About the Library

Ruppel Memorial Library is located on the first floor of VanderCook College of Music (Room 113). The library's collection encompasses music education and general music, as well as general education and psychology. Library materials include periodicals, books, reference sources, sound recordings, scores, method books, videos, and CD-ROMs. Computer resources are also available.

History and Purpose

The library at VanderCook School of Music began as a collection of instrumental method books and music books. In the early 1950s, when VanderCook became a College of Music, the library broadened its scope to include general education books. Ruppel Memorial Library was founded in 1967, shortly after the College moved to 3209 S. Michigan Avenue. Harry Ruppel was co-founder and co-owner of the Rubank Publishing Company, from whom the library received a large monetary donation.

When VanderCook College of Music moved to 3140 S. Federal Street, the library refined and refocused its collection to emphasize music education, including general music and general education to the extent of supporting the curriculum. Currently the collection consists of 14,653 volumes that include books, scores and sound recordings as well as electronic resources to support the undergraduate and graduate curriculums at VanderCook College of Music. The band and choral libraries are maintained separately.

Mission

Ruppel Library provides resources and services to support the education and preparation of music teachers at VanderCook College of Music.

Vision

VanderCook College of Music librarians and faculty collaborate to make the music library integral to course design. The resulting library becomes a dynamic learning environment and a part of each student’s daily activities.

Ruppel Library Commitment:

The Ruppel Library staff is committed to providing free, open, unfiltered access to information to the VanderCook College of Music community. We strive to collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to maintain the library as a vital part of the organization. Through teaching, provision of resources, collection development, and active participation in college-wide activities, the librarians endeavor to build on the existing strength of the institution. Through active participation in national and international organizations of librarians, scholars, and musicians, the librarians continue to lead in their profession.

Mailing Address

Ruppel Library
VanderCook College of Music
3140 S. Federal St.
Chicago, IL 60616 USA
Ph.: (312) 225-6288 Ext. 226
Fax: (312) 225-5211

Hours

Library Hours for Summer 2008 (June 16-July 25).

During intersessions or breaks, please call ahead to verify the library will be open.

Library Staff

Don Widmer, Library Director. Facebook him.

Rob DeLand, Library Intern
Andrea Serrano, Library Aide II
Tristan Brown, Library Aide I
Fabian Lopez, Library Aide I
Morgan Mitchell, Library Aide I
Megan Sartori, Library Aide I
Alex Wilga, Library Aide I

Score Libraries: Band and Choral

The Band Library is maintained separately by the Band Department. For more information, call 312-225-6288 ext. 222.

The Choral Library is maintained separately by the Choral Department. For more information, call 312-225-6288 ext. 224.

site last updated: June 15, 2008