As Gaeilge

Music PAL is a cooperative scheme between music libraries to give improved access to other music collections for their members so that ultimately they are more likely to get the information that they require. This is by means of an access card, which can be applied for at, among other music libraries, the Music Library in the Central Library. Full information is on the library.ie website.

What is Music PAL?

Music PAL aims to make music resources in a broad range of libraries throughout Ireland easily accessible to all. Libraries and archives that are members of the Music PAL scheme work collaboratively to provide improved, easy access to the wealth of music resources held in their collections.

Music PAL is part of the ‘Pathways to Learning’ programme initiated by the Committee on Library Cooperation in Ireland (COLICO), which aims to create a seamless route to information resources by opening up access to a wide range of library and archive collections – national, academic, public and specialized. It also hopes to build an effective resource discovery tool for music collections through use of the RASCAL database (Research And Special Collections Available Locally).

How can Music PAL help library users?

If you are following a recognised educational course, an individual learning programme, or simply pursuing a special interest of your own you can ask for a Music PAL Access Card at the library you use on a regular basis. The Access Card will allow you to visit and make use of the facilities at any of the libraries that are members of the Music PAL scheme (subject to certain conditions). You will be able to get advice and information from your own library on which other libraries in the scheme are likely to have the resources to meet your learning and information needs.

Why do people availing of the scheme need an Access Card?

Many of the libraries in the scheme are run primarily for the members of that particular institution and are not normally open to the general public. The Music PAL Access Card tells the staff at the library you are visiting that you are a genuine learner and that your special requirements for knowledge and information cannot be dealt with by your own library.

Level of access provided by this card.

Your level of access will be determined by the library you are visiting. At a minimum you will be allowed to consult printed materials. Internet and electronic resources cannot normally be used in academic libraries unless you are a student of that organization, due to licence agreements. The library will explain this to you and answer your questions.

How do I get a Music PAL Access Card?

It’s very simple:

• Discuss your learning and information needs with staff in the Music Library
• Complete the Music PAL Application Form available from the Music Library or at the Pathways to Learning website and present it to the staff at your library with evidence of your library membership
• Go to the library or libraries which have the material you need and present your Music PAL Access Card.

Which libraries will I be able to use?

Member libraries include public libraries, universities, conservatories and a number of specialist libraries with music collections. For a full list of participating libraries visit Pathways to Learning.

Check before you visit to make sure that your journey is not wasted. You should also check opening times. The rules in any library you visit may be different from your own library; please respect them.

Don’t forget … if you need a specific book it can be obtained for you through the Inter-Library Loan system and you may not need to travel to another library.

(Information reproduced here from the music-pal information leaflet, Aug 2009)