SOURCES IN WORLD MUSIC RESEARCH
Jenkins Music Library/duPont-Ball Library
Stetson University
Since the field of 'world music' crosses many subject areas, it will be necessary to be both specific and creative in your approach to research. For example, the terms ethnomusicology, anthropology, ethnography, ethnology, folklore, myth, mythology, tales, folk tales, folk dance, folk music, musical instruments, culture, subculture, storyteller, etc. may be of use.
Begin from the Stetson University library's Web page: http://www2.stetson.edu/library/welcome.php
WebCat http://cat.stetson.edu Stetson's online catalog, available from both libraries and most computer labs, dorm rooms; as well as off-campus. The catalog includes books, periodical titles, government documents, sound recordings, video recordings, and scores.
Webcat defaults to: Power Search
Complex searches will allow you to be very specific, using keyword and Boolean searching, limiting the search by library, location within library, type of material (book, compact disc, etc.), language, and others.
e.g., keyword 'africa' and 'music' and 'sound recording'
e.g., keyword 'banda' and 'music' and 'sound recording'
e.g., keyword 'kora' and 'sound recording'
note: using 'sound recording' as a phrase will find compact discs, vinyl records, and cassettes, but you may search for each type separately by using the 'limit' command and choosing the specific item type, e.g., 'record,' 'cmpactdisc,' or 'audiocass.'
Caution: 'browse' searching can result in confusing cross-references which may require explanation, so 'power search' is usually the best option.
I. DATABASES AND INDEXES (2nd link on Library's web page; subscription services)sections below in bold type are particularly helpful for world music
From alphabetic list on right hand side of page:
Citations only: Music Index
Full-text Databases
EbscoHost Academic
Ethnic Newswatch
ProQuest Research Library
WilsonWeb
II. WEB SOURCES
Country Studies (government site)
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/cshome.html
Read the FAQ before searching to see the scope of entries. These are online editions of books published before 1998 and have not been updated; however, for interesting information on some countries' culture, including music, this is a valuable source. The Main library has some of these in print see Government Documents in the basement of duPont-Ball Library, under D101.22:550 or consult the Reference Desk or Barbara Costello, Government Documents Librarian, for help. Simply searching the word 'music' will bring up a list by country.
III. HELPFUL REFERENCE WORKS:
Music cultures and subcultures:
The Garland encylopedia of world music
Music Library Ref.
ML100.G16 1997 (has acccompanying CDs)
World Mark encyclopedia of cultures and daily life
Main Library Ref.
GN333.W67 1998
Encyclopedia of World Cultures
Main Library Ref.
GN307.E53 1991
JVC Video anthology of world music and dance
Main Library Ref.
M1627.J63
Music genres:
The New Grove dictionary of music and musicians
Music Library Ref.
ML100 .N48 1980
online at: http://www.grovemusic.com/index.html?authstatuscode=200
The New Harvard dictionary of music
Music Library Ref.
ML100 .A641 1986
Musical instruments:
The New Grove dictionary of musical instruments
Music Library Ref.
ML102.I5 N48 1984
IV. OTHER
Interlibrary Loan:
If the article or book you need is not held by either library at Stetson, go to the library's web page, click on Interlibrary Load and fill out the appropriate form.
Writing about music:
On reserve in the Music Library (personal reserve Finks) are several books which might help you with your writing. You may use these only in the Music Library.
The Bedford handbook. Diana Hacker
Irvine's writing about music. Demar Irvine
A Short guide to writing about music. Jonathan Bellman
Studying music history: learning, reasoning, and
writing about music. David Poultney
Writing about music: an introductory guide.
Richard Wingell