I’m glad to see our Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music prompting discussion; let me address some issues if I can.
Fleisher is a lending library of orchestral performance material, and that mission takes priority for our small staff. We do some copying of public-domain parts for individual instrumentalists. We also refer folks to IMSLP and, for larger requests, commercial reprint houses.
Scanning of scores is done on a very limited basis, even more limited if the request falls outside our mission of lending for performance. Scanning for republication is permitted in rare cases only when certain Fleisher and Free Library of Philadelphia reprint policies are satisfied.
And we actually know a thing or two about copyright.
So why don’t we just let all our p.d. stuff be scanned? Well, the biggest reason is so that we can continue to do what we do. If there’s a real need and the Library’s policies are followed, then people will know about us as a unique resource: a place that does things no one else is doing. The payment we receive helps defray some of the expense of the housing and staffing that protect this and other items.
Similarly, when an orchestra performs or records a work from the Fleisher Collection, it agrees to our policy of a program or liner note mention that the work came from here. We don’t control the work, there’s no copyright involved, it’s just something that puts into the consciousness of the musical public that we are a valuable resource. Composer estates have deposited materials here because they saw on an orchestral program that we housed other materials. We have been entrusted with significant engraving projects (upon which we spend thousands of dollars) because of who we are. Ives, Gruenberg, Scharwenka, Herbert, Boulanger, and hundreds of other performances and recordings have happened because we exist.
So it’s not because libraries want to hoard everything within their walls. It’s because we want everyone to know we’re here, so that we can continue to provide a service no one else provides. Ask yourself where would these items be right now if the Fleisher Collection didn’t exist.
Finally, we have no automated email response system. Probably an email to the Free Library of Philadelphia online reference system didn’t make its way through; a message for Fleisher is supposed to go right to me. If I don’t answer it, a boss or two will know about it immediately, and will let me know about it. So it sounds like something fell through the system, and I’m sorry if that’s the case. Email me directly with any question,
smithk@freelibrary.org. I also answer emails sent to
fleisher@freelibrary.org. Thanks,
Kile Smith
Curator
Fleisher Collection of Orchestral Music
Free Library of Philadelphia
1901 Vine St
Philadelphia PA 19103-1116
215-686-5313 tel
215-686-5314 fax
smithk@freelibrary.org
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