The Online Music Library is a free site that has an astounding collection of downloadable scores, including virtually all public domain works by virtually all the major composers.

Access

On Campus

When on campus, or connected to the SMCM network:

Groves Online
This is the standard classical music encyclopedia, and can be a good first place to look for information.

Naxos Music Library
This is a huge collection of recordings for online listening — sorry, no downloading. Anything we don’t have a CD or LP of in our library (and most of what we do have) can be found, often in multiple performances, at this site. Please note that when using Naxos, you must log off after you are finished listening.

Off Campus

There is limited access off campus, however these databases are available:

International Music Score Library Project / Petrucci Music Library

University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI)

You can find many other useful electronic reference materials, including searchable databases of scholarly articles, at the SMCM Library Site

In the Library

The main library for the college houses a music collection of recordings, scores, periodicals, and reference materials. Scores, recordings (LPs, CDs, and tapes), and video recordings (DVD, VHS, and some laserdics) may be checked out or may be used in the library. Periodicals and reference materials must be used in the library.

The library building has listening and viewing facilities, and quiet study spaces (desks, small rooms, tables with chairs).

If you need something that the library does not have, you can order things from the University of Maryland catalogs, which are searchable online. Delivery of items from U of M campuses to St. Mary’s College is within a matter of days. If these libraries don’t have what you need, you can use Inter-library loan. For more information about either of these, see the research librarian on call (at the desk on your left as you enter) or the people at the main check-out desk (on your right as you enter).
If you are having trouble finding anything, VISIT THE LIBRARY AND ASK THE REFERENCE LIBRARIAN. These people are professionals and are excellent resources: they know the library, the know how to find things––in the library or on the internet. They are VERY happy to help you. They are there specifically to help you with your searching.