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Musical Theatre

Books, scores, CDs, and DVDs with search strategies for performers and fans of musical theatre

Reference Sources

Online Reference Databases

Reference sources are designed to provide users with quick and authoritative background information on a given subject. They are the ideal place to familiarize yourself with a subject and its existing literature, although they should never be the culmination of your research process. The following reference sources are all available online, although log-in might be required off-campus.

Reference Databases, Encyclopedias, and Dictionaries:

Print Reference Books

Most reference books for musical theatre are located in the Music Reference section shelved in ranges 36 through 38. The recommended books below are sorted by their call numbers and include specialized dictionaries (ML102.M88), encyclopedias (also ML102.M88), and bibliographies (ML128.M78). Hover over the info icon to see a description of the book.

Interlibrary Loan

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.