Opera for Libraries

<p> Opera is a unique expression of the human mind and spirit--a play that communicates plot characterization and story almost entirely through music. Unfortunately because of restraints of time location and income few people have the opportunity to see operas performed on a regular basis. Public libraries are an easily accessible alternative for gaining operatic knowledge and exposure offering the public a chance to hear see and develop an appreciation of opera.</p><p> This work is a two-part guide for libraries that want to assemble a comprehensive collection of operatic materials. Part I is a list of recommended operas ranging over four hundred years of operatic history and including a variety of different styles and languages. The goal of Part I is to provide recommendations for a comprehensive library collection of video and sound operatic recordings. Part II suggest books periodicals and online resources that could be an integral and important part of a library's opera collection. This section also discusses the care and maintenance of sound and video recordings offers suggestions for locating hard-to-find operatic material and explores the library's role in sparking patron interest in opera.</p>