POPULAR SONGBOOKS
Looking for a particular song? Our popular songbooks include jazz, pop, rock, rap, blues, country, folk, 'golden oldies', Broadway, show, vaudeville, music hall, 'old time radio', songs from musicals and films and community songs. You can borrow music from the State Library of Queensland by registering as a music borrower.
Finding a song
Every song in every popular songbook is searchable by title. Type your title into the One Search catalogue search box. After 'Look for my query:' there are three menus. Select 'in the title' from the right hand menu to find the song and its songbook. Your song title must be correct for the search to succeed.
I can't quite remember the title...
You could try to search part of the title as a phrase. Keyword searching may also be helpful. Type your phrase or words into the box. Select 'anywhere in the record' to find the song and the songbook. Sometimes an author search of the name of the composer or performer will produce results. If you still cannot locate your song, State Library staff will be able to help you.
I only know some of the words...
An Internet search will help to discover the correct title of your song. In inverted commas, type whatever phrase or words you know. For example, a Google search of "Jeremiah was a bullfrog" reveals the correct song title of Joy to the world.
Borrowing popular songbooks
Borrow popular songbooks by registering as a music borrower of the State Library of Queensland. Visit us at the Level 3 Information Desk with identification showing your current address and photo id.
Did you know?
Folk songs and songs from musicals can also be found in the general score collection.
Folk songs can be found in collected anthologies and songs from musicals can be found by searching for the composer or the name of the musical.
How do I access items in this collection?
Access at the State Library of Queensland
- Find items in the collection via our One Search catalogue.
- Browse Levels 2, 3 and 4 or request items from onsite ‘Closed Access’ storage with your e-services card. If you order Closed Access items via the One Search catalogue 24 hours ahead of your visit, items should be waiting for you when you arrive. You can order up to 3 days in advance.
- Use our e-collections computers on level 2 to search the library’s catalogue; to search our databases for electronic journal, magazine and newspaper articles and to view images and manuscripts from our collection. These e-collections computers do not need to be booked and have no time limits on their use.
- You can also access our electronic resources via the State Library’s free wireless service if you have a laptop. Check our Info Guide on how to access wireless for details.
Access offsite
You can access selected offsite databases to search for electronic journal, magazine and newspaper articles. You will be prompted to login with your e-services card or QPL account.
Some State Library items are available for loan to other libraries. Contact your local library for information about interlibrary loan and copy services.
Related links
External links
Last updated: 22nd December 2011
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