Broadcasting and Orchestra Libraries

Terms of reference

The Broadcasting and Orchestra Libraries Section exists to support the work of members who work in the libraries of broadcasting institutions and performing ensembles, and all librarians who deal with performance materials. Subjects within the Section’s remit relate to the day-to-day work of managing collections of performance materials, such as copyright, rental/hire of music, music publishing and new technologies. Whilst attending a congress the Section may take the opportunity to arrange a visit to a local broadcasting, orchestral or opera library.

Activities
Our sessions at the congresses always include a visit to a local broadcasting, orchestral or opera library, and a members' working session gives the opportunity to raise issues of concern to our section, offer support and share information. Recent issues raised have been cataloguing software, hire tariffs, copyright law, the effect of computer technology on the employment of copyists and collaborative initiatives within countries.

The open session often includes presentations by a major music publisher, usually covering the subject of music hire, and by a local member who speaks about their own library, and matters of concern to them. We have also heard recently about the work of composer institutes (Martinu) and of MOLA, with whom we continue to foster close links.