The Collegian

Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: Arts

Students could potentially benefit from a new online music library if interest is high enough.

Mossey Library is offering a free trial version of Naxos Music Library through Oct. 12, and if enough students try it out, the college might make it a permanent resource.

Music students already benefit from the Web-based audio catalog, where they can browse through 320,000 tracks of classical music and countless other jazz, blues and world music selections.

"I can listen to music I've never even heard of before," junior Matt Hatty said. "As a musician, it's important I keep my ears open to new stuff."

If the library receives enough positive student response by the end of the trial phase, the administration may decide to continue the subscription, Technical Services Librarian Martha Spicuzza said.

Naxos costs up to $3,400 for an unlimited user license granting access to the entire database, but if the program receives only mediocre reception, the college may only purchase a limited license, Spicuzza added.

The license would allow only three to five people on the site at one time.

Chairman and Associate Professor of Music James Holleman said he is excited Naxos gives students another music-listening outlet.

"As long as it's not YouTube, I'm excited about anything that gives students more access to music," he said.

Student response to the trial database has been overwhelmingly positive, Librarian for Public Services Linda Moore said.

Naxos would be the first online music database offered to students who currently rely on the library's limited CD collection to listen to required music for class. But Spicuzza said changing how the library currently provides music might not be cost-effective.

"[$3,400] buys a lot of CDs," Spicuzza said. "We'll have to weigh that against what we're getting through Naxos."

The site is free for all students who obtain a username and password from the reference librarian.

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