The following is a guest post from Lucy Currid, postgraduate ethnomusicology student, University of Manchester:
When I started my Master’s in Ethnomusicology at the University of Manchester last autumn, I had not anticipated that my studies would bring me into the heart of London, but I am very grateful that they did. Through the Placement option offered by the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures (SALC) at Manchester, I was able to undertake a work placement at Westminster Music Library, spending several weeks in the spring exploring its collections, assisting the library team with archival work, and conducting my own project based around decolonising strategies.
My ethnomusicological studies during my undergraduate and postgraduate courses developed my interest in decolonisation work, and this is something I wished to explore further whilst on the placement. Under the wonderful guidance of Polly, Emily, Athen and the wider library team, I was able to design my decolonisation project, largely structured around three activities:
- Exploring and recognising acts of decolonisation already happening in the library;
- Auditing a small selection of the “Classical” texts collection in order to identify offensive, dismissive or outdated language and draft a suitable content note for library users;
- Assist with organising and facilitating live music events that promote the music and voices of marginalised people.
My introduction at the library allowed me to understand something significant: this was not a silent music library. Quite the contrary, it was particularly heart-warming to see so many people flocking in every Wednesday lunchtime from the busy crowds of Leicester Square to the sanctuary of live music within the library walls, with a repertoire that reflected the library’s commitment to diverse musical voices. Other “noises” and “voices” to be heard throughout the library came in the form of the tapping of keys on the freely-available digital pianos, subtle tones from the library speaker playlist, and the monthly West African Drumming Workshop with Mbilla Arts.
Under the supervision of the library team, I designed a project that would look at the other marginalised voices on the library shelves, taking a small selection of the “Classical” text collection as a case study (pictured). After closely analysing the language and presentation of ideas in the texts, I was able to categorise instances of offensive, dismissive or outdated language in a reference sheet and draft an appropriate content notice. The aim is for this content note be visible physically alongside the texts on shelves, with a digital reference sheet available to librarians, in order to guide users on the specific instances recorded in texts. Whilst only a small project, this aimed to theorise a method of decolonising user experience in the library, heightening awareness of how information is voiced and heard.
I hope to collaborate again with the library team to develop my project further: as well as creating individual physical content notes for each text and updating these on the digital catalogue, I hope to tweak these methods and undertake a new project with a larger text/score sample.
Building on an idea already in the works, I was also delighted to assist the library team in the early stages of organising a late-night event at Westminster Music Library with the fantastic WhatDoesNot team, taking place on Friday 29 May 2026. The event will explore the “loss of third spaces”, including live music performances and storytelling, as well as interactive creative activities such as human connection games and facilitated discussions. As a community-focused “culture agency”, the opportunity to work with Mary and the WDN team has been a wonderful experience, showcasing the creative communities in the city.
Not only did the library team at Westminster Music Library make me feel completely welcome and involved during my placement, it was clear that they have created an overwhelmingly welcome and attentive atmosphere for all library users. I am very grateful to the University of Manchester, Polly Jones, and the Westminster Music Library team for offering such a rewarding opportunity to be part of the “noisy” library alive with music and voices, on and off the shelves.
Lucy Currid, University of Manchester