'Made in Moreland': A Local Music Collection
This paper outlines the innovative music collection, ’Made in Moreland’ and associated programs resulting from this initiative. I plan to begin my presentation with a short performance by a musician represented in the collection and accompany this paper with a slide presentation.
My objective and outcome is to demonstrate the scope and project possibilities contained within the position of the audio-visual technician in a public library. The intended audience will be those working in public libraries. There are no activities for the audience.
Moreland City Libraries’ ‘Made in Moreland’ collection is a project aimed at collecting predominantly local music, but includes filmmakers and writers living in the City of Moreland. Collecting this work enables this music to be shared with the local community and is a permanent record of the vibrant musical history of Moreland.
The ‘Made in Moreland’ collection was first conceived in 2001, when I commenced working as the audio-visual technician at the Brunswick Library. Discussions ensued with the local history librarian, and together we presented a proposal to management for the development of this unique music collection.
The proposal was enthusiastically received. A logo was designed, and a flyer inviting contributions to the collection was produced. To date, there is a circulating collection of about 400 CDs throughout the library service, with a core collection of 150 CDs in the non-lending history collection.
To launch the collection, a free evening concert was held in the Brunswick Library featuring a selection of participants. ‘Live at the Library’ was so successful; it has become an annual free event under the umbrella of the Brunswick Music Festival. The library service now hosts monthly Saturday morning music in addition to its established program of free events.
The feedback we have had for the CD collection and live music events from library users, participants and staff have been very positive. Live music presents the library service as a vibrant place to visit. This collection gives people an opportunity to feel valued in their community, and many library staff can now add ‘live music event management’ to their suite of skills.