A HISTORY OF THE GORNO MEMORIAL MUSIC LIBRARY

Originally two separate private institutions--the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (founded in 1867) and the College of Music of Cincinnati (founded in 1878)--the two schools merged in 1955, forming the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. In 1961, however, the school was absorbed by the University of Cincinnati, a municipal institution. In 1968, the University became a state affiliated institution and in 1978, became a full state university.

The Gorno Memorial Music Library of the College of Music was dedicated May 31, 1949. There is scant evidence that a sizeable library existed at that time, but, as deduced from bookplates found in older materials in the present collection, the College- Conservatory did have a library of sorts. It is doubtful, however, that it consisted of more than the most basic materials, often obtained through donations by local citizens. After the merger in 1955, contemporary photos show that a library existed, along with modest record-listening facilities.

Serious collection development did not begin until the late 1960s, after a permanent building for the College-Conservatory had been constructed on the University campus. A small, but adequate (for the existing collection) library facility was provided on two floors. At that time, the collection consisted of a mere 4,500 cataloged items (books, scores, recordings, microfilms). During the 1960s and 1970s, however, the collection underwent tremendous growth, until, by 1983, the Library outgrew its space in Mary Emery Hall. Fortunately, space had just become available in the adjacent building--the Carl Blegen Library--which had been the main campus library at one time but was then being renovated to house several departmental libraries. The Gorno Library has existed in this space since 1983. From its peak in the late1980s of 6 full-time staff (both professional and support), the Library currently has 4 full-time staff..

The Gorno Memorial Library Collection currently comprises some 39,000 print vols. (books and serials), 67,300 scores, 51,655 sound recordings, 1450 media materials (videos, DVDs, CD-ROMs), and 6000 microforms or roughly 166,000 total volumes.