Although the medium by which music research is done has largely changed from print to digital, the essential principles of music research are much the same as they were before the computer revolution. Our Music Library is now an outstanding repository of both digital and traditional resources. Thus, we have an excellent opportunity to bring these essential principles to fruition. 

As the internet proliferates, there is a growing perception that "everything is online." Many novice researchers, and even some advanced ones, assume that they can find whatever resources they need merely by doing a Google search. Yes, they can find resources, but are they the best or most relevant resources? Real music research is neither that simple nor that easy. 

For their academic research in music history and their academic study of musical performance, students are required to find scholarly writings and scholarly editions of music created by well-qualified authors and editors who meet rigorous standards of academic integrity. When professors assign research topics and pieces for performance, students, especially beginners, do not always know how to find acceptable material. This guide provides basic guidance for doing so.