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M200-M834 (M-3figs). This is the open access class for music scores and books on musical subjects. The digits have the following structure (with one example for M360.a.95.32):

Class size time of publication serial number
M360 a 95 32
solo instrumental music (with or without accompaniment) between 31-37cm high published between 1950 and 1999 [arabic number in sequence of being catalogued]

The class numbers follow a scheme based on the Library of Congress classification. The size is indicated by a lower case letter: `a' for the largest volumes (e.g. full scores) and `d' for the smallest (miniature scores). The date of publication identifies the half century in which the books were published: 85 for 1850-1899, 90 for 1900-1949, etc. Since 2000, the date of publication is indicated as '200' for 2000-2009, '201' for 2010-2019. The last element is simply a serial number.

The main music classes are shelved in the Anderson Room (M200-M259.a-d), South Front 1, Corridor and South Front 1 (M260-M834.a-c) and South Wing 1Corridor (M260-M834.d). Please note that all music printed before 1900 and books on music printed before 1950 are now on closed access and should be asked for in the Anderson Room, Rare Books Reading Room or Manuscripts Reading Room. Items printed after 1900 may be borrowed if in sound condition.

M200 contains important reference editions of music, and is shelved on the 17th-century Wollaston book presses in the Anderson Room. Collected editions of composers' works and scholarly historical and national series are to be found here.

M900-M999. This is the closed access class for borrowable music scores and books. They can be ordered through the online catalogue to the Reader Services Desk.

MRR is the prefix used for reference books on music (i.e. dictionaries, bibliographies, catalogues and discographies). They are to be found in the Anderson Room.

All other music classes (MR, MRA, MRB, MRC, MRS, Mus, Picken, the secondary classes A<year> and B<year>, and sound recording classes CD, CT, Record and Tape) are on closed access and must be requested in the Anderson Room or via email.