Library Catalog
Q: HOW DO I access the Robinson Music Library catalog TO SEARCH FOR MUSIC scores and books?
A: Visit Primo Discovery to search across CIM, CWRU, and OhioLINK library collections, including physical collections, electronic resources, journal articles, streaming videos and more. You can limit by "Robinson Music Library" if you only want to see what is available in our Library.
Q: HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT PRIMO DISCOVERY?
A: The Robinson Music Library has put together a Primo Discovery: Getting Started guide to assist you with getting acquainted with Primo Discovery, part of CIM's new Library Service Platform
Due Dates
Q: Can I renew library materials?
A: See Borrowing Policies for up-to-date information about renewals and other Library policies.
Q: Can I check out library materials beyond the due date?
A: Books and scores will auto-renew 4 times unless recalled. You may additionally renew materials via your library account , or you may bring them into the library to be renewed. Return library materials not needed as soon as possible.
Q: What do I need to do to get an extension?
A: If you need an additional extension, you should:
- Contact the Access and Digital Services Librarian
- Mention how long the item(s) are needed. Your extended due date will be based on this information.
- Return library materials not needed for your extension by the end-of-semester due date
Recalls
Q: What if a book or score I need is currently checked out and not due until the end of the semester?
A: Conservatory borrowers may recall items that have been on loan to another patron for two weeks. Bring the call number for the item to the Circulation Desk to see if it may be recalled.
Q: What if I receive a recall notice?
A: When an item is recalled, the patron will receive a notice explaining that a recall has been placed on an item they have checked out.
The notice will include a new due date for the recalled item. This due date is three days from the date of the first recall notice. (Ex. A notice is sent recalling an item on Sept. 1st. The recalled item's new due date will be Sept. 4th). A second recall notice will be issued on the due date if the item has not been returned.
Q: What if I don't return the recalled item?
A: Fines are $1.00 per day for overdue recalls. Recalled items that are excessively overdue (3 days or more) will be reported to the library director and the Dean of the conservatory
Q: As a special borrower (alumni, preparatory student, etc.), can I recall an item that is currently checked out?
A: Items will not be recalled for Special Borrowers.
Q: HOW DO I PAY MY LIBRARY FINES?
A: You are encouraged to communicate promptly about overdue or missing items with library staff, as billing details may not be immediately available. Questions should be directed to the Access and Digital Services Librarian.
Those enrolled or employed by CIM may pay fines accrued from overdue or lost/damaged materials from the Robinson Music Library or Kelvin Smith Library via cash or check at the Robinson Music Library, or you may pay fines by credit card in the Business Office or Populi (only students can pay online at this time).
Those enrolled or employed by Case (and not CIM students/staff/faculty) will pay fines accrued from overdue or lost/damaged materials at the Robinson Music Library via Case cash or check in person, or debit/credit card at a self-service kiosk at Kelvin Smith Library, or via their online portal.
Q: What do I do if I want an extension, but I don't fall into one of the usual categories listed above?
A: Speak to the Access and Digital Services Librarian.
ID Cards in the Library
Q: What do I need to check out library materials or use the Media LAB?
A: Conservatory students and employees need a CIM ID.
Q: Why is an ID necessary?
A: We require IDs to ensure that anything checked out on your patron record was authorized by you. Even if you have worked at CIM for years, it does not necessarily mean that the people working at the Circulation or Media desks will know you. We have new staff and new student staff, and several hundred library users. We require ID cards as a means of deterring identity theft.
Q: Can CIM faculty members have a student assistant check out materials on their behalf?
A: Yes. We ask that you notify the Access and Digital Services Librarian for print or AV materials if a particular student will be checking out items for you. Please send your ID with the student to verify authorization for each transaction.
If this will be an ongoing arrangement, please notify us in writing (paper or e-mail) so that we can put this information on file. Students without prior authorization will not be allowed to check out materials on behalf of faculty.
Q: Can I check out materials for other people on my card?
A: Yes, but we do not recommend it. You are responsible for materials checked out with your card. If the person for whom you did a favor loses or damages the item, you will be responsible for the replacement fee.
Q: What if I get to the Library and realize I have forgotten my ID?
A: Library staff will be happy to put your items on the hold shelf until you can return with your ID. In emergency situations, library staff will seek permission to override the ID requirement from the library director or one of the circulation managers. This is time-consuming for you and for us, so please try to remember your ID.
Access To Online Subscriptions
Q: How can I get access to CIM's subscription databases?
A: Robinson Music Library provides access to many significant online resources related to the study of music. A comprehensive list of research databases is maintained on the Virtual Library Commons. Online subscription resources can be accessed remotely by CIM students and others enrolled in CIM classes or employed by CIM through Single Sign-On with CIM credentials. Visitor access by IP Address is also available on Robinson Music Library computers for those without CIM credentials.
Q: I am NEW TO CIM, can I access CWRU databases?
A: Kelvin Smith Library at Case Western Reserve University maintains an alphabetical list of electronic resources that can be accessed remotely by those enrolled or employed by CWRU through Single Sign On with CWRU credentials. Visitor access by IP Address is also available on a limited number of Kelvin Smith Library computers (located next to the main floor information desk, not far from the Kulas Music Collection) for those without CWRU credentials.
Q: I am a student with both CIM and CWRU credentials, and am looking for scholarly music journal articles and other resources for my assignment; where do I start?
A: Begin by researching broadly about the topic, such as via Oxford/Grove Music Online, and consult a music index or bibliography for known titles. When given the choice, it is recommended that you log in with CWRU credentials first, as they are a larger research institution with more available resources. Then narrow your research by searching for full-text articles and book chapters, such as via JSTOR or EBSCO Databases (See database lists above). You may find you need to move back and forth between CIM and CWRU e-resources during the same research session. It may be necessary to either use two separate browsers (ex: login to CIM on Chrome and CWRU on Safari) or keep your main browser window logged in at their preferred institution and use a private/incognito window for the secondary login. You can also access additional research databases via Cleveland Public Library, one of the largest public research libraries in the United States. You will need to sign up for a CPL card or eCard to get connected to resources. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance from Library staff as needed.
Confidentiality of Patron Information
Q: What does confidentiality of circulation records mean?
A: This is a policy recommended by the American Library Association as a guideline for all libraries. In practical terms, it means that if an item you want has been checked out, library staff cannot tell you who has the item.
Q: Why is confidentiality necessary?
A: Library patrons are guaranteed to have an item for two weeks, and should not feel pressured to return an item before then.
Q: What if I really need this item?
A: Your options depend on how quickly you need the item:
- You can consult a Librarian or Library staff member to see whether the information or the music you need is available from another source in the Library, or through OhioLINK.
- You can ask the Access and Digital Services Librarian to recall the item, if it has been checked out for two weeks or longer.
- Search resources of the Cleveland Public Library and the Cuyahoga County Public Library to determine if the material you want is available locally or online.
Summer Privileges
Q: Who can check out materials from the Library during the summer?
A: If you fall into one of the categories below, you can check out materials from the library during the summer:
- Conservatory and Academy Faculty and Staff
- DMA Students
- Conservatory students who will be returning in the Fall and live in the area
- Academy Students enrolled in summer lessons (With Populi Accounts)
Other Options Online/On Campus
Q: When the Robinson Music Library is closed, what are my options?
A: You have multiple avenues you can still pursue during times when the library is closed:
- The Robinson Music Library website provides access to a variety of web resources that may be accessed 24/7 from any web-enabled computer.
- The Kulas Music Collection at Kelvin Smith Library is also available to CIM students. Holdings for both libraries are displayed in the shared library service platform. You will need your ID for access.
Library Storage/Off Site Storage
Q: The Library catalog indicates that an item I need is in storage. What should I do?
A: A portion of our collection is housed in a storage facility onsite, and can be retrieved within 24 hours. Anyone with borrowing privileges at CIM can make a request at the Circulation Desk to have an item be retrieved from local storage. If the item you are looking for is housed in our offsite storage facility, conservatory students and faculty can make a request using our online form to have an item retrieved from offsite storage. Please inquire at the Circulation Desk for additional information.
Green Stickers
Q: I noticed the score I would like to check out is labeled with a green sticker. What does this mean?
A: Since joining OhioLINK, the Robinson Music Library decided to keep a portion of its collection only available to Conservatory students and faculty. Academy and Public Program employees may also check out these items. Special borrowers (such as Academy and Public Program students, alumni, and OhioLINK borrowers cannot check out items with green stickers on the covers.
OhioLINK/ILL
Q: WHEN SHOULD I USE ILL OR OHIOLINK TO BORROW MATERIALS FROM ANOTHER LIBRARY?
A: For items owned by participating libraries within the state of Ohio, OhioLINK is the preferred method of request. For items held by institutions in other states (or potentially internationally), patrons should use ILL.
Q: WHERE DO I PICK UP ILL/OHIOLINK MATERIALS?
A: Interlibrary loan materials can be picked up and returned at the Circulation Desk. You will receive an email notice when your item(s) have been received.
For OhioLINK, most patrons of Robinson Music Library will request items to be delivered to our Circulation Desk. Since we share a Library Services Platform with CWRU, you will sign in to Primo Discovery with CIM credentials, choose “get a physical copy,” and then select CWRU and Robinson Music Library as your local pick-up location.
Q: DO THESE SERVICES COST MONEY?
A: OhioLINK is free for all patrons of participating OhioLINK libraries.
Most Interlibrary Loan (ILL) libraries do not charge borrowing fees, but some libraries do charge for lending via Interlibrary Loan. Requests that involve fees can be processed, but patrons will be contacted before materials are sent.
Q: HOW LONG MAY I BORROW OHIOLINK/ILL ITEMS?
A: OhioLINK loans are 6 weeks. These materials can be renewed through your library account up to 6 times.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) materials have specific due dates set by the lending library. If you need an item beyond the due date, contact the Access and Digital Services Librarian in advance to request an extension (the lending library will either accept or deny this request). If ILL materials are returned after the due date, any late fees charged by the lending library will become the responsibility of the borrower.
Research
Q: Is it possible to stop in for a research consultation with a Librarian?
A: Yes! We suggest that you schedule a 30-minute research consultation in person or online with either the Director of Library Services, Denise Green, or another available permanent staff member. A Librarian or Library staff member is also happy to assist with point-of-need consultations when possible if you want to stop in. You may also fill out the Ask A Librarian Form, and a Librarian will be in touch via email.