Music library

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A music library holds music-related materials for patrons to use. It may include non-print items like digitized scores and audio recordings, not just printed books. Access can be limited to certain patrons, especially in private colleges.

Printed music and other music literature are common, including dictionaries, encyclopedias, indexes, directories, bibliographies, and music journals. Some public libraries also have music rooms.

Traditionally, music libraries are described by types; one type is a musical instrument library that lends or shares instruments. These exist in various places in the United States and Canada. With the rise of film, video games, and advertising, there is growing demand for music created with digital tools, including audio effects libraries and digital instruments. In recent years, many digital instrument library companies have grown, such as Spitfire, Cinesamples, Heavyocity, Soundiron, and Native Instruments. Some libraries aim to reproduce classical orchestra sounds digitally, while others collect traditional folk instruments from around the world, including Arabic, Turkish, Iranian, Indian, and Japanese instruments.