Table of Contents
Note from the Incoming Chair
NEMLA Elections
NEMLA Spring 2025 Meeting Summary
NEMLA Business Meeting Summary
Noteworthy News
— Judy Pinnolis Retiring
— “Voices of Change” Articles Published
—“A day in the life of a ‘helluva building’”
— “Singing the Sacred” Exhibition
— Grant Project Underway
NEMLA Officers
Publication Information
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A Note from the Incoming Chair
Dear NEMLA community,
I’m honored to be taking up the reins from Judy Pinnolis and starting my year as Chair of NEMLA for 2025-2026 as of July 1. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m the Manager for Metadata Creation for Music at Harvard, where I’ve been for the past 11 years. Prior to that I wore a lot of different hats, teaching voice, working in arts administration, translating patents, and raising a few kids. In my spare time I can be found at my loom, or biking, or hiking, or baking something I shouldn’t be eating.
Personnel changes happen every year, and I wanted to acknowledge those here. Many thanks to outgoing past-chair Terry Simpkins, Director of Discovery and Access Services at Middlebury College, for his service! In addition, Judy Pinnolis, soon-to-be-retired Associate Director of Instruction and Engagement at Berklee College of Music/Boston Conservatory, will be moving into the past-chair position. I wanted to extend thanks to her for all the work she has done in rethinking bylaws and working to organize our google drive to bring it into alignment with good record management practices, and in helping me acclimate to the new position.
We have three elections in progress (get your votes in!), all uncontested. Running for Vice-Chair is long-time Member-at-Large Emily Colucci, Library Assistant at Bates College; recently retired Head of the Music Library at Boston University Libraries Marci Cohen is running for Member-at-Large; and Hannah Ferello, Catalog Librarian at the New England Conservatory is running for a second term as Secretary/Treasurer. Thank you to all three for stepping up and being willing to serve NEMLA!
It was wonderful to see so many of you at our in-person meeting at MIT this past April, and we’re excited to see what lies in store for the 2025-2026 year. I will be continuing to work with our archivist, Jonathan Paul, to organize our record keeping, and we will be beginning our first year under the new by-law rules of positions turning over as of July 1. This will be a learning experience for us all. While the system is ultimately more predictable, it does shorten the time the program committee has to work on the fall program. So if any of you are thinking of presenting in the fall, be on the lookout for a call for proposals!
And finally, I did want to say a word about committees. These are a wonderful opportunity for all of us to meet with our fellow librarians, supporting the broader aspects of our work. If you have been thinking about joining a committee but have been hesitant, please jump on in! Speaking for myself, it has been a great opportunity to get to know colleagues and to get a sense of the broader New England library community we are all a part of.
Looking forward to seeing you at the 2025-2026 fall (virtual) and spring (in-person) meetings; here’s to a wonderful academic year to come.
Anne Adams, NEMLA Chair (incoming)
Manager of Metadata Creation for Music
Eda Kuhn Loeb Music Library
Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts
anneadams at fas.harvard.edu
NEMLA Elections
It is time to elect our officers for the coming year. This year we have 3 open positions: Member-at-Large, Secretary/Treasurer, and Vice-Chair.
You can find the ballot here. Please submit your responses by 5pm on June 26, 2025.
New officer terms will begin on July 1, 2025.
Thank you for participating!
Hannah Ferello, NEMLA Secretary/Treasurer
Catalog & Serials Librarian, Blumenthal Family Library,
New England Conservatory
NEMLA Spring 2025 Meeting Summary
MIT hosted NEMLA’s hybrid Spring 2025 meeting on Friday, April 11, 2025. Forty-four participants attended the meeting—including presenters and sponsors. Eight of the forty-four attended via Zoom for the programming sessions and the business meeting, which took place after lunch.
Judy Pinnolis, NEMLA’s Chair, welcomed all NEMLA attendees at 9:00am. She acknowledged and thanked Jim Cowan, Theodore Front Musical Literature company’s representative, who sponsored the meeting and graciously supplied the wonderful continental breakfast served during the opening reception in the Lewis Music Library foyer.
Judy then thanked Anne Adams, NEMLA’s Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect, Chair of the Program Committee, along with the committee members for their efforts in organizing the meeting. Judy also expressed gratitude to Donna Maher, NEMLA’s Web Editor, for continuously managing NEMLA’s website and providing various updates throughout the year, as well as to Hannah Ferello, the Secretary-Treasurer for organizing meeting registration.
Last but certainly not least, Judy gave huge thanks to Avery Boddie, Director of MIT’s Lewis Music Library, for serving as NEMLA’s local host. Judy turned the podium over to Avery, who explained logistics for the meeting and introduced his staff, Laura Crook Brisson and Jake Zelikovsky, both Music Library Assistants, who were a tremendous help in getting things ready for the meeting. After expressing particular gratitude for excellent leadership during difficult times in today’s climate, Avery introduced Dr. Chris Bourg, Director of MIT Libraries, who warmly welcomed all attendees and briefly spoke about MIT’s vision for the Nexus room as a “dedicated teaching and event space” in the newly renovated Hayden Memorial Library, where the welcome portion, programming sessions and business meeting took place.
Anne Adams introduced copyright enthusiast Marci Cohen, recently retired Head of the Music Library at Boston University, to present the first session of the morning, “Not Just a PDF on a Website: Outreach to Composition Students about Copyright and Self-Publishing.”
Boston University’s composition faculty had recently asked Marci to teach during one of their “Composers’ Forum” sessions — a weekly seminar requirement for composition majors. She explored a variety of topics pertaining to music copyright and self-publishing of musical compositions, which she included in her NEMLA presentation, an outline of which is below:
• Music copyright basics:
> the bundle of rights one gets, especially when dealing with derivative works
> the two different kinds of copyright holdings
▪ the musical composition itself
▪ a performed recording of the work
• The importance of registering musical compositions with the U.S. Copyright Office or a different organization should students choose to register the work themselves
• Selling scores…
> as a printed copy, involving score binding practices
> PDF electronic format, involving selling a license and not just a file, where students should understand what types of rights they are granted as the copyright holder when looking to sell the “license”
• How students can display and categorize their scores to acknowledge various musical characteristics, using ISSUU–a digital publishing platform
Marci also provided a QR code to a resource guide (see link below) students can use as they embark on the self-publishing journey. Marci concluded by saying that composition music faculty were “notably enthusiastic” to schedule her for an engagement session the following year. She entered the first session thinking she was going to have to plead with the music composition faculty and students to show how self-publishing makes things easier for music librarians. However, the faculty and students were in fact, learning how to make a profit from self-publishing their works. Marci’s biggest takeaway and endorsement was to encourage all composers to think about going the self-publishing route at individual institutions. (Her slides and resource guide are available on the NEMLA website.)
After a fifteen-minute break, Anne introduced the next session, “This Class is a Work in Progress: Reflecting on Teaching,” presented by members of NEMLA’s Instruction Committee, including Carol Lubkowski, the Music Librarian at the Jewett Arts Center at Wellesley College, Kerry Masteller, the Music Librarian for Scholarly Communications and Digital Programs at the Loeb Music Library at Harvard University, and Donna Maher, the Reference and Instruction Librarian and Lecturer at the University of Maine’s Augusta campus.
Carol, Donna, and Kerry respectively covered the following three modules, which Carol initially pointed out they all use in their teaching, but are “…not fully baked yet…”.
- Database showdown
- Horses and sources
- Choose your own adventure.
The presenters discussed a variety of activities and questions they work through with their students. However, they found student feedback was not always engaging and productive and asked NEMLA attendees for suggestions on how they could prompt more constructive and lively feedback from their students when covering these modules. Kerry then led an interactive portion of the session in which she divided NEMLA in-person attendees into groups of 6, while virtual attendees were asked to talk amongst themselves using Zoom’s chat feature, to discuss what strategies individuals used in their teaching to tackle similar modules. When finished, groups shared their results, giving inspirational feedback the presenters, and others, could implement in their teaching.
After lunch and the business meeting, Anne introduced Avery Boddie and his staff, Laura Crook Brisson and Jake Zelikovsky. The three presented the final session of the day, “Afrofuturism and Otherworldliness,” a very exciting discussion about the current exhibit on Afrofuturism in the Lewis Music Library.
Avery defined the cultural movement “Afrofuturism,” explaining its powerful impact on music and culture. He provided a detailed timeline of how the exhibit came into being and its significant alignment with the Lewis Music Library’s historically prolific programmatic events. Laura Crook Brisson expanded upon the origins of Afrofuturism, talking about how the term was “coined” by Boston’s own author and critic, Mark Dery. Laura demonstrated connections between Afrofuturism and MIT by highlighting the example of fictional characters from the Marvel Universe who attended MIT. Jake focused on artists connected to Afrofuturism who are featured in the exhibit. He highlighted Missy Elliot and Janelle Monáe—two of the most recognizable leading women in today’s contemporary world, known for their work in bridging hip hop, pop, and Afrofuturism in unique, controversial, and defying ways. Avery tied in various themes and musical styles found within Afrofuturism and the associated musicians’ extensive work, which can be observed as spirituality and metaphysics, cosmic and space imagery, escapism and liberation, and technology and innovation. He also covered how Afrofuturism can be seen as a social practice, intersecting with a variety of disciplines, including literature, media, science fiction and technology. Laura and Jake talked about the exhibit’s interactive structure, the associated LibGuide created to aid participants in understanding the exhibit’s nature, and an event conducted in the Lewis Music Library, showcasing the amazing exhibit and musicians. Avery concluded the presentation by sharing some notable reflections and lessons learned from embarking on this project and everything involved to make the exhibit successful.
Friday afternoon concluded with a lovely reception and a fantastic performance given by MIT’s oldest a cappella group, the Logarythms, which included two of Lewis Music Library’s own student workers. The group’s incredible arrangements included Stevie Wonder’s 1970 hit “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours);” Nicole Zefanya’s (also known as “NIKI” for her stage name) song “Every Summertime”, a highlighted track on the 2021 Marvel Action/Adventure superhero film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings soundtrack album; “My Funny Valentine,” which has been recorded by several different artists including Frank Sinatra, who released his well-known version in 1955; a fun arrangements of Seal’s 1994 hit “Kiss from a Rose;” and Amy Winehouse’s 2006 popular hit, “Valerie.”
Early in the concert, Sharon Saunders, of Bates College, bravely answered the call for a volunteer to join them on stage. She was delighted to be serenaded with Frankie Valli’s 1993 hit “Can’t Take My Eyes off You.”
The talented group’s a cappella concert was a wonderful way to end such an inspirational day of togetherness and learning.
Summary respectfully submitted by Emily M. Colucci, NEMLA’s Member-At-Large & Library Assistant, Access Services, at the George and Helen Ladd Library, Bates College
NEMLA Business Meeting Summary — April 11, 2025
Call to order, Judy Pinnolis
Committee reports
- Publications (Jennifer Hadley): The call for newsletter submissions will come out soon.
- Instruction: No formal report. Members of the committee gave a presentation in morning session).
- Education & Outreach (Emily Colucci): Looking for ways to reconnect/rebuild relationships between NEMLA and other organizations
- Technical Services (Anne Adams): The committee needs a chair! The committee will probably look at RDA changes in the coming year or so
- Nominating (Judy Pinnolis, on behalf of Terry Simpkins): The Spring 2025 nominating slate (so far) is Emily Colucci running for Vice Chair and Hannah Ferello running for Sec/Treas (2nd term). Many committees still need chairs and members. Ballots will be sent out electronically (details forthcoming on NEMLA list-serv)
- Program (Anne Adams): Thank you for a great meeting today!
- EDIJ (Patrick Quinn): Will be meeting more frequently. Meetings are open to all, unless otherwise noted.
Secretary/Treasurer Report (Hannah Ferello)
- 62 active members (as of Feb. 24, 2025). Income from membership renewals: $654.
- Total cash-in-hand: $11,395.69
- Meetings: 1) Fall (October 18, 2025): virtual — No income/expenses 2) Spring (April 11, 2025): hybrid, hosted by MIT — Net income: $212.91
- For full details, see report.
Archivist Report (Judy Pinnolis, on behalf of Jonathan Paul)
- Plans underway to reorganize NEMLA Google Drive: naming conventions; splitting permanent archives from active/in-use documents; file ownership; back-up files (physical hard drive)
- Physical archive still held at Boston Public Library
Chair Report (Judy Pinnolis)
- Actively collaborating with NEMLA Archivist to reorganize Google Drive (see above)
- Passed bylaw revisions this fall to standardize terms for officers (July 1 – June 30)
- Working with Nominating Committee to fill positions — Suggests forming Ad-Hoc Committee to look into contingency planning for scenarios that may arise where we have empty positions, need new committees, modernizing NEMLA’s leadership structure, etc.
Old Business
- Question: Which positions are formally elected? Officers are elected. Committee Chairs are not elected, but some committee chair positions are duties of specific offices. For example: Program Chair = NEMLA Vice Chair ; Nominating Chair = NEMLA Past Chair ; EDIJ chair = EDIJ Officer ; Education & Outreach Chair = NEMLA Member at Large
- Question: How to be on a committee? Volunteer! No formal process to join a committee.
New Business
- Ad Hoc Committee on By-Laws — See details in Chair Report
- Proposal: NEMLA Travel Grant to MLA 2026 (Salt Lake City) — Proposed by Marci Cohen for consideration by the NEMLA Board
Adjourn
Summary from notes by Hannah Ferello, NEMLA Secretary/Treasurer
Catalog & Serials Librarian, Blumenthal Family Library, New England Conservatory
Noteworthy News
Retirement Announcement: Judy Pinnolis
I am both proud and a bit wistful to announce that Judy Pinnolis will be retiring from Berklee on July 11, 2025, after just over eight years of dedicated service. Judy joined us following a distinguished 22-year tenure at Brandeis University, bringing with her a wealth of experience and insight.
During her time at Berklee, Judy has made a lasting impact on nearly every facet of the library. From assessing and enhancing our collections and services to launching innovative programs and initiatives, her contributions have greatly expanded the library’s presence and relevance within the Berklee community.
In her most recent role as Associate Director of Instruction and Engagement, Judy led her team in championing the importance of information and media literacy, as well as the development of critical thinking skills. One of her most notable strengths has been her ability to build meaningful campus partnerships, connecting the library with the Office of Faculty Development, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Student Life, and Liberal Arts and Sciences, among others.
Though Judy is retiring from her role at Berklee, she will continue to be active in the professional music library world. She will remain involved in the New England Music Library Association (NEMLA) in her leadership role as Past Chair and will begin a new position as Coordinator of the Music Library Association’s Jewish Music Interest Group.
Please join me in congratulating Judy on her remarkable career. I wish her all the best as she continues her academic work as a respected expert in Jewish music, nurtures her love of plants and flowers, and spends more precious time with her grandchildren. Her presence and contributions will be deeply missed, but her legacy at Berklee will continue to inspire.
Best wishes, Judy!
Submitted by Jennifer Hunt, Associate Dean, Library, Boston Conservatory at Berklee
“Voices of Change” Articles Published
Judith Pinnolis has had two more in the series of her interviews recently published in “Voices of Change: 50 Years of Women in the American Cantorate” at the Milken Archive of Jewish Music in Los Angeles. Pinnolis is guest curator at the Milken Archive for the entire project.
The latest installment is on Cantor Faith Steinsnyder, currently serving the United Hebrew Congregation of Singapore, and a woman who has taught the cantorial arts in all the progressive movements’ Jewish seminaries in the United States. Her interview appears here.
The previous release was about Cantor Emma Lutz, who serves as Senior Cantor at Stephen Wise Temple in Los Angeles.
The Voices of Change series includes Judy’s article “A Historical Look at Jewish Women Sacred Singers.” an extended article featuring women’s leadership contributions in Jewish sacred music. Over the next few months, four more interviews will be published and another article will complete the online exhibit.
Submitted by Judith S. Pinnolis, Associate Director, Instruction and Engagement, Berklee
“A day in the life of a ‘helluva building,’ Ladd Library at Bates College“
Emily Colucci, cataloger Matt Banning, and Chris Schiff were all featured in a recent profile of the Bates Library done by the Bates Communications Office. The article begins with the history of the library and gives glimpses into the typical activities of the students, staff, and faculty who populate the library from 7:23 a.m. to 1:04 a.m.
Submitted by Chris Schiff, Music and Arts Librarian, Bates College
“Singing the Sacred” Exhibition
An exhibit co-curated by Erin Fulton and Jesse P. Karlsberg (SEMLA) was on display at Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, this spring and remains viewable online at this link.
It features books from Pitts and several other institutions that are part of the digital library of Southern sacred music, for which Erin serves as music bibliographer. Brown University is one of the participating institutions — all others are out of the NEMLA area. The title of the exhibition is “Singing the Sacred: Songbooks and Hymnals from the Sounding Spirit Digital Library (1850-1925).”
Click here for more information about Sounding Spirit.
Submitted by Erin Fulton, Music Bibliographer, Sounding Spirit, Emory Center for Digital Scholarship
Grant Project Underway
Andrea Cawelti, Ward Music Cataloger at Houghton Library, is working on a project with a grant from the Arcadia Foundation to pursue AI support for simple sheet music cataloging. She has hired Harvard math and computer studies student Oluwafemi (Femi) Ositade to assist in the project. They are currently working together on a shortcut to dating scores from publisher addresses or plate numbers.
Submitted by Andrea Cawelti. Ward Music Cataloger, Houghton Library, Harvard University
NEMLA Officers
Publication Information
New England Quarter Notes is published quarterly in the fall, winter, spring, and summer.
Back issues may be accessed from:
http://nemla.musiclibraryassoc.org/resources/newsletters/
Address all correspondence concerning editorial matters to:
Jennifer Hadley
jthom at wesleyan.edu
Inquiries concerning subscription, membership and change of address should be directed to:
Hannah Ferello
hannah.ferello at necmusic.edu
Membership year runs July 1st to June 30th.
Regular Personal Membership:$12.00
Student and Retired Membership:$6.00
Institutional Membership$16.00
Return to the New England Music Library Association home page