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Sustainability in the Music Library- Refinished Study Tables

Library Projects

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In a continuing effort to be green in the Music Library, we have breathed new life back into our beloved study tables by the windows by refinishing all six of them. Want to see how we did it? We thought so! Here’s how:

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Step one: Clean the tables thoroughly with Murphy’s oil soap.

You can see in the picture to the left what a difference just cleaning the tables made.

Step two: Sand the surface to prepare for stain.sanding

The tables are not solid oak, but are sturdy enough to handle a light scrubbing to the surface. Here’s Tim applying a little elbow grease.

Step three: Apply two coats of all-in-one stain and poly finish to each table. The picture on the left is our worst table before the stain and the picture on the right is the same table with stain. What a difference!

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For less than $50 and a few hours of time, we were able to extend the life of these very loved study tables. Here is a picture of all of our beautifully refinished tables.

after refinishing

Score Clean-up Project

Library Projects, Library Resources

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Have you ever tried to check out a score only to discover that it is covered in another musician’s notes and markings?

It has come to our attention that our score section needs some maintenance!
The scores in the Music Library are among the most important parts of our collection. For this reason, The Music Library is undertaking an ambitious and necessary score clean-up project. We plan to systematically review every score in our collection to ensure that they are legible and long-lasting.

How does this project affect you?

The first way this will affect you is at the circulation desk. Before checking out an item, library staff will quickly glance through the score and parts to check for markings. This will add a few seconds to the check-out process, but will ensure that you are not charged for another patron’s markings.

Additionally, a fine system will be implemented beginning the Fall Semester of 2017.
If a patron returns an item with markings, they may be fined for the cost of removing said markings.

FAQs

What if I need to make notes and performance indications in my score?
We understand the importance and necessity of score markings. However, we ask that you NEVER make indications in a library score. Instead, we encourage you to make a copy of the music using one of our copiers or the digital KIC scanner.

What if the score I want already has markings in it?
If you notice that a score is damaged or has markings, please bring it to the front desk. We can mend or replace the item for you.

Continue to check this blog for updates on the Score Clean-up Project. More info will be coming soon!