The Information Searching Behaviour of Music Directors

Abstract Objective – This research project sought to elucidate some of the information searching behaviours of directors/conductors of performing music ensembles when selecting repertoire for performance. Of particular focus was the kind of information needed to select repertoire and where that...

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Main Author: Martin Chandler
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of Alberta 2019-06-01
Series:Evidence Based Library and Information Practice
Online Access:https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/eblip/index.php/EBLIP/article/view/29515
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spelling doaj-70dd6d30bc614a0699521409296d07322020-11-25T01:35:14ZengUniversity of AlbertaEvidence Based Library and Information Practice1715-720X2019-06-0114210.18438/eblip2951529515The Information Searching Behaviour of Music DirectorsMartin Chandler0Brock University Library Abstract Objective – This research project sought to elucidate some of the information searching behaviours of directors/conductors of performing music ensembles when selecting repertoire for performance. Of particular focus was the kind of information needed to select repertoire and where that information was sought and acquired. Methods – Semi-structured, guided interviews were undertaken with three conductors from varying musical ensemble forms (choral, orchestral, and wind). This included a graphical elicitation exercise following Sonnenwald’s concept of information horizon maps. A narrative analysis was done, and recurring themes were sought in the various responses to questions and created drawings. Results – The results indicated that directors make significant use of historical and print resources in creating personal lists of repertoire for current or future use. Professional connections for discussion of new or less well-known repertoire were also very important. One particularly interesting outcome was the non-temporally bound nature of conductors’ information searching behaviour, as the current models of information behaviour primarily relate to temporally bound searches. The Internet was noted by the three conductors not as an information source in and of itself but rather as an extension of other information sources. Conclusions – This research highlighted the atemporal nature of information searching behaviour in music directors and suggested a similar aspect in the broader information search process. It indicated a need for libraries that cater to performers to maintain historical lists of varying types (e.g., concert programs, similar lists created by other prominent members of the community, and other types of repertoire lists). Additionally, maintaining community connections and knowledge of new or newly available repertoire is important. https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/eblip/index.php/EBLIP/article/view/29515
collection DOAJ
language English
format Article
sources DOAJ
author Martin Chandler
spellingShingle Martin Chandler
The Information Searching Behaviour of Music Directors
Evidence Based Library and Information Practice
author_facet Martin Chandler
author_sort Martin Chandler
title The Information Searching Behaviour of Music Directors
title_short The Information Searching Behaviour of Music Directors
title_full The Information Searching Behaviour of Music Directors
title_fullStr The Information Searching Behaviour of Music Directors
title_full_unstemmed The Information Searching Behaviour of Music Directors
title_sort information searching behaviour of music directors
publisher University of Alberta
series Evidence Based Library and Information Practice
issn 1715-720X
publishDate 2019-06-01
description Abstract Objective – This research project sought to elucidate some of the information searching behaviours of directors/conductors of performing music ensembles when selecting repertoire for performance. Of particular focus was the kind of information needed to select repertoire and where that information was sought and acquired. Methods – Semi-structured, guided interviews were undertaken with three conductors from varying musical ensemble forms (choral, orchestral, and wind). This included a graphical elicitation exercise following Sonnenwald’s concept of information horizon maps. A narrative analysis was done, and recurring themes were sought in the various responses to questions and created drawings. Results – The results indicated that directors make significant use of historical and print resources in creating personal lists of repertoire for current or future use. Professional connections for discussion of new or less well-known repertoire were also very important. One particularly interesting outcome was the non-temporally bound nature of conductors’ information searching behaviour, as the current models of information behaviour primarily relate to temporally bound searches. The Internet was noted by the three conductors not as an information source in and of itself but rather as an extension of other information sources. Conclusions – This research highlighted the atemporal nature of information searching behaviour in music directors and suggested a similar aspect in the broader information search process. It indicated a need for libraries that cater to performers to maintain historical lists of varying types (e.g., concert programs, similar lists created by other prominent members of the community, and other types of repertoire lists). Additionally, maintaining community connections and knowledge of new or newly available repertoire is important.
url https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/eblip/index.php/EBLIP/article/view/29515
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