Sheet Music and Recordings

The National Institute for Theatre Organ Studies houses an intrinsically valuable Archive of music - both specially written for the theatre organ and that which is transcribed for it from other forms, as well as other music which may be played on the theatre or cinema organ with interpretation from the arranging performer.  Further, a collection of those books and journals which are of particular interest to the organ and theatre / cinema historian or technician are held.  There is a collection of silent films, and early or especially important sound films.  Finally there is a collection of recordings both historical and contemporary, ranging from recordings on shellac or acetate coated discs, to modern day CD and Minidisk, of all types of music, vocal and instrumental, popular and classical. 
These collections however, are not simply to be put on the shelf for posterity. They will be maintained for the use of visiting music students and historical researchers, and the current editions may be loaned out for private study. Detailed records are being collated of all archive material, ensuring that if someone phones, faxes, or emails, with an enquiry, they will be given speedy and accurate information on whether or not the Institute has the item for reference or loan, and if it is out of copyright, whether copies can be made of it. 
Those items which are of special historic interest and which are no longer available 'in print', may be read or listened to in a private study area, which is also equipped with an electronic theatre organ to allow transcripts and arrangements to be played, or for individual pupils to practise, whether or not the pipe organs are available for private use at the particular time of day.