Historical Sheet Music Digital Collection Project

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

In an effort to encourage citizens to take part in music, many local libraries have launched innovative campaigns to increase access to popular sheet music. To improve access to such collections, Orange County Public Libraries created the Historical Sheet Music Digital Collection Project. This project digitized over 400 pieces of full-color sheet music owned by the Cypress Branch Library. This music collection represents public domain songs published before 1923 and is a valuable resource for musicians, historians, Orange County residents, and others. As a further enhancement, each song may be accessed by either browsing the Historical Sheet Music database or searching the OC Public Libraries’ catalog. Instead of making the trek to Cypress Branch Library or waiting for a paper copy to be delivered to them, people can conveniently download sheet music from home day or night. The public has responded very favorably to this program, indicating it as a success.