The Music Section of Library and Archives Canada has a rich and varied collection of printed music resources, both Canadian and foreign. In addition to books, periodicals, scores, microforms and CD-ROMS, it collects concert programmes, newspaper clippings, publicity brochures, photographs, slides and posters covering all aspects of musical activity in Canada, past and present. Highlights include the earliest Canadian music book, Le Graduel romain, published by John Neilson in Quebec in 1800, and the largest Canadian sheet music collection in existence (about 20 000 titles).

To support music research, the Section maintains a strong collection of non-Canadian publications, including encyclopedias, dictionaries, thematic indexes, bibliographies and discographies. Of special interest are the books, periodicals, scores, and extensive information files collected by British musicologist Percy Scholes (1877-1958), that were acquired by the former National Library in 1957 to provide a core research collection for Canadian musical scholars.

The Section has developed and maintains the Canadian Music Periodical Index. Many collection materials, including periodical articles, are available through interlibrary loan. Rare and fragile items, reference works and unique copies of Canadiana must be consulted on-site, although photocopies of such materials may be provided when the condition of the item and copyright provisions permit.

For further information regarding the Music Section's Printed Collection, contact the Music Section of LAC via the Internet (mus@lac-bac.gc.ca), or by telephone at (613) 996-7519 or fax at (613) 952-2895.