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Music librarian skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Sarah Riskind,

Yi-Yang Chen

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical music librarian skills. We ranked the top skills for music librarians based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 19.9% of music librarian resumes contained library database as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a music librarian needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 music librarian skills for your resume and career

1. Library Database

Here's how music librarians use library database:

Revamped and regularly updated the library database.
Updated and managed library database consisting of over 500 items Prepared music for rehearsals, organized and shelved music for storage

2. Music Library

Here's how music librarians use music library:

Reviewed and significantly updated music library digital database leading to a more efficient distribution system.
Maintained organization of the music library.

3. Wind Ensemble

Here's how music librarians use wind ensemble:

Organized music for the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and various chamber ensembles for approximately ten total performances per semester.
Maintained Choral, Orchestral, and Wind Ensemble libraries.

4. Sheet Music

Here's how music librarians use sheet music:

Copied sheet music, organized library materials, and tracked items borrowed from the library.
Job Duties: Organizing, filing and maintaining sheet music for worship ministry library.

5. Collection Development

Collection development is the systematic and economical creation and evaluation of a library's inventory to meet the information needs of library users in a timely and cost-effective manner, using local information resources as well as resources from other organizations. Its purpose is to aid the mission of the library and involves both selecting and deselecting library resources. The library collection also includes general information resources to assist in a learning environment in subjects not covered in the classroom.

Here's how music librarians use collection development:

Maintained and preserved orchestra library collection, monitored collection development and de-accessioning.
Order new CDs, keep abreast of new artists and albums and coordinate with Media Services Coordinator for collection development.

6. Electronic Resources

The term â€˜electronic resources' refers to reading or visual materials stored in digital format, and they only get accessed electronically. Examples include e-books, e-journals and online databases.

Here's how music librarians use electronic resources:

Experience in information retrieval using library electronic resources to locate resources for patrons.
Compile usage statistics on enterprise electronic resources for year-end usage and cost-analysis.

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7. Reference Services

A reference service іѕ an іntеgrаl раrt of any lіbrаrу, the аіm of whісh іѕ tо educate users on hоw tо uѕе reference mаtеrіаlѕ to hеlр thеm gеt factual іnfоrmаtіоn іn the best роѕѕіblе way аnd аt the right tіmе. Thе rеfеrrаl ѕеrvісе hаndlеѕ rеԛuеѕtѕ аnd аѕѕіѕtѕ uѕеrѕ fіnd, ассеѕѕ, аnd uѕе thе rеԛuіrеd information to mееt thеіr nееdѕ.

Here's how music librarians use reference services:

Provide reference service to HMA members and members of the public.
Provided reference services, maintained library collection, made recommendations for the selection of new materials, and supervised inventory activities.

8. CDS

Here's how music librarians use cds:

Receive, process, and label new CDs.
Job Duties: Entering Information of Music CDs into a database using Excell.

9. Library Materials

Here's how music librarians use library materials:

Sorted and shelved library materials on a regular basis.
Checked in, checked out and renewed library materials using Microsoft Excell.

10. Choral Music

Here's how music librarians use choral music:

Organize and maintain all choral music * Developed a program to categorize all choral pieces
Cataloged details of choral music in an excel database, and filed music hardcopies into storage files.

11. Online Database

Here's how music librarians use online database:

Provide basic instruction for online public catalog and online databases.

12. Music Theory

Here's how music librarians use music theory:

Mentored students in Music Theory, Piano and composition implementing structured, advanced and intermediate tutorials.
Instructed general music, music theory, and piano classes for students in grades 9-12.

13. Symphony Orchestra

Here's how music librarians use symphony orchestra:

Assisted the University Symphony Orchestra director in administrative responsibilities such as music cataloguing and distribution.

14. Library Collection

Here's how music librarians use library collection:

Maintained the library collection, as well as help keep the library working smoothly, and clean.
Assisted with selection and de-selection of the library collection.

15. Music Scores

Here's how music librarians use music scores:

Prepare, package, and ship music scores to various major and regional orchestras, educational institutions, and publishing companies.
Filed, organized, photocopied, researched and retrieved music scores for the largest public jazz school library in the Midwest.

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What skills help Music Librarians find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What music librarian skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Sarah Riskind

Director of Choral Activities, Assistant Professor of Music, Eureka College

Graduates intending to pursue a career in music should be prepared to create their own opportunities. They should become adept at skills such as fundraising and online marketing if concentrating on the artistic or administrative side, and teaching experience is always helpful whether at public schools or private studio lessons. Many of these skills can be developed through experience, but there are plenty of online courses, YouTube videos, books, and podcasts that can help.

What technical skills for a music librarian stand out to employers?

Yi-Yang Chen

Assistant Professor, Appalachian Music Festival

- Quick adapting to the changes. - Lesson communication skills on the internet world.

Do you want to know more?

List of music librarian skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a music librarian resume and required skills for a music librarian to have include:

Library Database
Music Library
Wind Ensemble
Sheet Music
Collection Development
Electronic Resources

Reference Services
CDS
Library Materials
Choral Music
Online Database
Music Theory

Symphony Orchestra
Library Collection
Music Scores
Computer Database
BMI

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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Music Librarian Skills

Updated January 8, 2025

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