Collections and Services
Library Collections
The library’s holdings include more than 40,000 items covering the areas of music performance, music history and literature, music education, opera, musical theater, world drama, dance history, dance notation and dance choreography.
In addition to books about these topics, the Alphin Library offers the following:
- Collected editions of composer’s works
- Piano/vocal scores for musical theater and classical
- Solo instrumental literature
- Chamber performance sets
- Study scores
- Plays and scripts
- Commercial recordings on CD, LP, DVD, and video
- More than 3500 local recordings of Boston Conservatory performances
- Almost 200 music, dance and theater periodicals (electronic and in print)
- Electronic databases for reference, streaming audio, scores and periodicals
Reference and Research Assistance
Help is available from student library assistants during all library hours of operation. For reference questions and assistance with research, periodicals and other topics, librarians are available from Sunday through Friday. Simply ask at the circulation desk and we will be more than willing to help. For larger projects or research, please call ahead of time to schedule an appointment.
Inter-Library Loan
For items not available in the library’s collection, we offer inter-library loan services to current students, faculty and staff. To request an item, provide a detailed list of composer/author, title, and any specific edition information to Reg Didham, Cataloging/Acquisitions Librarian. Request can be made in person during his office hours or by sending email to rdidham@bostonconservatory.edu. Most items arrive within a week or two, but others may take longer depending on the lending institution.
