All genres of music are represented and are divided into 8 sections according to the system of musical classification developed by French public libraries, PCDM (Principes de classification des documents musicaux):

0. Generalities and educational works
1. Music with Afro-American influences
2. Rock and related genres
3. Classical music
5. Various musical genres
6. Music for film and musicals
8. Songs and international popular entertainment
9. World music

In section 0, you will find learners’ manuals, exercises, and collections of pieces, classified by instrument, music theory and written music.

Example:
0.641 AACL = Collection of easy pieces for violin

In sections 1 to 9, items are arranged by musical genre followed by the name of the musician. Certain categories are further subdivided by musical instrument. Section 9 is classified by country and geographic region. Sections 4 and 7 are not used.

Examples:
2 HEND = Rock, Jimi Hendrix
8.5 BRUE = French pop song by Patrick Bruel
3.0673 MOZA  = Classical music for horn by W. A. Mozart
9.99 PIAZ = Argentina, tango by Piazzolla

Getting your bearings in the open-access shelves

Ask for help from a librarian or consult these lists:
List of open-access subjects (PCDM index).
List of index

Certain items are not freely available to the public, such as performance materials for orchestras, but are shelved in the library storage areas. You can borrow such items by submitting a request to a librarian.

Règlement de la Bibliothèque de Genève (LC 21 633)