Normal bookshelves often don’t cut it when it comes to storing valuable sheet music collections and sound recordings. If you run a music library, you should consider getting custom storage. Here’s what experts have to say about your best options.
Sheet music can be hard to keep track of, especially if you keep trying to cram it into places it shouldn’t be. In fact, you risk unwittingly scattering your scores like petals in the wind if you don’t have a dedicated storage system, and you definitely don’t want that to happen to one-of-a-kind historical collections or original copies - even more so if you’re trying to help students and educators access them. So, what are your options? Storage and filing experts Bradford Systems share insights on the top picks for music libraries across the Midwest.
Regular libraries are an essential resource that allows the public to read books that may be impossible to access elsewhere. The same goes for music libraries. Because most sheet music collections are copyrighted, they are not widely available online for free - music libraries are therefore important establishments for accessibility purposes, as they allow students and educators to search for the resources they need free of charge.
However, musical scores often require specialized shelving units because they are generally larger than books. Furthermore, sound recordings, which are essential for music education, also have unique storage requirements, making tailored storage solutions necessary for music filing systems in libraries.
The solution to this is pretty simple: install a storage system specifically designed for filing musical scores. This will maximize space usage and improve organization while making it easier for patrons to search for specific scores. Department members will also love how much time and stress it saves them when managing the facilities.
Beyond filing sheet music, you can also consider wide-span shelving that can house instruments of all sizes. If you’re worried about security, get custom lockers with pull-down tambour doors - these will stop any thieves in their tracks.
If your music department has a marching band, you can also go further with custom-designed uniform storage. These are usually offered as moveable garment carts or fixed standing cabinets.
If you want a bit more versatility, Bradford Systems also recommends Spacesaver mobile systems, which allow users to mount most types of storage housing on mobile carriages. These are available in mechanical-assist and manual styles and come with safety features and programmable functions.
Other options include four-post and case-type shelving with self-locking supports, hinged doors, and a range of storage accessories that can accommodate multiple media formats. Adopt a comprehensive system like this, and you’ll be impressing parents, teachers, and students alike.
Of course, a full conversion is going to cost some money, but Bradford Systems can give you an idea of what pricing is like in the filing and storage design industry.
