OneSearch is Ball State Libraries' integrated discovery tool for books, scores, articles, recordings, and other library materials. It also indexes selected trustworthy online resources and incorporates subscription databases such as Academic Search Complete. On the Libraries' home page, you will see a simple search box:
After searching for your topic, you may find more resources than you need. You can narrow your results by using the filters listed to the left of the search results. For both physical and online books owned by Ball State University Libraries, check "Library Catalog." For physical books, the location (Music Collection) and call number (beginning with "M") indicate the books' location in Bracken Library. To specify online books (ebooks) only, check "eBook Full Text Online." Some eBooks require log in with Ball State University authentication to view the book. |
More information on OneSearch can be found at the research guide here: https://bsu.libguides.com/onesearch.
The Music Collection at University Libraries uses Library of Congress Classification, or LCC, for organizing books and scores on the shelves. This system, maintained by the national library of the United States and utilized by libraries across the country and around the world, groups together items on similar subjects. Each item is then assigned a unique call number which combines alphabetical and numerical characters. These features are designed to make browsing library collections easier for users and librarians alike. Tip: Enter the first part of a call number into OneSearch to see all items in a given section.
Call Numbers for Musical Theatre:
ML 48 - 52.8 Librettos. Texts. Scenarios
ML 385 - 429 Biography
ML 410 Composers
ML 420 Singers
ML 1400 - 3275 History and criticism. Vocal music
ML 1711 Dramatic music. United States
ML 2054 Musicals. Revues
ML 3918.M85 Social and political aspects. Musical theater
MT 67 Composition. Popular music
MT 820 - 915 Singing and vocal technique
MT 892 Interpretation, phrasing, expression, etc.
MT 955 - 956 Instruction and study. Musical theater
MT 955 Production, including direction, costume, scenery, etc.
MT 956 Performing, including singing, acting, etc.
University Libraries also uses Library of Congress Subject Headings, or LCSH, to facilitate subject searching of its online records. This integrated and multilayered system of tagging establishes a controlled vocabulary whereby users can search the catalog with agreed upon terminology. The easiest way to run a subject search is to find an item with your subject and then click the red hyperlink under Details to see other works with this same subject. You can also set the search field to Subject Terms and enter approved subject headings manually.
Subject Headings for Musical Theatre:
Musicals -- History and criticism
Musicals -- United States -- History and criticism
Musical theater -- History -- 20th century
Musical Theater -- [country]
Musicals -- New York(State) -- New York -- History and Criticism
The recommended books below represent a wide sampling of topics in musical theatre and include biographies, histories, and investigations into a variety of social issues surrounding musicals. Perhaps one or more of these topics will inspire your next research project. Books are sorted by their call numbers for ease of browsing. Hover over the info icon to see a description.
Users are encouraged to search for items beyond University Libraries' catalog via RILM Abstracts of Music Literature and WorldCat. Materials not available in print or online may be requested through Interlibrary Loan. Please allow up to seven days for electronic delivery and up to fourteen days for delivery of physical items.