Basic Manual Series Editor Annual Report 2023

submitted by Melanie Zeck

Current Roster

  • Melanie Zeck, editor
  • Carla Williams, editorial board member
  • Sandi-Jo Malmon, editorial board member

List of Previous Goals and Progress Made

  • 1. Usher Music Collection Development and Management in the Digital Age by Kirstin Johnson through publication process.
    • Published, January 2023
  • 2. Facilitate the single-author efforts of Laura Thompson to complete Reframing Twenty-First Century Music Libraries: Reflections and Imaginings, following death of co-author, Grace Haynes.
    • On hold
  • 3. In support of Objective 3.7, we will continue previous editor’s efforts in cultivating manuscripts on the newly developed topic area “Belonging in Music Libraries” by reconsidering focus, aims, and relevance.
    • Objective 3.7: “Offer targeted conference programming, pathways to involvement, and enhanced outreach efforts to members of underrepresented groups including people of color, public library employees, and support staff. Draw on MLA chapter expertise to encourage involvement in national participation.”
    • Editor has provided written feedback to ten writers, whose documents represent diverse perspectives in music librarianship. The editor has met individually with three of those writers, one of whom is on the cusp of submitting a proposal about a cataloging strategy that may dramatically change the way ethnomusicological materials are organized and made accessible.
  • 4. In support of Objectives 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 3.2, we are investigating best practices in offering tailored support to authors at every step of the writing process—from crafting the proposal to reviewing and incorporating edits.
    • Objective 2.1: Cultivate leaders and provide leadership training opportunities
    • Objective 2.2: Offer mentorship and networking opportunities for members
    • Objective 2.3: Explore educational and networking opportunities
    • Objective 3.2: Draw on member expertise by offering educational workshops, webinars, and panels that make use of virtual meeting platforms.
    • The editor presented a three-hour virtual workshop on June 19, 2023, at which participants gained experience in writing, editing, and revising proposals in accordance with best practices and the parameters set forth by MLA and A-R Editions. Nine participants completed the full workshop and received between 1,000 and 1,500 words (each) of individualized written feedback from the editor.

List of Future Goals

  • 1. Cultivate an author pipeline; secure one manuscript contract with A-R Editions
    • In conjunction with Objectives 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 3.2, the Basic Manual Series editorial team (with input from Jim Zychowicz) is considering additional opportunities by which to provide ongoing, individualized training and support to authors at every stage of the writing process. The editor will continue to field queries from potential authors and strategize about viable courses of action. As of September 2023, the editor is working with two authors on revising proposals for manuscripts that will reach a broader audience among practitioners in allied disciplines.  Ideally, at least one of these two proposals will have yielded a contract within the next six months.