project MUSE databases are scholarly, peer-reviewed.
Please note: 5 concurrent users only
Includes readings, visuals, listening, and short videos.
Lists of new releases, CD and book reviews, interviews and more. Not a scholarly resource.
PBS website to accompany the Martin Scorsese series on the blues. Although you cannot view the videos on the site you can read biographies and other background information about the musicians covered in the series. There is also information on the blues in the section Blues Classroom. The Library does own the series, and you can check them out to view the entire film.
Nearly 100 audio files of blues and gospel music.
University of Mississippi collection of early minstrel songs through the 1970's. The University of Mississippi has issued this disclaimer about some of the materials in the collection: " Many of the minstrel songs contained in this digital collection are extremely offensive. However, it is impossible to adequately understand American racial attitudes of the late 19th- and early 20th-centuries, without examining some blatantly racist ideas. Most of the music featured in this collection is not fringe material, but some of the most popular songs of their times." Not all the material is offensive however.
Collections of the Library of Congress. Provides selected works by eight composers.
Includes readings, visuals, listening, and short videos.
Click on a tab below to find books, videos, articles, and websites for use in studying the Japanese language.
If you need additional help, please contact the Foreign Languages Librarian or stop by the Reference Desk. You can also get help from our online reference service: Ask A Librarian.
Contrary to popular opinion, there are millions of books and articles whose content is not freely available on the open web.
As we all know the Internet contains an incredible amount of useful information. Conversely, it also has a lot of information that is not credible, reliable or well-informed. Some information on the web are blatant lies, or half-truths published in order to support a particular belief or opinion. (For more information on learning how to distinguish the good, bad and ugly on the Internet, see The CRAP Test to learn how to evaluate websites.
Using resources available through the Library will save you time and frustration, and undoubtedly will lead you to producing higher-quality work.
Use reference materials, such as encyclopedias and dictionaries to get background information and a basic understanding of your topic.
Books and journal articles provide a more focused examination of the topic. Again, most books and articles found in the Library's databases are written by experts.
Use the COD Library's book catalog to find books, audio recordings & videos.
Search by "keyword" for broad search results; search by "subject" for more specific (and fewer) results.
Narrow your search by year and format, such as books, visual materials, music, and more, You can further refine your search results by clicking on one or more of several limits on the results page.
You'll need a current library card to check out materials.
I-Share allows you to borrow books from over 80 Illinois academic libraries. You must have a current COD library card, and create an account to request books from an I-Share library.
Most books in these collections can also be located and accessed by searching in the Library's book catalog. Under "Format" select "eBook" from the dropdown menu.
Collection contains several books on historical and modern Japan, including works on politics, society, economy and the arts. Many e-books can be viewed from your computer or downloaded to your e-book reader. You need to create an account to download e-books to your device.
Find several books on Japanese business and culture . NOTE: Books can be viewed by single page on a computer, or, can be downloaded to an e-book reader. You'll be prompted to create an EBSCO account. The loan period for e-books is four hours. Books can be renewed after the initial loan period expires.
This resource includes over 1500 full-text, cross-searchable books in the humanities selected by scholars for their continuing importance for research and teaching. This collect covers Japanese history, culture, the arts religion and customs and society. Pages from this collection can be printed and emailed.
Project Gutenberg provides access to many Japanese-related e-books on topics such as social life and customs, history, travel, religion and literature. NOTE - these books are in the public domain and are typically over one hundred years old. These books will offer historical context for Japanese-related topics. Many can be read online or downloaded to e-book readers.
Reference works, such as dictionaries and encyclopedias are useful for learning about background information on a topic.
Please note that print reference books may be used while in the library only. Online reference books may be accessed from any on or off-campus computer. You'll need a library card to access online books and articles from off-campus.
Click on the links below to access the online book/website or record/description of the print book.
Search the library catalog by keyword or subject term.
The Library subscribes to many databases that provide access to thousands of popular and credible, scholarly journals. Many databases provide access to full-text articles, while some provide information about the article only (citation). Request (for free!) through Interlibrary Loan copies of articles to which the Library doesn't have full-text access.
Databases are organized collections of information that you can search on a variety of fields, like title and author's name. iTunes is a database and so is Amazon. Even your contacts list in your phone is a type of mini database. The Library has databases of articles from newspapers, magazines and journals. We also have databases of streaming videos, music and e-books. The difference between our databases and iTunes or Amazon is that our stuff is free for you to use. You can browse the library's databases here: http://codlrc.org/databases
Multidisciplinary database covering a wide range of academic areas.
Multidisciplinary database covering a wide range of academic areas.
Who can publish on the Internet? Anyone. Learn how to evaluate websites on the Library's guide to Evaluating Websites.
Some of the websites listed below are in Japanese language. Chrome web browser does have a language translation function. When Chrome detects that a website is written in a language other than English, Chrome will offer to translate the website. Download Chrome and follow the directions below.
While the translations at times are not perfect, you will get a general context of the translated text.
I-Share accounts are now available to COD Library cardholders.
Use your I-Share account to renew checked-out items, and see what you have checked-out, when items are due, and if you have any unpaid fines. Students, faculty, and staff can use I-Share accounts to request items from other academic libraries in Illinois.
Community members and students, faculty, and staff who do not want an I-Share account can use a "classic" account to renew items and see what you have checked-out or on hold.
If you have any additional questions about your account, call the Library's Circulation Services department at (630) 942-2106.
The session launches in your browser. If the presenter hasn't arrived yet, double check the start time and try later. Presenters usually join 15 minutes prior to the session.
The following Adobe Connect Support Materials are available on the intranet at http://intranet.codlibrary.org/?page_id=1059
also:
Introduction to Adobe Connect (Jenn, 9/06/12)
“The library instruction classrooms are heavily used, with priority given to the librarians, but it is possible to arrange for the use of a classroom on a one-time basis. Requests can be accepted no more than three days in advance. Contact your division librarian to reserve a classroom.”
Essential points:
Keep an eye on our own blog posts highlighting webinars, conferences and classes: http://codlrc.org/posts/librarians
ALA Online Learning
Access ALA’s wide range of library-related online learning–covering fundamentals, advances, trends, and hot topics at ALA Online Learning. Opportunities may be available as e-forums, webinars, courses, or recorded webcasts.
ACRL e-Learning
ACRL’s e-Learning program provides a unique opportunity to participate in professional development events that are focused on practical, tangible topics and issues. ACRL offers a variety of online learning opportunities to meet the demands of your schedule and budget.">
Online Learning with RUSA
Online courses, webinars and free webinars from the Reference User Services Association.
Library Juice Academy
Library Juice Academy offers a range of online professional development workshops for librarians and other library staff, focusing on practical topics to build new skills. These workshops earn Continuing Education Units, and are intended as professional development activities. Workshops are taught asynchronously, so you can participate as your own schedule allows.
iLibrarian
Elyssa Kroski generally provides and overview of upcoming library webinars on her blog every month.
Intro to Databases (3104)
You know you’re supposed to use them, but why? and how? and what the heck are they anyway? This 1-hour session will introduce you to some of our most used databases and help you figure out how to pick the best one for your research.
You're the Boss of Google: Using Google for Research (online or 3104)
Love using Google but find yourself frustrated when it comes time to find the kind of information you need for college assignments? Learn about four Google tools that will help you bend the search engine to your will so you get what you need.
Advanced Research (3104)
Learn effective and time-saving strategies used by the pros to find the best information in databases, on the Web and more.
Research Basics (3104)
What is research? How do you get started? This workshop will introduce you the research process—from creating a research plan to putting it all together.
Finding & Evaluating Information (3104)
Get results! Learn how to use the COD Library catalog and databases to find the resources you need for your research projects.
Project MUSE
Monday, March 3, 8-9 am
Join this session
College of DuPage recently subscribed to Project MUSE, a database featuring peer-reviewed, scholarly articles focusing on the humanities and social sciences. Join our one hour workshop to learn how to get the most out of using Project MUSE. We’ll cover basic and advanced searching, limiting searching results and browsing the collection. Have a research topic? We’re happy to use your topic as an example.
Librarian: Ken Orenic
Find Your Sources in JSTOR
Monday, March 10, 8-9 am
Join this session
Save time and aggravation! Learn how to use JSTOR’s search features to efficiently find useful sources fast. This webinar will focus on basic and advanced searching techniques and how to manage search results.
Librarian: Ken Orenic
Project MUSE
Tuesday, March 11, 2-3 pm
Join this session
College of DuPage recently subscribed to Project MUSE, a database featuring peer-reviewed, scholarly articles focusing on the humanities and social sciences. Join our one hour workshop to learn how to get the most out of using Project MUSE. We’ll cover basic and advanced searching, limiting searching results and browsing the collection. Have a research topic? We’re happy to use your topic as an example.
Librarian: Ken Orenic
Welcome to Zotero
Wednesday, March 12, 11-12pm
Join this session
Learn how the free, easy-to-use research tool can help you collect and organize your sources and even create your bibliography for you.
Librarian: Ken Orenic
Find Your Sources in JSTOR
Thursday, March 19, 8-9 am
Join this session
Save time and aggravation! Learn how to use JSTOR’s search features to efficiently find useful sources fast. This webinar will focus on basic and advanced searching techniques and how to manage search results.
Librarian: Ken Orenic
Project MUSE
Friday, March 21, 1-2 pm
Join this session
College of DuPage recently subscribed to Project MUSE, a database featuring peer-reviewed, scholarly articles focusing on the humanities and social sciences. Join our one hour workshop to learn how to get the most out of using Project MUSE. We’ll cover basic and advanced searching, limiting searching results and browsing the collection. Have a research topic? We’re happy to use your topic as an example.
Librarian: Ken Orenic
Welcome to Zotero
Friday, March 28, 1-2 pm
Join this session
Learn how the free, easy-to-use research tool can help you collect and organize your sources and even create your bibliography for you.
Librarian: Ken Orenic
You're the Boss of Google: Using Google for Research (online or 3104)
Love using Google but find yourself frustrated when it comes time to find the kind of information you need for college assignments? Learn about four Google tools that will help you bend the search engine to your will so you get what you need.
Getting Started with Research (online or 3104)
From picking a topic to brainstorming research questions and more! This short session will jump-start your project whether you're new to academic research or simply need a refresher.
Welcome to Zotero
Monday, February 24, 8-9 am
Join this session
Learn how the free, easy-to-use research tool can help you collect and organize your sources and even create your bibliography for you.
Librarian: Ken Orenic
How to Find What you Need at COD Library (online or 3104)
Whether you’re brand new to the COD Library or were just here last semester, chances are you’re feeling a little confused right now. We have recently renovated spaces, a new website and completely different ways to find books, articles, videos and more. Join us for this quick introduction to using the Library’s new catalog, how I-Share works and more!
Getting Started with Research (online or 3104)
From picking a topic to brainstorming research questions and more! This short session will jump-start your project whether you're new to academic research or simply need a refresher.
Current COD students, faculty, and staff can use this form to request Library access. If you have a COD ID card, please include the number on the bottom of your card (it will start with 2130) and you may use the ID as your Library card. If you don’t yet have a COD ID, a barcode number will be e-mailed to you as soon as Circulation staff process your request. You can use this barcode to access the Library's online resources. A Library card will also be mailed to your home address.
Please allow 24 hours for processing.
Note: All fields are required except the ID barcode if you don’t yet have one.
Once you have created an I-Share account, you can login from anywhere to see what items you have checked out, when those items are due, and even renew those items online. You can also check on the status of fines and I-Share requests if you have made any. All you need to create an I-Share account is a valid COD Library card.
COD Students, Faculty, and Staff may also locate and borrow items from other I-Share libraries when those items are not available at the COD Library. Requested items are sent from the lending library to any other I-Share library. I-Share’s reciprocal borrowing policy also allows patrons who are registered borrowers at an I-Share library to visit any other I-Share library and borrow items onsite. You can also return items to any I-Share library. It is important to note District Residents can not request items through I-Share.
In addition to requesting books and videos from other I-Share libraries, when you login to your I-Share account you can check:
If you have questions about using your I-Share account, see the I-Share FAQ page or come to the Library Reference Desk or call us at (630) 942-3364.
The I-Share database contains over 14.7 million unique bibliographic records and more than 38 million item records, representing the holdings of 90 CARLI I-Share member institutions. The combination of this enormous consortial collection with I-Share’s resource sharing services gives I-Share library patrons ready access to a collection that ranks among the world’s greatest research libraries.
The I-Share Catalog and the local catalogs are all accessible to the public. No login is required to search and view, however only COD students, faculty, and staff with a valid COD Library Card can request and borrow I-Share items. Borrowers also need to create a separate I-Share account using your Library barcode number to check out I-Share items.
Note: District Residents are not eligible for I-Share borrowing
Item Type | Check-Out Period | Renewal Period | Max Number of Renewals |
---|---|---|---|
I-Share Books | 28 days | 28 days | 3 |
I-Share Videos/Multimedia | 14 days | No renewals | N/A |
Item Type | Check-Out Period | Renewal Period | Max Number of Renewals |
---|---|---|---|
I-Share Books | 28 days | 28 days | 6 |
I-Share Videos/Multimedia | 14 days | No renewals | N/A |
Item Type | Check-Out Period | Renewal Period | Max Number of Renewals |
---|---|---|---|
I-Share Books | 28 days | 28 days | 3 |
I-Share Videos/Multimedia | 14 days | No renewals | N/A |
Send us your suggestions, comments, item requests or other feedback.