Music library
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There are five types of music libraries: (1) those developed to support research and performance departments of music in larger university or college settings; (2) those developed to support conservatories; (3) those housed within public libraries; (4) those developed as independent research libraries; and (5) special libraries supporting agencies such as National Public Library. The Music Library Association has information on music librarianship, including job postings.
It is not uncommon to find special libraries in for-profit ventures. These might be either for companies that specialize in providing music and music resources to departments of music and conservatories or for companies involved in the more commercial/pop music industry. These last collect and commission music for use in media productions, generally TV, film, advertising, radio and new media. They license this music on a royalty-free basis. The major record labels operating this model include West One Music and ABACO Music in the U.S.
Most music libraries (especially those in the UK assigned to MCPS), own all rights (bundled) and license the product at affordable rates. Some 'buyout libraries' are only licensing the mechanical rights and performance rights are still owned by the library.
