Supply and Demand

Supply and demand are huge in a library like the Fennell Music Library.

When new groups of campers come in, there is literally a swarm of students all looking for very similar chamber pieces.  We often get questions like, "Do you still have the Brahms??" or "Do you know if someone has checked out the score for <insert item here>?"  I'm attributing it slightly to the competitive nature of an institution like this, but also to the nature of the music craft.

This is especially evident with reserves.

Each week, the cataloger puts recordings and study scores of the pieces that each of the ensembles are playing on reserve.

Boy, do these kids want to listen to their music.

I give them props for being so dedicated, but we have literally had people wait HOURS to check out a recording of the 1911 Firebird Suite by Stravinsky. 

Thus, there's an ebb and flow.  Does the library buy more recordings?  Probably not.  It's only going to be in high demand THIS week.  But still, the time of these campers is precious.  We limit items on reserve being checked out for two hours.  We try to encourage group listening.

But still.  It's so refreshing to see such dedication.  Even if they get frustrated.