I love old library catalogues! There have been quite few of them posted here over the years, some now deleted, others scattered over disparate threads, so I thought I’d try and round them up - and add a few extra bits and pieces of my own. I’ve stolen the format originally used by
Mr and "borrowed" some of his
original posts (thanks for all your amazing work and hope you don’t mind
) I've also expanded the entries where I can. Thanks also to
Retronic, Caliban, WSBG, Upgrade, Your Pal Doug,
Bob Foreman,
Moleoman,
Certainly1080,
apmnut,
NateTheDoofy,
TheMusicalAvenger,
Mike Everitt,
@BBCRecordsVinyl,
THE HEHR ARCHIVE @thehehrarchive1556,
SoCalRyan, the amazing and handsome
Horror Bag and anyone I've missed.
It’s a work in progress – more to come shortly, I hope.
All thumbnails should be right-clickable.
UK:AtmosphereTwo catalogues feature in Retronic's video
here.
BBC Sound Effects Centre: Catalogue of Recordings, 1971-72
(slide binding, 27pp., 1971-72)
Consists of an introduction, 15 pages of listings, a single-page "Supplement 1" (dated June 72), 2 pages devoted to the first eight commercial Sound Effects releases (RED 47M, etc - dated July 72), then eight pages of photocopies of the LP track listings. All sheets are single-sided.
Original owner J.T. Palm will be the same Jeremy Palm who, according to the sleeve notes of the BBC Trams LP, "is on the staff of the BBC, where he is responsible for what is generally acknowledged to be the most comprehensive library of sound effects in the world. It was his long-held interest in trams and light railways that prompted the compilation of this LP."
h++ps://www.discogs.com/artist/9708988-JT-Palm
BBC Sound Effects Centre: Catalogue of Recordings, 1972-73
(slide binding, 16pp., 1972-73)
"This is the second alphabetical catalogue of BBC Sound Effects on 7-inch 33⅓ rpm discs."
BBC Sound Effects Catalogue, May 1982
(paperback, 152pp., 1982)
BBC Sound Effects Catalogue, 1985
(paperback, ??pp., 1985)
Thanks to the brilliant
@BBCRecordsVinyl on Twitter for this one - if you're even vaguely interested in this stuff he's well worth a follow. Original posts
here and
here. And check out his highly informative website
here.
"SEAGULLS: See GULLS, Seagulls" - discussion of the red catalogue at Tech-Ops:
h++p://tech-ops.co.uk/pipermail/tech1_tech-ops.co.uk/2022-January/013241.html
BBC Sound FXCD Catalogue, 1987
Contains listings for the CD range, SFX 001 to 010. Thanks once again to
@BBCRecordsVinyl and
@jrbinks for these shots. Brief Twitter thread
here.
A copy of this catalogue was sold along with some effects CDs in
2020.
Archive
Sound on Sound article
here.
BBC Sound FXCD Catalogue, 1988
(paperback, 16pp., 1988)
Contains listings for SFX 001 to 018. A copy is on eBay
right now.
Scans of the whole thing can be found here (thanks to
Mike Everitt at Mike's Records):
h++ps://www.6868.me.uk/view-catalogues1.php?searchterm=24
BBC Sound Effects [CD] Catalogue, 1991
Thanks to
Mike Everitt at Mike's Records for the image. (Mike - I tried to ask for permission to use this but your "Contact Me" page doesn't work!)
h++ps://www.6868.me.uk/view-catalogues1.php?searchterm=43
A copy of this catalogue was sold along with some effects CDs in
2020.
BBC Sound Effects Library Index [CDs 1-40], c.1992?
This edition has branding of "Films for the Humanities & Sciences" - a distributor of educational audiovisual material to schools and libraries in North America.
A digital copy of the contents of Discs 1-40 is available on the Internet Archive here:
h++ps://archive.org/details/bbcsoundeffects
BBC Sound Effects Library Index [CDs 1-60?], mid-90s?
A digital copy of the contents of Discs 1-60 is here:
h++ps://www,washcoll.edu/academic_departments/theatre-and-dance/production_resources_documents/bbc-sound-effects-library-indexxlsx.xlsx
BBC Sound Effects 1-60, 1997
(paperback, wire binding, 118pp., 1997)
Listings of the BBC Sound Effects CDs.
A digital copy of the contents of Discs 1-60 is available here:
h++ps://www.canford.co.uk/BBC/BBC-SOUND-EFFECTS-LIBRARY
[BBC Sound Effects] The Complete Guide to the Creation and Use of SOUND EFFECTS for Film, T.V. and Dramatic Productions, And for exercising the mind, the ear, the imagination and the pen, 1978
(comb binding, ??pp., 1978)
I've not listed catalogues for the BBC Enterprises Sound Effects range as the records were commercially available (and the catalogues well documented elsewhere) however this one is of interest here: boxsets of the LPs were distributed to educational establishments and libraries in the US by "Films for the Humanities" who also published this tie-in guide. Written by Harold Mantell, Carol Waaser, Frank Lewin, Marianne Mantell, and Emma Mausse, it includes a sound effect index "and articles on use in Theater, Films, Sound and the Perception of Reality, and the Use of Sound Effects in the English Curriculum." Shown here in a revised edition.
BBC Recorded Programs Permanent Library Catalogue: Supplement I, 1960
(Twinlock Crown binder, 702pp., 1960)
Enormous thanks to
@BBCRecordsVinyl for this tantalising specimen too - an internal BBC catalogue that "contains information about recordings accessioned by the library from approximately 1955 to the end of 1960." Full Twitter thread
here. The BBC's Recorded Programs Permanent Library archived clips of shows that might come in useful later - major news reports, political speeches, etc; they also archived field recordings of dialects, folk and world music, and certain other musical performances: some
Dr Who and
Quatermass cues came from this library, as did the haunted hurdy-gurdy from
A Ghost Story for Christmas - and the original
Captain Pugwash theme!
BML Production Music Library Catalogue
This catalogue sold on eBay in
2024. No further details available.
Boosey & HawkesFor the earliest Boosey listings, see
Macquarie-Bosworth / Macquarie-Boosey and Hawkes. The Boosey & Hawkes Eight-Way Card Index of Recorded Music
(paperback, date unknown. Thanks to Mr for this entry)
Boosey & Hawkes Recorded Music: Complete Catalogue 1952
(paperback, 32pp., August 1952. Thanks to Mr for this entry)
This catalogue goes from OT.2000 to OT.2214. The following discs are not listed: 2078, 2090, 2142 - 2146, 2151 - 2162, 2166 - 2178, 2183.
Boosey & Hawkes Recorded Music: Complete Catalogue: Revised Edition 1957
(paperback, c.60?pp., 1957)
This covers OT.2000 to O.2290. It omits the same catalogue numbers as the 1952 edition, along with 2230, 2142 - 2146, 2151 - 2162, 2166 - 2178 and 2183. M.2027 is present but listed as deleted.
This copy was sold on eBay in 2015. The following one-sheet, two-sided, dated supplements were included:
Boosey & Hawkes: Supplement No. 1 to Complete Catalogue (1957) – Nov 1957, 2291-2302
Boosey & Hawkes: Supplement No. 2 to Complete Catalogue (1957) – Mid-April 1958, 2303-2313
Boosey & Hawkes: Supplement No. 3 to Complete Catalogue (1957) – Mid-November 1958, 2314-2326
Boosey & Hawkes: Supplement No. 4 to Complete Catalogue (1957) – April 1959, 2327-2339
Boosey & Hawkes: Supplement No. 5 to Complete Catalogue (1957) – November 1959, 2340-2351
Boosey & Hawkes: Supplement No. 6 to Complete Catalogue (1957) – April 1960, 2352-2363
Boosey & Hawkes: Supplement No. 7 to Complete Catalogue (1957) – Second Issue [November?] 1960, 2364-2377
Boosey & Hawkes Recorded Music: Complete Catalogue: Revised Edition 1960There's a quick glimpse of this in Retronic's
brilliant video below.
Boosey & Hawkes Recorded Music: Complete Catalogue: Edition 1961
(paperback, 72pp., [April?] 1961)
This catalogue covers OT.2000 to OT.2390. It retains the same omissions as the 1957 catalogue while the following discs are now listed as deleted: M.2027, MT.2035, O.2107. Many discs up to V.2188 are listed as "Earlier recordings", not included in the classified sections and only "available while stocks last".
Scans of 2262 to 2390 from the Numerical Listing can be downloaded
here.
This copy was sold on eBay in 2015. Some correspondence was included (image 3), along with the following 1-sheet, 2-sided supplement:
Supplement No. 1 to Complete Catalogue, Edition 1961
Boosey & Hawkes: Long Playing Supplement 1968
(paperback, 16pp., 1968)
This catalogue lists the early Boosey LPs from SBH 3000, apparently up to 3008.
Boosey & Hawkes Recorded Music: Complete Catalogue: 78 rpm Records, 1969
(paperback, 104pp., 1969)
This catalogue lists all Boosey 78s that were available by 1969. The earliest entry is M.2011; the final one OT.2611. Many discs up to V.2188 are now missing (2115 - 2120, 2127 - 2162, 2164, 2166 - 2188).
This copy was sold on eBay in 2023. Some later pages of the Numerical Index were uploaded
here.
Boosey & Hawkes: Long Playing Records: Complete Catalogue including New Issues 1970-71
(paperback, 52pp., 1971)
This catalogue lists all Boosey LPs from SBH 3000 to 3025. It was sold on eBay in 2023.
Boosey & Hawkes, early 1970s
Later updates retained the same design, albeit in larger A4 versions with additional Cavendish branding - as seen in Retronic's video
here and
here. (I believe this pair date from 1973-74.)
Boosey & Hawkes: Library Music: Catalogue, late 70s / early 80s?
(paperback, 168pp., late 70s-early 80s?)
"This is a 1970s (or perhaps earlier 1980s) record catalogue... with the items listed by Classified List and Numerical List. Approximately 14.5 x 28 cm paperback, 168 pages."
This copy sold for £12.50 in
2012.
(Thanks to Caliban for massive help with this section.)
BosworthFor some early Bosworth listings, see
Macquarie-Bosworth / Macquarie-Boosey and Hawkes. Bosworth Records, date unknown
The only catalogue to advertise its contents for use in "Marionette Shows"! No further details available.
Discovered on YouTube - thanks to
THE HEHR ARCHIVE @thehehrarchive1556.
Bosworth: Imported Records: Catalogue, c.mid-40s?
An Australian catalogue, listing Bosworth records imported from the UK (see the Macquarie-Bosworth section).
Discovered on YouTube - thanks to
THE HEHR ARCHIVE @thehehrarchive1556.
Bosworth: 78 r.p.m. Records: Discography, 1998
(comb binding, 74pp., 1998)
I’m aware of very little contemporaneous material for the Bosworth Library, but there is this thorough Discography from 1998. This sold on Ebay in 2023.
Bosworth Recorded Music, 1974?
(paperback, 26pp., c.1974)
Catalogue of “new issues” BLP 102 to 135. This item sold on eBay in
2024. A copy can be seen in Retronic's video
here.
Bosworth Archive: Numerical Listing, c.2008?
This brilliant thing was posted on LMT a few forums ago: “Here is the information that I received from [Bosworth’s] owners (MusicSales.co.uk) in 2008, who I believe still own Bosworth.” Thank you, original uploader! (They turned down a credit here so I won’t name them, but I will give them very hearty thanks
)
DOWNLOAD LINK[Bosworth Backgrounds] BOBA Recorded Music Catalogue, 1990s?
(binder, ?pp., 1990s?)
This item sold on eBay in
May 2024.
Bruton Music, late 70s / early 80s?
(binder, date unknown)
(Thanks to Facebook page "Bruton Music Vinyl" for these photos, and to Mr for posting this item)A member in the Facebook group says he had this catalogue "
and the one prior to it" so there could well be an earlier edition.
Bruton Music Catalogue: "2nd Edition", 1980s?
(paperback, ?pp., 80s? Thanks to Mr for originally posting this item)
Another contender for the title of second Bruton catalogue, from an eBay listing:
This is the 2nd edition featuring the later vinyl albums prior to switching to CDs. The catalogue is... categorised into genres... so all BRA's are together, BRB's together etc right the way through to BRS. There is no index system as such in this and lists every vinyl album released and some of the later releases were also released on cd. This item was sold in
2009.
Bruton Music Catalogue, 1980/90s?
A different paperback edition can be seen in
Retronic's video, along with another
here. No further information available.
Bruton Music, c.1987
(paperback, c. 1987)
(Thanks to Facebook page "Bruton Music Vinyl" for these photos, and to Mr for posting this item)Chappell Recorded Music Library, 1957
(paperback, 90pp., January 1957)
This is the earliest Chappell catalogue I am aware of and lists the 78s from C.101 to C.551 (most likely with some omissions). Copies were sold on eBay UK in
2014 and
2015 and another in Australia in
2024.
The following supplements appear to have been issued between 1957 and 1959:
Chappell Records Supplements 1-6, C.552 – C.614
Chappell Records Supplement 7, C.615 – C.626
Chappell Records Supplement 8, C.627 – C.635
Chappell Records Supplement 9, C.636 – C.647
Chappell Records Supplement 10, C.648 – C.659
I've seen no direct evidence of these individual supplements but they were combined into a single edition in September 1959:
Chappell Records: Supplements One to Ten, 1959
(paperback, 8pp., September 1959)
This covers C.552 to C.659.
Two further supplements appear to have followed:
Chappell Records Supplement 11, C.660 – C.671
Chappell Records Supplement 12, C.672 – C.683
These were combined with the earlier ten volumes in May 1960:
Chappell Records: Supplements One to Twelve, 1960
)
This covers C.552 to C.683. More supplements followed:
Chappell Records Supplement 13, C.684-695, 4pp., undated
Chappell Records Supplement 14, C.696-707, 4pp., undated
Chappell Records Supplement 15, C.708-719, 4pp., undated
Chappell Records Supplement 16, C.720-731, 4pp., undated
Chappell Recorded Music Library, 1962 [Version A]
(paperback, c.120pp., 1962)
This updates the 1957 Catalogue with all the releases from Supplements 1 to 16, listing C.101 to C.731 (with some omissions). This copy was sold on eBay in 2022. The same edition can be seen in Retronic's video
here.
Chappell Recorded Music Library, 1962 [Version B]
(paperback, 122pp., 1962)
This slightly later edition now lists all the Chappell 78s from C.101 up to C.804 (again with some omissions). This copy sold on American eBay in 2020.
Chappell Records Supplement: C.732-820, 22pp., c.1964
Chappell Records Supplement: C.732-828, 24pp., c.1964?
A small update on the previous supplement with the same cover layout. A copy of this item sold in
2015.
Chappell Recorded Music: Additional Supplement to the Main Catalogue: C.732-912, ?pp., c.1966?
Found this on my PC, no memory of where it came from. EBay I assume - file dated 2022. It looks more like a folder rather than a cover...
Chappell Recorded Music, c.1969
(binder, c.200pp., c.1969)
This mighty tome omits the earliest one-sided discs and lists everything from C 313 to 1025 (the last of the 78s). A copy can be seen in Retronic's video
here.
Chappell Index Series: Folder + 3 Catalogues
(paperback, c.50pp., date unknown. Thanks to Mr for this listing.)
Wraparound folder containing 3 inserts:
- CIS 5001-5006 (c.1967)
- CIS 5007-5012 (c.1969)
- CIS 5013-5024 (date unknown - early 70s?)
A copy was sold in
2019. Another can be seen in Retronic's video
here.
Chappell Recorded Music, c.1973-74
(binder, c.200pp., 1973-74)
The main body of this catalogue retains the listings for C 313 to 1025, then adds LPC 1026 to 1058 (1973). A "New Releases" section includes an extra page for each release from LPC 1059 to 1067 (which would date this item to 1974). The opening section is an alphabetical index printed on pink paper, then the main classified section on white, then the Numerical Index printed on blue paper. A copy was sold on eBay in
2019.
Chappell Classical Series, c.1975
(Paperback, ?pp., c.1975?)
Covers CLP 701 to 715. No further information available.
Chappell Recorded Music Library: CD Catalogue, c.1996
(Paperback, 118pp., c.1996)
The following CDs are listed as available:
- Chap Series: CHAP 127 – 204
- AV Series: AV 033 – 100
- European Classical Series: CHAP C1 – C24
Chappell Recorded Music Library: CD Catalogue, c.late nineties?
Very similar to the 1997 catalogue, this item can be seen in
Retronic's video. (Image here is photoshopped from an incomplete screengrab.)
[
Special thanks to Caliban for helping out with this section.]
Conroy Recorded Music Library: Copy of Numerical Index, c.1964
In 2023,
Upgrade kindly shared some photocopies of most of a Conroy Numerical Index
here and
here. At the time these contained nuggets of info that were completely unavailable elsewhere. Thanks Upgrade!
Conroy: LP Catalogue, c.1971
Contains listings for BMLP 001 to 088. This item sold on eBay in 2024. A copy can be seen in Retronic's
video.
Conroy: LP Catalogue, c.70s?
A copy of this catalogue can be seen in Retronic's
video. No further info available.
Music-De Wolfe: Recorded Music Catalogue c.1967
(binder, 484pp., c.1967)
This catalogue lists DW 501 through to DW/LP 3047 (although that disc is wrongly listed as 3041). Many tracks are available on tape only: some of these weren't released on disc or CD until years later; some never saw a "proper" release at all.
Link to the pages for the tape-only tracks:
h++ps://www.mediafire.com/file/r2pdpup06ri0xdw/De+Wolfe+-+Tape+Only.zip/file
Link to the
Space section:
h++ps://www.mediafire.com/file/cbqy261xafkq2lx/De+Wolfe+-+Space.zip/file
Compared to many other catalogues, this De Wolfe edition seems to be relatively ubiquitous:
- One copy sold for an impressive $243.50 in 2021.
- The copy in the first picture (above) sold c. Dec 2021, price unknown.
- Another copy sold in 2023.
- The copy in the rest of the images sold on eBay.com in 2024.
- Another appears in Retronic's video.
Music-De Wolfe Supplement c.1973
(looseleaf, 171pp., c.1973)
This supplement carries on from where the 1967 catalogue left off, with entries from DW/LP 3048 to 3283.
Music-De Wolfe Recorded Music Catalogue, c.1973
(binder, c.400pp., c.1973; Thanks to Mr for finding this item)
At first glance this US catalogue looks identical to the 1967 version, however, it has gained the 70s De Wolfe logo on the cover and the pages shown are completely different to their counterparts in the '67 original. It looks like the 78 discs are gone: "The catalog lists tracks for all then-available De Wolfe LPs, both alphabetically (by track title) and numerically (by album number)... The catalog is stamped 'Received June 29, 1981'" - although the presence of a "96 page" supplement (see next entry) presumably dates the actual catalogue to c.1973.
This item sold for $19.99 in
2016.
Music-De Wolfe Supplement Part Two c.1979
(looseleaf, 96pp., c.1979)
This supplement continues from the previous volume, adding the stereo discs from DWS/LP 3284 to DWS/LP 3401. Both this and the previous supplement were sold on eBay as part of the 1967 Catalogue lot; the second image shows that folder as it was advertised - bulging with both supplements inserted.
Music-De Wolfe: Recorded Music Catalogue, c.1981
(binder, pages not numbered, c.1981)
The numerical listing omits all the old 78s but is otherwise complete from DW/LP 2732 to DWS/LP 3469. The “Detailed track listing” carries on from where the 1979 Supplement left off – DWS/LP 3400, carrying on to 3464.
This catalogue sold in
2023. Another copy (or very similar one) can be seen in action in
Retronic's video further down this thread.
De Wolfe Music Catalogue, 1988
(paperback, pp.?, 1988)
A copy sold on eBay in
2018.
A later De Wolfe catalogue with 90s branding can be seen in Retronic's video
here.
The EMI Photoplay Library of Recorded Music: Complete Catalogue
(details unknown)
I bought this on eBay last year but sadly it got lost in the post. All I have is this one photo
Focus Music Library, 1990s
(
Thanks Mr and Moleoman for this listing)
1) An early 2 page A4 booklet (c. 1992?) with FCD101 through FCD127.
2) It came housed in a paper folder which details releases up to FCD154 and 4 additional CD releases with "t.b.a." listed as cat.# [c.1998?].
3) And bundled together with a 16-page ringbound "Style-alike list 2002/3" booklet, which also has a catalogue on the last page detailing releases up to FCD180.
[Francis, Day & Hunter] Mood Music, c.1947
Cover of an early catalogue reproduced in an October 1947 edition of "Kinematograph Weekly". No further details known; thanks to Mr for finding and sharing.
Francis, Day & Hunter: Mood Music, c.1953-54
(paperback, 16pp., c.1953-54)
This appears to be a US release (although uses the British spelling of "Theatre"). Skipping the very first disc (and FDH 021) it lists the 10" releases from FDH 002 to 121, and 12" releases from FDH 1201 to 1207. A full set of images was kindly shared by our very own
WSBG Returns Yet Again! and he’s even uploaded them
here. Thanks WSBG!
FDH Mood Music: Copy of Numerical List, c.1963?
This photocopy of a later FDH Numerical List was sold on eBay in 2021. If you bought it and are happy to share we’d love to see it!
Harmonic Recordings: Produced by Brull Music, Inc. c.1951?
(paperback, 20pp., c.1951)
This is possibly a UK publication repurposed for America (via a wonky sticker on the front). In the available images, the most recent disc is C.B.L. 325. It was sold on eBay in 2015.
A copy with a slightly less wonky sticker is
here.
Harmonic Records: Mood Music Library: Catalogue, c.1957 6-Page Supplement, c.1957 [
not pictured]
12-Page Supplement, 1970
(paperback, 88pp., c.1957)
From original eBay listing:
88 page main catalogue [and] a taped-in 6 page supplement from 1957 … every track catalogued into style so Space Music, Heavy Industrial, Horror etc, etc
… and 2 copies of the same 1970 supplement of 12 pages … featuring 1970 albums such as Heinz Kiessling: Moods For Orchestra
and Barigozzi/Fabor: Synthetronics...
These items sold on eBay in 2014.
Harmonic Recorded Music Library: Catalogue, c.1961-62
(paperback, 108pp., c.1961-62?)
Includes listings for CBL 1 to 17 (Sound Effects), CBL 34 to 60, HMP 257 to 298, CBL 299 to 488, and CBL 1001 to 1011. This item was sold on eBay in 2023.
[Harmonic] Brull Catalogue: Supplement No. 2, c.1962
The only shot I have of this: it was sold on eBay in 2021. (We can assume Supplement No. 1 ran from CBL 489 to CBL 500.) If the buyer is looking in, we'd love to know what was in the rest!
Harmonic Recorded Music Library: Catalogue, c.1964
(paperback, c.144?pp., c.1964)
This catalogue retains the listings for CBL 1 to 17 (Sound Effects) and CBL 1001 to 1011. The main range now extends from HMP 257 to CBL 566, and the
Percussives discs have been added (CBL 2001 to 2008). This item was sold on eBay in 2017. Also included was a 4-page Supplement completing the run of 78s up to CBL 597 (picture 4) and another one (or two) Supplements listing the LP series up to at least 1970 (pictures 5-6).
(Thanks to Caliban for help with this section.)
Impress Record Catalogue, c.1960
Contains listings for IA 101 to 247. This item was sold on eBay in
2013.
Impress Record Catalogue: Supplement No. 1, c.1961
Contains listings for IA 248 to 306. This item was sold on eBay in
2013.
Copies of these two catalogues can be viewed in Retronic's video
here.
Impress Background Music: Catalogue, c.1963 + later supplements
(binder, pages not numbered, c.1963)
This catalogue lists the Impress range from IA 101 to 352 (1963). Additional pages have been added for IA 353 to 372 (1964), and another single page for the first 10” 33rpm discs: 373 to 379 (1966). Some tracks are listed as available on tape only: IA T 1 to 10.
I think this is the first time Impress tracks are listed as available in stereo (starting with the b-side of IA 205). Many of these stereo mixes remain unavailable today.
This copy sold in
2023. Photos of the Numerical Index are available
here.
There is a second copy of this catalogue in a private collection. The pages have become adrift from their original folder and been re-bound in modern comb binding.
JW Theme Music, c.1962
(binder, pages not numbered, c. 1962)
This catalogue runs from JW 101 to JW 332. It reveals a number of tracks which were originally offered in stereo: the earliest block is JW 175 through to JW 195 (bar 188) after which things switch back to mono again. Then from JW 234 the vast majority are listed as stereo. Many of these stereo mixes remain unavailable today. Excitingly, some otherwise unknown Desmond Leslie cues are listed as tape only (image 4).
This item was sold on eBay in 2023. Photos of the numerical index were uploaded
here.
KPM Music Recorded Library
Some early catalogues can be seen in Retronic's video
here.
KPM Music Recorded Library, c.1969
(paperback, 126pp., c.1969?)
This catalogue includes all the green label LPs along with the brown label reissues of the original 78s. Thanks to Mr for this listing.
KPM Music Recorded Library, c.mid-70s?
(paperback, ??pp., c. mid-70s?)
A later KPM offering: the latest disc visible in the photos is KPM 1128, which would date this to 1973 at the earliest. The photos reveal that this catalogue was also offered in a hardback edition: "Price on application".
This copy sold on eBay in
2024.
KPM Music, 1980s?
This chunky KPM paperback can be seen in Retronic's
video. Details unknown.
KPM Music, 1987
(paperback, 480pp., 1987)
Numerical listing covers KPM 1001 to 1370. I believe there was at least one earlier issue with the same cover from 1985 or 86. A copy of this giant volume can be sighted in Retronic's video
here.
KPM Music: CD Listing 98
(paperback, ?pp., 1998)
Image is just the top of an A4 cover. No further information available.
(Thanks to Caliban for help with this section.)
Macquarie-Bosworth / Macquarie-Boosey and Hawkes, c.mid-40s? 
(paperback, 12pp., c.mid-40s?)
This Australian catalogue contains the earliest Boosey & Hawkes and Bosworth listings I am aware of. It "contains details of musical items available in Australian-made Macquarie-Bosworth and Macquarie-Boosey & Hawkes records." It lists a selection of discs from Bosworth BC1005 to BC1056, and a complete run of Boosey and Hawkes from BH 1904 to 1915.
Macquarie-Bosworth / Macquarie-Boosey and Hawkes, c.mid-40s?
(paperback, 7pp., c.late 40s?)
This catalogue details a selection of discs from Bosworth BD 101 to 121 and BC 1005 to 1072. It also contains a complete run of Boosey & Hawkes BH 1904 to 1922.
Parry Music Library: Catalogue, c.late 80s?
(folder, ?pp., c.late 80s?)
This catalogue can be seen in Retronic's video
here.
Paxton: Exclusive Double-Sided Electrical Recordings, 1950
(paperback, 8pp., Sept 1950)
This booklet appears to be aimed at the general public rather than industry professionals. "ORIGINAL UK BOOKLET... MEASURES @ 9" x 5½""
Paxton: Catalogue, c.1950s?
No further details known. Discovered on YouTube - thanks to
THE HEHR ARCHIVE @thehehrarchive1556.
A Paxton catalogue with the same "Records of Distinction" subtitle - dated 1951 - is in the collection of the National Library of Australia:
h++ps://catalogue.nla.gov.au/finding-aids/catalog/31648814393164887606
Paxton Record Catalog
(paperback, 20pp., c.1950s?)
Emil Ascher-branded US catalogue, undated.
"Paxton Record Catalog Exclusive Electrical Recordings for Broadcasting, News Reels, Films, Etc. Circa 1940s Emil Ascher, Inc., NY, no date. 6-3/4" x 9-1/2" Wraps; 20pp... Includes descriptive index to moods (e.g. disorder, prepare for action, enchantment, adoration, phantoms, etc.)"
This item sold for $31.25 in
2014.
Paxton Records, c.1961
(paperback, 40pp., 1961)
This catalogue covers PR.501 to PR.744, which I think was the last release of 1961. It was sold on eBay in 2021. An identical-looking copy also sold in
2014Peer International Library Ltd: List of Releases, 1972
(paperback, ?pp., 1972)
Peer International Library Ltd: List of Releases, 1973-74 
(paperback, 22pp., 1974)
(Thanks to Caliban for help with this section.)
Southern Library of Recorded Music: Numerical and Classification List, 1965
(paperback?, c.17pp., 1965)
Covers MQ 501 to 768. A PDF of the Numerical listing was distributed here on LMT by
Your Pal Doug - thanks for sharing!
Southern Library of Recorded Music: Catalogue, c.1968
(paperback, 148pp., c.1968)
Availability:
10" 78 r.p.m. - MQ 501 to MQ 962 (complete library)
7" 45 r.p.m. - MQ 501 to MQ 768
12" 33 1/3 r.p.m. - MQ 769 to MQ 962
This copy sold on eBay in
2023.
Southern Library of Recorded Music: Catalogue, c.1968 + 2 Earlier Supplements
(paperback, 152pp., c.1968)
This is from an eBay auction in
2014. The main catalogue appears to be identical but we also have "two earlier supplements of 12 and 8 pages from 1963 & 1962".
Southern Library of Recorded Music: Long Play Catalogue
(paperback, ?pp., ?)
No further information available.
Southern Library of Recorded Music: Classical and Traditional Catalogue
(paperback, ?pp., ?)
No further information available.
(Thanks to Caliban for help with this section.)
Standard Music Library: Catalogue c.1970
(paperback, 31pp., c.1970)
Listings for ESL 101 to 117. Includes some Period / Pastoral tracks that were “Tape only at present” that would later appear on ESL 121 (including one that wouldn't make the final selection). A similar catalogue can be seen in
Retronic's video.
Standard Music Library: Catalogue, c. Mid-70s?
(binder, ?pp., c.mid-70s?)
This gorgeous item sold in
2022. A copy can be seen in Retronic’s video
here.
Standard Music Library: Promotional Material + Inserts, 1978
(looseleaf, 1978)
Promotional material and catalogue inserts for ESL 143 ('Pop Pulsations II') and ESL 144 ('M.O.R.'). ESL 143 has been added to the catalogue as page 93C and ESL 144 added as pages 60B and 60C. Revised pages for contents, classification index (pp.2-3) and title index (p.130) incorporating these new albums are also visible. These items were sold in
2022.
Studio G Mood Music Guide, 1983
(paperback, ?pp., 1983. Thanks to Mr for this listing.)
A copy can be seen in Retronic's video
here.
Synchro Recorded Music Library 1960
(paperback, 72pp., 1960)
This was sold
three times on eBay between 2014 and 2016, apparently all by the same seller. Looks like it’s cursed – buyer beware if it turns up again.
Themes Catalogue, c.1982
(paperback, 46pp., c.1982. Thanks to Mr for this listing.)
A copy can be seen in Retronic's video
here.
Themes Catalogue, 1985
(Paperback, 36pp., 1985)
Contains all recordings from TIM 1001 to 1048. This copy sold in
2023.
US:Capitol Hi-Q Catalog, 1970s?
A fantastic PDF of a full Hi-Q Catalogue can be found here:
https://librarymusicthemes.com/index.php?topic=8268.msg58960#msg58960Thanks to
Certainly1080 for being kind enough to share and
apmnut for pointing me towards it.
Capitol Hi-Q: Promotional Material, 1977
Thanks to
SoCalRyan for
posting these.
Capitol Hi-Q: Catalog
(Binder, 228pp., date unknown)
There are two of these listed on Worthpoint, both from the same seller. I have pooled photos and details here although it's possible there were differences between the two editions: "It comes in a heavy black plastic covered 3-ring binder that measures 7x9 inches. Inside are more than 100 pages that are tabbed (Light, Melodic, Dramatic, Short Cue, Specialized) and a Cross Index... Description: 9" x 7". 5 tab sections. 228 pp"
A copy sold in
2016 for $129. Another sold in
2018 for $203.50. A third sold in
2021 for $495.
Capitol: Catalog of Transcriptions, 1951
(spiral-binding, 100+pp., 1951)
A copy sold in
2021: "Covers all Capitol Transcriptions, cross referenced by artist,type etc. Front cover separated ,but included... insides attached and in decent shape, has tabbed separations for sections. About 10x12 and one inch thick, and heavy."
The CBS Records EZ Cue Library: Catalog
(binder?, 80pp., date unknown)
Several of these have sold on auction sites over the last few years. One version contained "complete information on every record in the EZ Cue series from 101 to 175." Variants do exist: one supposedly runs to 151 pages; another (possibly incomplete) version, runs to around 60 pages. This lists EZQ 102 to 154 (with some omissions) and is available on the Internet Archive:
h++s://archive,org/details/cbs-records-ez-cue-library-catalog-filmscorerundowns/page/66/mode/2up
Dimension Production Music Library: CD and LP Index: Volumes 1 Thru 10, 1985Sound Effects Indexes + Promotional Material, c.1985?
Copies sold in
2018,
2019 and
2021. A copy of the sound effects catalogue can be seen in Retronic's video
here.
FirstCom / Music House / Chappell, 1990
(paperback?, 17?pp., 1990)
Combined CD catalogue for three Universal companies. Available on the Internet Archive:
h++ps://archive,org/details/TNM_FirstCom_digital_production_library_catalog_20171212_0158/mode/2up
Thanks to
Moleoman for finding and sharing.
Major Records: Sound Effects Catalog, 1944
(paperback, 16pp., 1944)
"From a Cat's Meow to a Lion's Roar ... a Pistol Shot to a World War"! This ancient artefact is probably the oldest thing here. It lists a few discs between 4002 and 4070 (with lots of gaps), then a complete run from 5000 to 5055. Mostly it's just sound effects, although there such things as music boxes and fanfares playing public domain tunes.
On this copy a "Thomas J. Valentino" sticker conceals the original distributor: the "Colonial Record Service". It sold on eBay in
2024.
Major Records: Sound Effects, 1947: One eBay sale is preserved on
Worthpoint. Photos are unclear but the last disc appears to be 5164.
Major Records: Sound Effects / Mood Music Catalog, 1956
(paperback, 26pp., 1956)
A decade later and the Sound Effects catalogue now runs up to 5232 and includes a dedicated Mood Music section (although there are earlier music discs listed alongside the Sound Effects.) Thanks again to
WSBG for sharing this rarity - and he's even provided a download of the entire thing:
DOWNLOAD LINKImages 3 and 4 show an interesting variant - again dated 1956 but now distributed by the Denison Music Company. The back cover displays an array of 1957 postmarks and an address for the "Tommy Scott Show" in Hollywood Boulevard. This copy quickly sold on eBay in
2024.
NOTE: Although they're listed together in one volume here, this
1955 magazine contains an advert for Major Records (p.17) which lists
separate catalogues for Mood Music and Sound Effects.
Major Records: Mood Music + Sound Effects, 1958
By 1958 the Sound Effects and Mood Music discs definitely had separate catalogues, as seen here. The music catalogue has "3rd Edition: Fall Release" stamped on it. "First Edition(s). Softcover... [Includes] a TLS (Typed Letter Signed) from Valentino, most likely a facsimile blue ink printed / signature common for business letters at the time in 1950s as no handwritten examples are known from Valentino this is the closest available copy to his actual signature that there is. Provenance included with original USPS mailing envelope from Thomas J. Valentino Inc. post marked in 1958."
These items sold for $50 in
2019.
Major Records: Sound Effects, 1959: A copy sold on eBay in
2024.
Major Records: Mood Music + Sound Effects, 1960: Copies of both were sold in
2016: "and... the amazing piece of the whole deal... A letter signed by Thomas J. Valentino himself, to a NUCLEAR FUEL COMPANY, offering him discounts on Major Records library music! You can't get more atomic-era than this."
The last entry is not known, although 5275 is visible in the listing photo.
Major Records: Sound Effects Catalog, 1961
(paperback?, 29pp., 1960-61)
One copy sold on
Etsy in 2024.
The copy in the image is copyrighted 1961 but a stamp on the front reads "Effective December 1, 1960". The final disc listed it 5234. See next entry for further details.
Major Records: Mood Music, 1961
(paperback?, ?pp., 1961)
Both of these catalogues are available online at the Vintage Theatre Catalog blog, thanks to
Bob Foreman:
h++ps://vintagetheatrecatalogs.blogspot.com/2016/02/1960-major-sound-effects-catalog-1961.html
This edition covers discs from 5209 to 5378.
Major Records: Sound Effects Catalog, 1962Has "Oct 62" handwritten on the cover; this copy was sold on eBay, date unknown:
Worthpoint listing.
Network: Finally... A Production Music Library That Sounds Great! c.1980-82
The items in image 1 were listed on eBay in
2024 (thanks to
Mr for spotting). They were likely part of a package that included a promotional "WhisperDisc" demo (images 2 and 3):
This is not an ordinary record... The sound is brighter, broader, and the record is quiet...just like tape. You will notice that the Network WhisperDisc™ is heavier and harder than a standard commercial record. In fact, the life span of a Network WhisperDisc™ is at least four to five times longer than a conventional record.Scans of the entire brochure can be found on Discogs:
h++ps://www.discogs.com/master/2475208-Unknown-Artist-Finally-A-Production-Music-Library-That-Sounds-Great/image/SW1hZ2U6MjcxNjkzMTA=
The accompanying letter on Discogs is dated 1980, although some copies of the WhisperDisc are dated 1982 - as per the letter in the first image above.
Network Production Music Catalogue + Extras, c.1983?
(folder, ?pp., c.early 80s?)
These items were listed on eBay in
2024: "Includes a lot of promotional material as well as ordering forms." Date on letter is unclear but is possibly 1983.
Network Music: First Edition Volumes 1-53, c.1986?
(paperback, 890pp., c.1986)
A copy sold in
2019.
Network Music: Second / Third EditionsA Second Edition (1-80?) sold in
2024.
A Third Edition (1-105) sold in
2019.
Network: WhisperDisc Sound Effects Demo Promotional Folder + Extras, 1983
(folder, 1983)
The items in images 1-3 were listed on eBay in 2024 as part of the 1983 Network Catalogue lot. The brochure is promoting a Sound Effects "WhisperDisc" demo that was not included in the auction but is shown in images 4-6 above. It is also listed on Discogs:
h++ps://www.discogs.com/search?q=network+effects+demo+1983+barzman&type=all
Network Sound Effects [1-40], 1983
(paperback, c.330pp., c.1983)
This catalogue is fairly ubiquitous and pops up on eBay regularly, albeit frequently in a rather battered state. Copies sold in
2016,
2017 and
2020. A copy is for sale on eBay
right now.
The final image is a "Fifth Edition" variant (Volumes 1-78). A copy sold in
2014; there is also an alternative version with a
filled-in logo.
A pdf of all 120 Network Sound Effects CD releases is here:
h++ps://www,bhphotovideo.com/FrameWork/Product_Resources/Network_CD_Numbering.pdf
A good background to the releases can be found here:
h++ps://soundeffects,fandom.com/wiki/Network_Sound_Effects_Library#Info
Omnimusic Catalog + Flexidisc, c.1981
(paperback, 30pp., c.1981)
Promotional flexidisc and catalog, covers OM101-OM122 + licensing info and order form. Sold in
2022.
"Flexidisc can be found on YouTube (not my copy) under this title:
Omnimusic - Eva-Tone Soundsheet - vinyl lp - production music library sampler of Omnimusic catalog”
Omnimusic, c.early 1980s?
(comb binding, c.??pp., c.early 1980s?)
Omnimusic promotional package, came with 7" record.
Worthpoint listing.
Robert Hall Productions: Sound Effects: Promotional Inserts
Scans originally posted by
NateTheDoofy in
this thread. Thanks Nate! The last image is from an auction in
2013.
Sam Fox Recorded Music Library, 1961
(paperback, 28pp., 1961)
Sold on eBay in
2024: "Also comes with a one-page letter and an additional 2 pages covering synchronization licenses for background instrumental uses and their rates." Includes info on some tape-only cues. Accompanying letter gives date as 1961.
TheMusicalAvenger very kindly shared shots of the whole thing
here.
Sound Ideas: Series 1000-5000
The 1000 Series was released in 1979 although not on CD until 1983 - the first catalogue here dates between then and 1986. The 2000 to 4000 ranges were released between 1987 and 1989. In the fifth image we can see Lucasfilm has been added, dating that catalogue to 1990. The last two images show the 1000-5000 Series catalogue, apparently available in red and pink variants. The last photo is apparently the 9th Edition, dated 1991.
Sound Ideas: Series 6000, 1992
The range is extended to the 7000 Series, but the 1000 Series has vanished. The Universal and Warner Brothers ranges are now added, dating this to c. 1992. One eBay listing states this is the Eleventh Edition of the catalogue.
Sound Ideas: Series 7000, c.1994
The 1000 Series is back, now joined by the effects libraries of 20th Century Fox, Hanna Barbera and De Wolfe.
Sound Ideas, c. 1998-2000
Now added are the Turner Entertainment Co., Hanna-Barbera and Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends libraries.
Synchro-Fox Library of Recorded Background Music, 1970?
(paperback, 42pp., 1970?)
This covers SF 1001 to 1024, along with SF 2001 and 2002. If the dates on the library music wiki are correct then this dates from c.1970. It was sold on eBay in
2024.
An identical-looking copy - along with a similar supplement - can be seen in Retronic's video
here.
Thomas J. Valentino, Inc: Production Music + Sound Effects Catalogs + Promotional Record, 1983
(folder, 3 booklets, 7" record, ?pp., 1983)
A copy sold in
2020 and another in
2023. It is listed on Discogs here:
h++ps://www,discogs.com/release/8771109-Unknown-Artist-An-Introduction-To-Valentino-Music-library-The-Valentino-Sound-Effects-Library
A copy is also available here (thanks to
Moleoman for the link):
h++ps://spatulacityrecords,com/lot-of-9-thomas-valentino-production-music-library-vinyl-record-album-lp/
Valentino Production Music • Sound Effects: Libraries Catalog, c.mid-90s?
(paperback, ?pp., c.mid-90s)
The copy in the final image lists Volumes 1-67, dating it to c.1994. It sold in
2020.
William B. Tanner: Vinyl Catalogs
"Here is a cool two volume loose leaf binder index set for all the William H. Tanner library production LPs like Trendsetter and Sound Effects." Sold in
2023.
France:MP 2000, Montparnasse 2000 Production Music Library:
(Thanks to Mr for this listing)
The copy in the photo sold as part of a job lot in
2017. Another copy can be seen in Retronic's video
here.
MP 2000, Montparnasse 2000 Production Music Library: "Mini-Catalog"
Promotional "mini-catalog" and sampler flexidisc:
Worthpoint.
Germany:Coloursound Library: Catalogue, c.1982
(paperback, 72pp., c.1982; Thanks to Mr for this listing)
"This is a 1980s (probably about 1982) record catalogue for (German) Coloursound Library... with information in both English and German language. A whole page is devoted to each of the available albums, which includes a range of themes. Some albums were made by well known names such as Bob Sharples & The Jazz Boys (a group including George Chisholm & Tommy McQuater, also Bob as Robert Sharples, Franco dei Gemini (who has Ennio Morricone connections), Denny Motion, Gil Flat, Joel Vandroogenbroeck, etc. A4 size (21 x 29.7 cm) laminated cover paperback, 72 pages... Incidentally, lovers of fonts and Letraset will be delighted, and maybe amused, by the large variations in type styles used throughout."
Worthpoint listing Selected Sound Recorded Music Library Catalogue
(paperback, 88 p., date unknown; Thanks to Mr for this listing)
Selected Sound Recorded Music Library Musikarchiv Catalogue No. 2
(paperback, 83pp., date unknown; Thanks to Mr for this listing)
A copy was sold in
2017. Another copy is currently available for sale
here.
Selected Sound Recorded Music Library: Unknown CatalogueThanks to Mr for spotting the mysterious chequebook-shaped Selected Sound catalogue
here.
Sonoton
(date unknown, presumably issued together with SON 000 sampler LP. Thanks to Mr for this listing)
ITALY:Beat Records Company Edizioni Musicali, catalogo discografico di musiche per sonorizzazioni (Background Music Library)
(Paperback, September 30th, 1971; Thanks to Mr for this listing)
Gemelli, catalogo generale numerico
(Paperback, January 1973; Thanks to Mr for this listing)
Vedette Records: Music for Soundtracks and Programs: General Catalogue, 1967
(Paperback, 32pp., 1967; Thanks to Mr for this listing)
"The most comprehensive catalogue of dramatic themes, love themes, suspenseful introductions, bridges, endings, backgrounds for use in radio - television - film - industrial shows - advertising and amateur cinema."
Vedette Records: Authentic Sound Effects, c.1967
(paperback, 16pp., undated c.1967)
Covers albums 1 to 10 in the range: a "unique and comprehensive catalogue of authentic sound effects on long-play mono and panoramic superstereo albums, created by Jac Holzman for Elektra Records." The third image shows a page via Google Translate.
SWITZERLAND / AUSTRIA:Cosmos Library Background Music System Catalogue(paperback, 368pp., date? Thanks to Mr for this listing)
"No date, but it has CDs 375.201 through 375.300 and Cosmos Special Select COS-1 through COS-25."
Except vinyl and CDs, what to collect?New to library music, looking for newbie helpChappell Library Catalog Book For Sale on eBayImpress Catalog AuctionSam Fox Catalog from 1961