Public Library Music Specialist Survey, 2018

The Public Library Committee seeks to promote and encourage public librarian participation in MLA. To that end, in January 2018 the committee surveyed music specialists working in U.S. public libraries. The 10-question survey was sent via public library-focused listservs. 100 responses provide insight into the state of music specialists around the country. For example, 55% of the responding public libraries employ at least one music specialist. Specialists’ top music-related duties include collection development, reference, and programming. Most requested MLA support is for outreach and/or promotion of music materials, maintenance of music materials, and creation/expansion of music programming. What’s next? Develop strategies for engaging non-MLA members