Table of Contents
Message from the Chair
Spring 2021 Meeting Summary
Secretary/Treasurer’s Report
Committee News
Fall 2021 Meeting Preview
Noteworthy News
NEMLA Officers
Publication Information
Message from the Chair
Greetings, NEMLA members.
I am delighted to have accepted the position of chair of NEMLA. I want to thank Lisa Wollenberg for leading us through a challenging year both personally and professionally. We are all entering a new normal as many of our institutions continue to serve patrons while others are ramping up for in person services for the first time in nearly 18 months. I hope that no matter where you fall on the spectrum you will look to your colleagues in NEMLA for support and encouragement.
Our spring meeting was hosted via zoom with 102 registered participants from across the United States! I anticipate we will have another productive and energetic year ahead.
Allison Estell has decided to step down from her position as Member at Large. I speak for all of us in thanking her for the role she served in the last year. I hope a member of NEMLA will be interested in joining the NEMLA board in this capacity. I plan to reach out to the membership more widely in the early Fall.
One of the Board’s primary focuses has been to find a home for the NEMLA archives. It was decided by the board to keep them at the Boston Public Library. A big thank you to Emily Levine for working toward this end to develop a home for the legacy of NEMLA.
We have much to do this year as we continue our work toward a more equitable and diverse community. I am delighted to announce that Patrick Quinn has agreed to serve as our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice Officer. I look forward to working with him. In our work this year, we will all continue to work toward an equitable response to racial violence and oppression.
Sandi-Jo Malmon
NEMLA Chair
Spring 2021 Meeting Summary – May 7, 2021
(Brief highlights condensed from notes by Allison Estell. For further information, contact presenters. Email Jennifer Hadley with any corrections.)
President Lisa Wollenberg opened the meeting by welcoming attendees to NEMLA’s third all-virtual meeting. She noted that although it has been a difficult year, we have learned a lot. She suggested we all stop and reflect on our growth and put our new knowledge to good use, personally, professionally, and with NEMLA. She thanked the Program Committee for another exciting program.
Developing a Music Librarianship Course Centered on Theory and Praxis in Critical Librarianship, Social Justice, and Diversity Work (Memory Apata, Dartmouth College; Liz Berndt-Morris, Harvard University; and Anna E. Kijas, Tufts University)
The goal of this working group was to design a course accessible in format, content, and cost, inclusive to everyone regardless of prior knowledge, and which addressed and challenged biases from a critical reflective practice. In February 2020, the working group shared a white paper with MLA for feedback and then hired a course design consultant, Jeannie Chen, who had experience with distance learning. They gave her a 15-week syllabus and asked for feedback on diversity, inclusion, and social justice, creating safe space, and acknowledging barriers to access. Jeannie’s recommendations included to integrate anti-racism principles throughout assignments, objectives, readings, structure (not just a statement at the beginning) and to create a brave space (need courage, rather than seek appearance of safety). Action items included using community language (we/you, not third person), removing jargon, centering individual experiences, defining safe/brave, and distinguishing between course goals and learning objectives.
Boston Rock City: A Linked Data Initiative (Christina Linklater, Harvard University; Peter Laurence, Harvard University; Christine Fernsebner Eslao, Harvard Library; Kate Mancey, Harvard University)
Arthur Freedman’s collection documenting live performances of local rock bands was donated to Harvard in December 2011. It consists of 500 analog audio cassettes (1976-2000, most late 70s to mid-80s), which went to Loeb, and 1158 video recordings in various formats (1985-2011), which went to Harvard Film Archive. It also includes some set lists, tickets, flyers, and other artifacts. The hope is to unify the two subcollections eventually. The finding aid is available here. Work on the collection included transcribing all the notes from the tape cases and updating permission agreements to account for streaming. As bands were contacted, they also offered metadata and new content. Using wikidata/linked data allows for metadata to be shared beyond Harvard in any language and shows relationships between items (e.g., between bands/genres/venues, etc.). The team has scheduled an Editathon on May 21-22, 2021 and are planning various exhibitions.
Teen Music Maker Showdown (Ritse Adefolalu, Boston Public Library, Lower Mills Branch)
The Teen Music Maker Showdown was a statewide virtual youth music contest with a live online results show that Ritse organized at BPL with The Hip Hop Transformation (THHT, a Cambridge afterschool program) and four other youth organizations. There were cash prizes and the option to compose a song for BPL. The aim was to show kids that their art has value and should be treated professionally. 39 teens submitted 75 songs (each entrant was permitted up to three songs). Networking and marketing were important to building this program. BPL teen services has a Twitch channel for gaming, live conversations, guest authors/artists, career exploration, and now teen-created content. They held a Kickoff Twitch livestream on Feb. 5 with an overview of the rules and music production demos by a THHT student. They revealed the top ten at an Awards Celebration on March 5 with133 distinct attendees and 500+views of the recording.
Reframing the Music Classroom: Incorporating Anti-Racist Practices and BIPOC Voices: Collaborative Practices (Debra Mandel, Northeastern University)
As part of the university anti-racism initiative, each library department created goals and the Music Department created a statement of solidarity. Professor Francesca Inglese received a grant to aid music faculty to center BIPOC and to gather resources to create anti-racist music classrooms. Debra was part of the project team and provided library support, instruction in Leganto, and recommendations as selector. Two student researchers (2nd-year and 4-year undergraduates) were hired to drive much of the work. They created a resource subject guide and six biweekly newsletters to highlight resources, and presented to a RISE conference at NEU. Daphne Brooks and Terri Lyne Carrington were invited as guest speakers. The project highlighted a collaboration among faculty, students and a librarian, raised engagement and awareness, and showed students their work was valued.
Musical Political Parody in Presidential Elections (Emily Spitz, former 2019 Library of Congress Librarian in Residence and participant in developing a music instruction audiobook for patrons of the National Library Service for the Print Disabled)
Emily shared many examples of the longstanding practice of musical political parody beginning with the Revolutionary War (Yankee Doodle is a parody itself and was parodied a lot), “The Battle of the Kegs” by Francis Hopkinson, a Tippecanoe and Tyler too parody, folk tunes parodying Whig candidates, anti-war parodies, the use of Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinnafore, a “Good Night Ladies” parody, the use of “Pretty Woman,” and musical political parodies on late-night TV.
Beginning the Journey Towards Inclusive and Anti-Racist Metadata and Description (Anne Adams, Harvard University; Andrea Cawelti, Harvard University; Jennifer Dunlap, Harvard University; Jennifer Hadley, Wesleyan University; Rebecca McCallum, Wesleyan University; Hannah Spence, New England Conservatory)
Rebecca spoke about how to plan an evaluation of your metadata. It is important to incorporate multiple viewpoints, seek outside counsel/expertise if necessary, and see what other organizations are doing, e.g., Cataloginglab.org, #critcat. Especially consider subject headings referring to people and how the absence of important terms might affect discovery. Anne Adams spoke about initiatives to update controlled headings at Harvard and MLA CMC (Core ), for example, changing illegal aliens to undocumented immigrants locally and a LCMPT project to examine gendered medium of performance terms. Jennifer H. discussed how Wesleyan’s Music Library and World Music Archives are evaluating the use of “World music” and “Folk music” as subject terms. The definitions have changed over time. Staff will clarify local procedures, create instructions for student catalogers, and decide whether to review copy cataloging, and how much retrospective cataloging to do. They will also examine other headings, such as “Indians of North America” and “Popular Music”. Andrea and Jennifer D. discussed a project to apply inclusive and descriptive cataloging to American minstrelsy materials and correct problematic headings. Sometimes legitimate headings are applied incorrectly; lack of scope notes can be frustrating. Jennifer shared recommended terms and tips for doing this work. For example, do not use African American wit and humor for works of/about minstrelsy; only use African Americans—Music when music is actually African American music. Hannah shared the committee’s Links and Resources document for inclusive, anti-racist metadata. There was no time for group discussion, but the committee hopes to discuss the topic more at a future meeting and invites discussion on the NEMLA listserv. (See committee notes below.)
Listening Party (Peter Laurence, Harvard University)
Below are some of the tracks we enjoyed together:
- The Exciters, “Life, Love & Peace”
- Jesse Montgomery, “Strum,” perf. by members of LA Philharmonic
- Idles, “Grounds”
- Natalia Lafourcade and (many many) others, “Un Derecho de Nacimiento”
- Queen, “I Want To Break Free”
- Tori Amos, “Silent All These Years”
- Pamela Z, “Ink” perf. by Volti
- Seratones, “Power”
- Zakkiyah, “Shades of Black: The Hip-Hopera”
- Chris Kando Iijima, Joanne Nobuko Miyamoto, and “Charlie” Chin, “We Are the Children”
Business Meeting minutes
- Call to Order
- Committee news/openings
- Publications – Announcement of Jennifer Hadley as the new Newsletter editor
- Instruction – No news to report
- Education and Outreach – No news to report
- Technical Services – No news to report
- Nominating – EDIJ position is looking for a chair
- Program – Thanks from Sandi-Jo to the program committee
- Oral History – All quiet….
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Justice – details were mentioned at the beginning of the spring meeting by Lisa Wollenberg. Committee is looking for a chair and will be assembling the committee after that.
- Secretary/Treasurer report: Brendan Higgins
- Report attached (see below)
- Archivist report: Emily Levine
- Found a new space for NEMLA archives – Brockton Public Library (thanks to Paul Engel) (Note: See change above.)
- Archivist will be reviewing our current standards for collecting materials
- More work to be done on processing, but with more access to materials, she hopes to integrate the archival materials into Newsletter and other outreach venues
- Chair report: Lisa Wollenberg
- Retiree recognition
- Carolyn Johnson and Ray Schmidt
- Provided flowers to both retirees
- Fall joint meeting
- Looking to work with other MLA chapters for a joint meeting
- Discussion on proposed by-laws amendments http://nemla.musiclibraryassoc.org/new-england-quarter-notes-march-2021-no-207/#Proposed-Bylaws-Amendments
- No discussion from members. Board will move forward on amendments
- Retiree recognition
- Election results, announcement of new board members: Brendan Higgins
- Vice Chair/Chair-Elect – Memory Apata
- Secretary -Treasurer – Carol Lubkowski
- Handover to new Chair
- Sandi-Jo accepts the “gavel”
- Old Business
- None
- New Business
- None
- Meeting adjourned
NEMLA Secretary-Treasurer Report 5/7/21
Savings Account: $4,006.89
Checking Account: $6,132.93
Grants
1) MLA chapter grant – Music Librarianship course development
Initial funds $1,150.00
Funds used $175.00
Current remaining $975.00
2) Oral History Grant
Current remaining $450.51
Membership
Total active membership: 74
New membership: 11
Gross income from membership: $774.00
Fall Meeting Summary – October 23, 2020
Held over Zoom
81 total attendees registered
No income or expenses
Spring Meeting Summary – May 7th, 2021
Held over Zoom
102 total attendees registered
No income or expenses
Submitted by Brendan Higgins, former NEMLA Secretary-Treasurer
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Secretary/Treasurer’s Report
Membership
Thanks to all who have renewed their memberships already this year! For those who have not yet renewed, instructions are below. All dues are collected through the Music Library Association website.
Annual Membership:
Regular membership: $12.00
Student/Retired membership: $6.00
**This year we are again extending to members that are on furlough, unemployed, or are experiencing other financial hardships the option of choosing the Student/Retiree price for your normal membership. We’re using the honor system for this option and won’t be asking for confirmation of your eligibility.
Instructions for Renewing Members Who Have an MLA Site Profile
You have two options. (Either way, you will be asked to log into your existing user profile first. Please do not create a new profile!)
- Pay for MLA and NEMLA memberships in one transaction.
- Pay for a NEMLA membership alone
For NEMLA members who have previously purchased a multi-year membership, you will still have to “renew” your NEMLA membership through the MLA website this year, in order for us to maintain accurate membership records. I have sent you individual emails with a discount code that will allow you to renew without paying the fee. If you have any questions about the current status of your membership or the renewal process, please email Carol Lubkowski at clubkows at wellesley.edu.
Bylaws Amendment
The proposed Bylaws Amendments to create an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice (EDIJ) Officer and Committee passed unanimously with 34 votes.
Submitted by Carol Lubkowski, NEMLA Secretary-Treasurer
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Committee News
Seeking volunteers for open positions
There are currently many open positions in the NEMLA structure. We want YOU to fill one! No prior experience necessary. All terms are for two years except where specified. Please contact the appropriate person below for more information or to volunteer.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice Committee
· 2-3 members needed
· Contact: Lisa Wollenberg, Lwollenbe at hartford.edu
Member at Large
· Chair of the Education and Outreach Committee and voting board officer. Term begins immediately and ends Spring 2022.
· Elections to be held next spring for the full-term position, which will hold office Spring 2022 to Spring 2024.
· Contact: Sandi-Jo Malmon, smalmon at fas.harvard.edu
Nominating Committee
· 1 member needed (starting after the October meeting)
· Contact: Chris Schiff, cschiff at bates.edu
Program Committee
· 1 member needed
· Contact: Memory Apata, memory.r.apata at dartmouth.edu
Submitted by Lisa Wollenberg
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Technical Services Committee
At the spring online NEMLA meeting, the Technical Services Committee presented a panel discussion on “Beginning the journey towards inclusive and anti-racist metadata and description.” As part of preparing for that panel, the group created a shared Google Doc of “Useful links and resources for moving towards inclusive and anti-racist metadata.”
We’re hoping this will be a living document, with new links and resources added over time. There are so many resources and articles out there. If you see something you think should be added to the list, please email one of us, and we’ll add it to the shared document.
If you have questions about any of the specific sections of the presentation, please email us.
Anne Adams: anneadams at fas.harvard.edu
Jennifer Hadley: jthom at wesleyan.edu
Andrea Cawelti: cawelti at fas.harvard.edu
Jennifer Dunlap: jennifer_dunlap at harvard.edu
Rebecca McCallum: rmccallum at wesleyan.edu
If we had been able to instigate a discussion, we would have asked the following questions. If you feel inspired, feel free to do a little discussing on the NEMLA listserv!
- Is your institution already taking steps to alter any of its metadata, and if so, what are you all doing?
- What tools or resources (in addition to the shared Resource page) would be helpful for the NEMLA Tech Services committee to create and post? In what ways do NEMLA members want to collaborate to work on these metadata issues?
Submitted by Rebecca McCallum
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Fall 2021 Meeting Preview
We are delighted to announce a joint fall chapter meeting among the New England, Texas, and Atlantic chapters October 8-9, 2021, online. (Our first non-contiguous chapter meeting!?) The chapter chairs have met and decided to join forces for a virtual gathering. Our chapters’ individual needs are somewhat different, but we felt it was to our mutual advantage to congregate all together for what we hope will be a dynamic virtual meeting.
Call for Presentation Proposals
The joint program committees of our three chapters are accepting proposals for presentation at the virtual fall meeting on October 8-9, 2021. Presentations should be 30 minutes in length, not including time for questions. If you submit a proposal for a longer presentation and there is not enough room on the program, you may be asked to consider reformatting your topic for a lightning round session. While all proposals will be considered, we are especially interested in presentations addressing the following topics:
- Special collections
- Live or pre-recorded tours/showcases/demonstrations
- Teaching with special collections
- Scholarly work produced using your institution’s special collections
- Music libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Diversity, equity, & inclusion in music libraries
Lightning Round Sessions
The purpose of lightning round sessions is to quickly share a concept or project. Sessions should last no more than 10 minutes.
How to Submit
To propose either a full-length or lightning round session, please submit the names and contact information for all presenters along with an abstract of 100-300 words describing your presentation via this form by September 3, 2021. Presenters will be notified of their acceptance into the program by September 10, 2021.
All best,
Rahni Kennedy, Chair, Texas Chapter of the Music Library Association < rbkennedy at smu.edu >
Memory Apata, Vice Chair/Chair-Elect, New England Chapter < Memory.R.Apata at dartmouth.edu >
Winston Barham, Chair, Atlantic Chapter < wkb5j at virginia.edu >
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Noteworthy News
Debra H. Mandel Retired
Congratulations to Debra Mandel, who retired as Director of Northeastern University Library’s Recording Studios on July 1, 2021!
Debra began working in the new Snell Library in July 1990 as the Media Center’s Operations Administrator and was promoted to Head a few years later. In 2007 the Media Center’s listening, viewing and borrowing services were transformed into the Digital Media Design Studio (DMDS) for multimedia creation and instruction. In 2014 the DMDS was reconfigured and relaunched as the Recording Studios.
Prior to Northeastern, Debra worked at Wentworth Institute, Lesley College, Billerica Public Library, Quincy College and Noble & Greenough School. She held pre-MLS jobs at Boston University, Harvard, the National League of Cities and Tufts New England Medical Center.
Debra served as the Music library liaison at Northeastern for approximately 15 years. These are some of her music career highlights:
- Donated Northeastern’s remaining vinyl collection to the Boston Public Library shortly after they had a flood
- Managed collection development of music in all formats
- Collaborated with Prof. Dennis Miller to create a special visual music collection on DVD
- Taught music information literacy classes, sometimes in collaboration with University Archives and Special Collections
- Launched new audio digitization, podcasting, audio and video music production services
- Collaborated with Green Line Records and other student groups for studio production and live streaming performances
- Created a listening area for the Solomon Jazz Collection on vinyl
- Collaborated on the creation of the digital Holocaust and Genocide Awareness Archive which includes musical performances of Gideon Klein Scholars
- Partnered with students and Prof. Francesca Inglese for the “Reframing the Music Classroom” research guide project
NEMLA Officers
Publication Information
New England Quarter Notes is published quarterly in September, December, March/April and June/July.
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:
Carol Lubkowski
clubkows at wellesley.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.