Resources for music

The University Library offers subject-specific databases, sheet music collections and audio resources for students and staff in performing music and composition, music therapy and musicology at UiB. Here you will find RILM, Oxford Music Online, Naxos Music Library and IMSLP, as well as a subject specialist who helps with searches and literature requests.

Key resources and databases

Search tips, the main database, reference works and audio/video collections shared across the music disciplines.

Shelves in the library

The music collection is located at Fosswinckels gate 14. You will find shelf information for each discipline under "Resources for your discipline". See Library of Social Sciences, Music and Psychology for a general overview of the library.

Search in Oria – printed music, scores and literature

Search in Oria. Printed scores are arranged according to the German SMM system, while books are sorted by Dewey.

Printed music and scores

Choose "Advanced search" → Printed music (scores) as the material type, and narrow by Title or Author (previously Composer).

Literature

Choose "Advanced search" → Books as the material type, and narrow by Title or Author.

Articles

Choose "Advanced search" → Articles as the material type. Oria indicates whether the article is available or must be ordered.

Main database – RILM

RILM Abstracts of Music Literature is the main database for music literature – articles, books, concert reviews and other texts about music.

Search tips

  • Use the limiters under "All fields". 
    • Texts *by* Theodor Adorno: "AU Author". 
    • Texts *about* him: "SU Subject"
  • Unsure about subject terms? Browse the subject list
  • Combine fields with OR (broad search) or AND (specific search)

Master's students at the Grieg Academy receive a course in literature searching linked to project work in their first semester.

Reference works
Audio and video

In Oria: choose "Audio" or "Video" under material type and narrow by "Title", "Composer" or "Performer". The library also has around 2,700 CDs that can be found in Oria, and can either be borrowed or listened to in the library.

Resources for your discipline

Detailed resources for each discipline – with databases, reference works and a subject specialist.

Performing music and composition

Sheet music services

Subject contact

Daniel Henry Øvrebø

Music therapy

Databases

Search in the Oria database overview.

Journals

Open access via Oria, material type Journals.

Musicology

Reference works

Looking for your syllabus and course literature?

Reading lists are available for the course in Mitt UiB and on the course pages. You can also search for course literature in Oria.

Contact

For guidance on literature searching, acquiring sheet music, or other enquiries related to the music collection – contact the subject specialist for music, Daniel Henry Øvrebø:

Emails
daniel.ovrebo@uib.no
Last updated: 16.06.2026