Find Sound Recordings

Location & Facilities

UBC Library has two main collections of sound recordings:

• Wilson Recordings Collection CDs and LPs (circulating)

  This collection consists of more than 10,000 recordings, primarily of classical music, with some ethnic music and jazz. It includes the Show Business Collection of musical theatre, movie musicals, and similar performances.

  The collection was named for Mrs. Ethel Wilson and Dr. Wallace Wilson, who were friends and supporters of the University and the Library.

• Music Library CDs (non-circulating) and Music Library LPs (circulating)

  This collection consists of classical and ethnic music and jazz.

Location

Circulating CDs in the Wilson Recordings Collection are housed in the Reserve area behind the circulation desk in Koerner Library.

The non-circulating CDs are located in the Music Library, 4th floor of the Music Building.

All LPs from both the Wilson Recordings Collection and the Music Library are housed in the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre.

LPs in the ASRS circulate. You are required to place a retrieval request. If you have a UBC Library card, you can do this online. (Follow the instructions here). If you do not have a UBC Library card, you can place your request at the Circulation Desk in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre. A call number is required.

Listening facilities

• CD players are available in the Music Library and the Koerner Library Reserve area.
• Turntables are available in the Music Library. (There are no turntables in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre.)
• There are no facilities to copy CDs or LPs in either location.

Searching For Recordings

Use the UBC Catalogue.

For best results search by keyword (use AND, OR, NOT or “phrase”). Keywords can be any of the following:

• composer’s name
• performer’s name

  names must be entered exactly as they are spelled in the Catalogue:
  tchaikovsky not tschaikowsky

• instrument
• musical form

  musical forms usually are listed in the plural; use truncation to find both singular and plural:
  symphon? finds symphonies and symphony

• word(s) in the title of a recording
• word(s) in the title of a musical composition

  works composed in a foreign language are listed in the original language:
  Zauberflote not Magic Flute

• opus or other work number

  enter the number and other keywords
  125 and beethoven and compact

• recording format

  ALWAYS include recording format

  All sound recordings: after the keywords enter and sound

  CDs only: after the keywords enter and compact

  LPs only: after the keywords enter and lp

Search Examples

Use quotes to group words as a phrase.
Use and, or or not to separate words or phrases.

“london symphony chorus” and messiah

bernstein and sound

stravinsky and printemps and sound

bach and compact not harpsichord

sonata? or concerto? and violin and sound

Borrowing & Renewing Recordings

CDs located in the Music Library are for in-library use only and cannot be borrowed (unless they accompany a book).

Students, faculty, staff, and community borrowers may borrow Wilson Recordings Collection recordings and Music Library LPs for 2 weeks. A valid UBC Library card is required.

Fines are charged on overdue loans. To avoid fines, return or renew recordings on time.

Recordings in the Wilson Recordings Collection may be renewed by telephone at 604-822-2883 or 604-822-3115, in person, or on the UBC Library web site. Under My Account click on Renew books (login) and enter your UBC/Library card barcode and PIN.

For more information, see the publication UBC Library Loan Regulations.

Be kind to our recordings

• to prevent scratches, return to case or sleeve immediately after playing; never leave unprotected
• avoid leaving fingerprints; handle only by edges
• clean carefully, using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth
• do not store in direct sunlight or heat
• keep and return accompanying liner notes or booklets
• before returning, check that each recording is in its proper case or sleeve

Contact

For more help finding recordings contact the Music Library Reference Desk (604-822-6835).