On a back hallway of the University of Memphis Music Building there is a small sign that reads “Efrim and Caroline S. Fruchtman Music Library.” Of course, in the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll there would be a catalogue of records, CDs, cassettes, music, and books about music.
The University of Memphis is the only school in Tennessee that has a music doctoral program, so having an extensive catalogue is important to the university’s researchers. Joel Roberts is also housed in the music library as the music librarian.
Music librarian Joel Roberts works at his desk inside the Efrim and Caroline S. Fruchtman Music Library, located in the University of Memphis Music Building.
The music library is one of the three branches of the McWherter Library where everyone working there is musically inclined in some way and more equipped to help musicians with their studies.
“If we had all these things housed over in the McWherter Library and someone needed help with something, most of the people working there wouldn’t really be equipped to answer questions,” Roberts said. “Singers, for example, frequently are like ‘I need this piece, but I need it to be in the key of E flat,’ so you just need people who work here that have enough music knowledge.”
The music library isn’t exclusively for musicians, Roberts even encourages non-music majors to check out what the library has to offer.
“Anyone that’s a U of M affiliate can use us and I think a lot of times students don’t realize we have scores, CDs, records, and just music books in general,” Roberts said. “While there may be some books over in McWherter that are music specific, those tend to be more like general interest stuff. The majority of things end up here.”
He said other majors could find things of use in the music library, such as English and Sociology. Even outside of academic study the library holds something of interest for music fans in general, especially if someone wants to learn about Memphis music history.
The music library also has listening stations, with record players, CD players, cassette players, and streaming databases. The musical streaming database is also available to students through the music library website anywhere on campus.
The music library consists of two rooms, the main room has several computers and sitting areas for students to hang out, read, and talk. The second room is where the stacks are housed- a more quiet area with spaces for students to study and sit.
Another feature is the “free to a good home” shelf, where students can take books that are no longer in circulation.
Open year round, the music library is a place for students to relax, enjoy music, and learn about music and musicians. All students of any major are welcome to check out a book, listen to a record, and expand their musical tastes.
The music library is located on the first floor of the Music Building, Room 115. They are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays.
Bex Law can be contacted at relaw@memphis.edu.
