Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.
All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.
Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Nikoloz (class of 2026) and features an assortment of items you can borrow from the Music Library that aren’t books or CDs. Thanks, Nikoloz!
Unlock the Hidden Gems of The Music Library — More Than Just Books!
We all know that libraries are a treasure trove of books and CDs, but did you know the Music Library offers so much more?
Whether you’re studying, exploring new hobbies, or just looking for some entertainment, the Music Library has resources you might not even know about. Here’s a quick guide to some of the amazing items you can check out and use:
DVDs
Movie night, anyone? You can borrow concert films, musicals, operas, educational documentaries and more from the Music Library. Just remember, these have a shorter loan period (one week), so plan your binge-watching accordingly!
The Music Library loans out equipment too! Here are some of the coolest items you can borrow:
DVD Players: Don’t have a player at home? No problem—the library has you covered with a portable DVD player you can check out for a week.
We also offer External CD/DVD drives (USB) for in-library use. These can be plugged into the USB port on your laptop once they’re checked out. The loan period for this item is 4 hours.
Record Players and more: Love vinyl records? You can find a turntable in one of the study rooms (W201A), and enjoy the warm, nostalgic sound of your favorite albums.
The Music Library also has a portable record player that can be checked out from the library for one week!
Did you know the Music Library has a vinyl record collection that can also be checked out? You can browse our vinyl holdings here.
You can also check out a boom box to play CDs, listen to the radio, or use as a Bluetooth speaker.
Laptops: Laptop computers are available for in library use for a 6 hour loan period. Perfect for cramming in some study time or finishing a last-minute assignment.
Why Not Explore?
Next time you’re in the library, take a moment to explore these lesser-known resources. Whether you’re checking out the turntable to spin some vinyl, grabbing a DVD for movie night, or borrowing a laptop to finish a project, The Music Library has something for everyone.
Don’t forget to ask the friendly staff at the main desk if you need help finding anything -— they’re there to make your library experience amazing!
