Using the music and dance collections
Specialist State Library of Queensland staff provide a statewide information service in music and dance. If you are looking for a particular piece of music (recorded or printed), information about a piece, a composer, musical era, instrument, dance form, or anything else to do with music or dance, then you are welcome to contact us for assistance.
Accessing the collection
The State Library's music collections can be searched via One Search. Requests for music can be sent via the online enquiry form.
State Library also subscribes to several music databases, namely Oxford Music Online (formerly Grove Music Online), International Index to Music Periodicals (IIMP), Music Index Online, E-Music Quest, Classical Music Library and Naxos Music Library. These resources can be accessed onsite via One Search. IIMP and Oxford Music Online can also be accessed offsite using your e-services card.
The State Library is digitising some of its most important music collections, making them accessible online through the State Library's website. Digital copies of individual music items can be accessed from a link in the catalogue record for the item and through Music Queensland. We contribute to Music Australia [new window], the digital music collection of the National Library of Australia and other participating institutions.
The listening circle
level 1
The State Library offers you the opportunity to listen to play-listed content from its collection of sound recordings.
The Listening Circle is located on level 1 of the South Bank building at the large round table near The Corner.
Listeners are able to choose between two (2) channels, of which the content may include:
- music from the State Library’s diverse CD collection
- interviews with local, national and international personalities
- oral histories
- information about State Library services, exhibitions and upcoming events
- other recreational audio content
Headphones may be purchased from the Library Shop on level 1, or you can use your own.
The listening lounge
level 3
CDs, cassettes and long playing records can be accessed via the Listening Lounge located on level 3 of the South Bank building.
How to access sound recordings:
- Use One Search to select items from the sound recording collections
- Ask a staff member at the level 3 Information Desk to retrieve your selected material
Patrons should bring their own headphones (with a 3.5mm headphone jack) or they can be purchased from the Library Shop on level 1.
Copying material from the collection
Copies of music can be made subject to any copyright or permissions restrictions, and preservation risks.
More information
If you have an enquiry, contact us in one of the following ways:
For general enquiries:
- Ask at your local Queensland public library
- Other libraries [new window]
Last updated: 7th May 2009
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