Tag Archives: record player

Arachnophonia: Discover the Magic of Vinyl

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Nikoloz (class of 2026) and features the Music Library’s collection of vinyl records. Thanks, Nikoloz!

Discover the Magic of Vinyl

Record Player

In a world of digital streams and instant downloads, it’s easy to forget the rich, tactile experience of music. But tucked away on the shelves of the Parsons Music Library is a collection that offers just that: our incredible vinyl collection. If you’ve never dropped a needle on a record, you’re missing out on one of the most authentic and immersive ways to listen.

So, what exactly is vinyl? A vinyl record is an analog sound storage medium, a physical disc with grooves that a stylus reads to reproduce sound. But to reduce it to just a “storage medium” misses the point entirely. Vinyl is an experience. It’s the ritual of sliding the record out of its iconic sleeve, placing it on the turntable, and carefully cueing the needle. It’s the warm, rich, and often deeper sound that movies almost exaggerate. In an age of disposable digital files, vinyl demands your attention and makes listening to an album an event.

The best part? You don’t need to invest in your own expensive setup to experience it. The Music Library has a couple of turntables that students can use for free! They are located in study room W201A and the main reading room, providing the perfect quiet space to get lost in the music. We also have a portable record player that can be checked out and used outside the library.

Record display in main reading room with blu-ray record player on the left hand side of the picture!

Record display in main reading room with blu-ray record player on the left hand side of the picture!

Here’s how you can dive in:

Explore Our Collection: Choose from hundreds of albums that are already on our shelves. We have a diverse collection spanning decades and genres: from classic rock and jazz to modern indie and classical. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover something new or finally hear a legendary album the way it was originally meant to be heard.

Vinyl records in the Music Library stacks

Vinyl records in the Music Library stacks

OR, Bring Your Own Vinyl: Have a cherished collection at home or just picked up a new record from a local shop? Bring it in! Our turntables are ready for you.

Why Not Give It a Spin?

Next time you’re in the Parsons Music Library for a study session, take a different kind of break. Reserve a study room, pick out a record (or bring your own), and discover the unique magic of vinyl. It’s more than just listening; it’s connecting with music on a whole new level. Our friendly staff is always happy to help you get started and find the perfect album for your mood. Come and experience the sound that started a revolution!

Arachnophonia: Frank Sinatra “Strangers in the Night”

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Rocio (class of 2027) and features a vinyl record by Frank Sinatra. Thanks, Rocio!

Finding an Old Soul in the Stacks: My Afternoon with Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra - Strangers in the Night (1966 album cover)

We all have our study traps: 8:15, tea, coffee, or the intense silence of the top floor of the main library. My go-to lately has been the Music Library, not just for the quiet, but for the escape.

I found myself in front of the vinyl section, and my eyes went directly to the Frank Sinatra – Strangers in the Night record. It felt like finding a classic novel you’ve only ever heard quoted. I pulled out the vinyl: the cover was cool but simple. It was just Sinatra, looking effortlessly detached. It felt like an invitation.

The best part is that I didn’t even need to own a record player to listen to it. And yes, I know I can find Sinatra on Spotify (hot take: I really don’t like Apple Music); but I sometimes like going to the source. There’s something about vinyl that makes the music feel more authentic —- but that’s just my opinion.

Anyways, back to the amazing players we have in the library (one in study room 1, one in the main reading room and a portable record player you can check out). I took the record over, plugged my AirPods into the player, and lowered the needle. An unmistakable trumpet began, and Sinatra’s voice cut through—smooth, clear, and completely transporting. I listened to the whole album. There’s an intentionality to vinyl that an algorithm can’t replicate.

This is the secret no one tells you about the Music Library: it’s not just a resource; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to connect with music the way it was originally meant to be heard — with intention. You’re not just clicking ‘shuffle’; you’re handling art, carefully placing the needle, and committing to an entire album’s journey.

So, whether you’re a vinyl veteran or just vibe-curious, I challenge you. Go to the Music Library. Find
that call number (in this case, RM 1630.18.S47), just browse the vinyl section until an icon calls out to you, or ask one of our friendly library staff to help you find something!

Plug in your headphones at the turntable station and have a private listening party. Or, if you’re like me and the experience was too good to leave behind, you can simply check it
out. Yes, you can take Frank Sinatra back to your dorm, just remember to bring him back to the Music Library too.

Arachnophonia: Unlock the Hidden Gems of The Music Library — More Than Just Books!

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Nikoloz (class of 2026) and features an assortment of items you can borrow from the Music Library that aren’t books or CDs. Thanks, Nikoloz!

Unlock the Hidden Gems of The Music Library — More Than Just Books!

We all know that libraries are a treasure trove of books and CDs, but did you know the Music Library offers so much more?
Whether you’re studying, exploring new hobbies, or just looking for some entertainment, the Music Library has resources you might not even know about. Here’s a quick guide to some of the amazing items you can check out and use:

DVDs
Movie night, anyone? You can borrow concert films, musicals, operas, educational documentaries and more from the Music Library. Just remember, these have a shorter loan period (one week), so plan your binge-watching accordingly!

DVD sampler

The Music Library loans out equipment too! Here are some of the coolest items you can borrow:

DVD Players: Don’t have a player at home? No problem—the library has you covered with a portable DVD player you can check out for a week.

We also offer External CD/DVD drives (USB) for in-library use. These can be plugged into the USB port on your laptop once they’re checked out. The loan period for this item is 4 hours.

External CD/DVD drive (USB)

Record Players and more: Love vinyl records? You can find a turntable in one of the study rooms (W201A), and enjoy the warm, nostalgic sound of your favorite albums.

The Music Library also has a portable record player that can be checked out from the library for one week!

Record Player

Did you know the Music Library has a vinyl record collection that can also be checked out? You can browse our vinyl holdings here.

You can also check out a boom box to play CDs, listen to the radio, or use as a Bluetooth speaker.

Boom Box

Laptops: Laptop computers are available for in library use for a 6 hour loan period. Perfect for cramming in some study time or finishing a last-minute assignment.

lenovo laptop

Why Not Explore?

Next time you’re in the library, take a moment to explore these lesser-known resources. Whether you’re checking out the turntable to spin some vinyl, grabbing a DVD for movie night, or borrowing a laptop to finish a project, The Music Library has something for everyone.

Don’t forget to ask the friendly staff at the main desk if you need help finding anything -— they’re there to make your library experience amazing!

Arachnophonia: For the Audiophiles

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item(s) in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Esther (class of 2025) and features our new portable record player and an opera LP to go with it. Thanks, Esther!

For the Audiophiles

Vinyl LPs

I love exploring different mediums of storage when it comes to art. I initially became interested in physical art forms because of film photography; as a musician, it was inevitable for me to stumble into the world of sound storage mediums. From VHS tapes to 8-track cartridges to cassette tapes to vinyl records, there were so many different forms of music over the years I did not know about. There seems to be controversy over what form sounds best, but we can respect all the different presentations!

LP stands for “Long Playing” due to the extended playing time (around 22 minutes per side) that resulted from the larger discs spinning at 33 ⅓ rpm. (As compared to EPs which are smaller and held about 10-15 minutes of material per side.) They are also referred to as vinyl records because of the material the physical discs are made of. These discs can transmit sound waves when placed on a turntable because the stylus placed on top of the disc moves through the small grooves along the record. As the stylus is reading, the tip of it vibrates and the microscopic bounces are transmitted along the bar. Ultimately, an electrical signal is generated and is played through the stereo speakers!

I appreciate the history of music storage forms, especially because of the wide availability we have for any song nowadays that significantly contributed to the relationship between the listeners and producers. Though I prefer the pros of digital music over analog with the technology we have today, the nostalgia of LP records is appealing as well. One of my fondest memories of growing up was listening to opera on the cassette tape player with my mother.

So, when I found out about a new addition to the music library — a portable record player — I had to recommend this LP to go with it!

Ten Tenors, Ten Arias

Ten Tenors Ten Arias LP cover

Though you are welcome to play it on your turntable, and in addition to the record player that lives in one of our study rooms, the Music Library also has a portable vinyl player available for anyone to check out for a week at a time!

Record Player