scriptorium.lib.duke.edu

http://scriptorium.lib.duke.edu/sheetmusic/

The site is a .edu and is copyrighted to Duke University. It is a project of the Digital Scriptorium, Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library of Duke University. The site is very obviously associated with the college as well as those other libraries and organizations; it is linked to each of their individual web pages.

The only musical content instruction focuses on the history and development of “sheet” music. The authors offer information about the different ways in which the music is printed as well as information about what is actually defined as sheet music. As much as I can gather it appears to be reliable, competent information. The rest of the site is devoted to the library of pieces that is being showcased. The reading and notating standard can be addressed using this web page as well as the singing or playing alone or in a group. I cannot find a date.

This site is meant for sharing resources, along with some explaining of what it is those resources are. Its purpose is really like that of an online library. There is no evident bias. Digital Scriptorium, and the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library of Duke University sponsor the site.

The site is linked to the web site for Duke University. This certainly earns it credibility. Google returned over 300 linked to results for this site including links to woonsocketlibrary.org, usembassy.state.gov, and vocalist.org.uk. It appears to be associated with many other reputable sources.

This site offers some access to a fairly extensive collection of some interesting music. Although it is not a resource that many individuals might be all that interested in, it is valuable for what it is. Perhaps it would useful for a history lesson about older publishing, and “ragtime” sort of material. This site offers seemingly reliable information and a large database of examples on a somewhat specific topic. Once again, for what it is it is worthwhile. The lack of a date is disappointing but can be dealt with given the purpose of the site mostly as a library. Also, the navigation could be easier. Overall-+++.

Jeremy Gorin 4-7-06