Finding Sound and Score: A Music Library Skills Module for Undergraduate Students

Music students need library search skills to find music resources of scores and sound recordings for study, repertoire selection and performance practice. This article describes the design and evaluation of a Blackboard eLearning module, Music Library Instruction Module based on a music information literacy standard 2, accessing needed information effectively and efficiently. The module supported students' development of skills in catalog searching to find music resources. The learning achievements of 25 participants were evaluated using a pre-test–post-test method. Post-test results had an increase between scores of 15% and statistical significance (t = 4.75; p < 0.001) to support the hypothesis that students demonstrate higher performance in search skills after interaction with the module. The Music Library Instruction Module was successful as an eLearning treatment in instructing library search skills to find music resources however additional instruction is needed when searching by major composer and subject headings. This study has practical implications in the design and assessment of music information literacy programs in the eLearning environment.

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