We’re now trialing nkoda. This is an online music score collection that brings together sheet music and technical/methods publications, within an app where musicians can do the annotations they need to do. Originally built for orchestras, nkoda has now evolved to become compatible with research library contexts (and post-secondary music department contexts).
In CSU, we’ve been waiting for a resource like this for some time, knowing that it will have wide relevance across campuses, and that we don’t really have anything comparable in the collection. (We have Classical Scores Library, whose contents are less current, less diverse, and less interactive.) The strategic distinctiveness of nkoda leads us to trial it now, even though we’re also handling a budget reduction this year.
The nkoda trial runs until September 29. If your interest is piqued, please give it a try and let us know your thoughts. Lucinda Johnston has put together access instructions on the Music LibGuide, and a link to our feedback form. (Thanks for all your work on this, Lucinda!)
You won’t see us broadcasting this trial via social media or other large-scale methods. However, you’re welcome to share information about the trial with your connections in the University of Alberta community.
If we’re able to add nkoda to the Library collection, our subscription will begin January 1, 2023.