About the Library

The Library at SFCM is for everyone: students, faculty, and staff. You’ll see your peers here, your teachers, and advisors that help you along your way during your time at the Conservatory. Our resources are at your disposal, so don’t hesitate to come to us with any questions you might have.

The Library develops, maintains and evaluates collections designed to support and enhance student and faculty curricular needs. The collection exceeds 60,000 items and includes more than 38,000 scores and parts, 15,000 audio-visual materials, 12,500 books and 77 periodical titles.

The core of the score and recording collections is based in Western art music from all historical periods and includes complete editions of the works of major composers. The collection is expanding in the areas of jazz, ethnic and contemporary music. The library's book collection, while focusing on music, encompasses the arts, humanities, social sciences and sciences. All library collections are indexed in WorldCat, the Conservatory's online catalog.

The Library also houses the Conservatory audio and video archive, a 30-year chronicle of faculty and ensemble performances.

Your Library Account

To renew books or check out details of your library account, you may access your library account online.

Interlibrary Loans
Reference/Research Assistance
Visitor Information
Library Staff

Policies and Fines

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music Library extends borrowing privileges to Conservatory students, faculty and staff members who are currently enrolled in courses or are employed by the Conservatory.

To borrow library materials, locate the item in our online catalog, click the “Place Hold” button (under “Check Availability”), and fill out your information. After receiving an email notification that the item is ready, please schedule an appointment for pick-up. Pick-ups are only available with an appointment. Requests may take up to 2 days. If you have any questions, please contact yvoenel@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@yrarbil .

Please consult the Alumni Page for more information regarding Alumni borrowing privileges.

Loan Period

Books and scores:
- Faculty and staff: 6 months for books and scores
- Students: 6 week loans
- Alumni: 2 week loans
Audio-visual materials:
- Faculty and staff: 2 weeks
- Students and alumni: 1 week
Reserve materials (all formats):
- Faculty: 6 hours
- All other borrowers: 2 hours

Holds

If an item you wish to borrow is checked out by another patron, you may place a hold on that item at the library desk. The original borrower is allowed a three-week check out, after which the item will be recalled for your use.

Recalls

After three weeks, all materials are subject to recall. If an item is recalled, it will be assigned a new due date with charges accruing as of that date.

The SFCM library temporarily suspended all overdue fines accrued between March 1, 2020 and October 15, 2020. If you are unable to renew items online, or have any questions, please contact yvoenel@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@yrarbil . Learn more about renewing items.

Fines

Scores and books: $0.20/day; up to $10 maximum fine.
Audio-visual materials: $1/day; $10 maximum fine.
Reserves: $1/hour; no maximum.

Lost Material

After a third overdue notice is issued, all borrowers are billed as follows:

A processing fee of $15 plus the replacement cost of the item.
If the item is returned, the fine is reduced to the $10 maximum fine.
Please note that the cost of out of print items is generally $50 or more.

Renewals

Books/scores: may be renewed for an additional loan period (i.e. 6 weeks for students).
A/V material: may be renewed for an additional 1 week, unless recalled.
How to Renew ›

Interlibrary Loans

Interlibrary loan makes it possible for Conservatory students, faculty and staff to borrow materials that the Conservatory does not own. Limitations may apply on current year titles, reference books, periodicals, dissertations, audio/video materials and rare materials. Interlibrary loan delivery can take several days to several weeks. There may be a charge for the acquisition of materials via interlibrary loan, depending on the lending institution. To fill out the interlibrary Loan Request, please submit the request through the discovery catalog. If you need any further assistance, please contact yvoenel@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@yrarbil .

Reference/research Assistance

Research/reference assistance is readily available during library open hours. Services include assistance in formulating and pursuing library research strategies in identifying, locating and using appropriate print and digital resources for your project as well as assistance with finding specific books, articles, music materials and other items. If you need more information, please contact yvoenel@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@yrarbil .

Visitor Information

Use of the Conservatory Library is limited to Conservatory students, faculty, staff and alumni. Access by others is limited to those with research needs that can only be met by our collection. Please call 415-503-6256 to discuss an appointment to use the library.