Keith Knop is the head of the music cataloging section of the University of Georgia Libraries and is currently chair of the Content Standards Subcommittee of MLA's Cataloging and Metadata Committee. He has previously taught workshops on cataloging audio and video materials, and in 2019 taught a course in music cataloging for the University at Buffalo. Prior to coming to UGA, he was associate music cataloger at Florida State University's Warren D. Allen Music Library for ten years. In addition to the MLIS, he holds a Ph.D. in musicology from Florida State.

Introduction to Music Cataloging eCourse
You must complete your registration in advance of the eCourse by following the instructions contained in the PDF download that accompanies your purchase. The download can be found on the final confirmation screen after you complete your purchase and may also be accessed from your account. Select "My Account" and then select the "Files" tab to see all of your digital downloads.
To: February 21, 2021
- Description
- Learning Outcomes
- Registration
- eCourse Outline
- About the Instructor
- Contact Us
Music cataloging can be daunting for those just starting out or with limited experience with music materials. As a field, music is full of specialized vocabulary, and music cataloging makes use of MARC fields and subfields seldom or never used in other contexts.
Designed for those with basic cataloging knowledge but little experience cataloging music, this course will provide librarians with the fundamentals and ability to further hone their own skills. Topics covered will include the various formats of music and their applications, effective copy cataloging of music materials, controlled vocabularies for music (including subject and genre headings), and format-specific guidance for score and audio cataloging.
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
• Distinguish between various formats for music materials and their uses
• Effectively search for and evaluate catalog records for copy cataloging music
• Be familiar with the controlled vocabularies used in music cataloging
• Apply descriptive cataloging standards for scores and musical sound recordings
• Know where to look for further guidance
Upon purchase you will receive a registration PDF in the form of a digital download. This PDF contains a link to our Registration page and a password. You must download this PDF and follow the instructions in order to complete the registration. The download link can be found on the final confirmation screen after you complete your purchase, and may also be accessed by selecting "My Account" at the top of your screen and then selecting the "Files" tab. Confirmation with login instructions, reminders, and alerts will go to the email address used in the registration.
How this eCourse Works
The eCourse begins on January 25, 2021. Your participation will require approximately four to five hours a week, at times that fit your schedule. There are no live sessions. All activities take place on the website, and you will be expected to
- Read, listen to or view online content
- Post to online discussion boards
- Complete weekly assignments or activities
Instructor Keith Knop will monitor discussion boards regularly during the 4-week period, lead group discussions, and will also answer individual questions. All interaction will take place on the eCourse site, which will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's recommended that students log into the site on the first day of class or within a few days for an overview of the content and to begin the first lesson.
User Requirements
Participants will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection for online message boards participation, viewing online video, listening to streaming audio (mp3 files), and downloading and viewing PDFs and PowerPoint files. ALA Publishing eLearning Solutions eCourses are fully compatible with Windows and MacOs.
Bulk Orders
This eCourse is licensed for a single user. For pricing on bulk purchases in excess of $1,000, please contact us for more information.
- Week 1: Overview of formats and copy cataloging considerations
- Week 2: Interpreting, verifying, and matching controlled vocabularies for music
- Week 3: Cataloging scores
- Week 4: Cataloging sound recordings
If you have any questions about this eCourse, please contact us at elsmarketing@ala.org.
At Your Service
Accommodations are offered based on user needs. For transcription or other accessibility requests, please contact us at elsmarketing@ala.org.