MUS 176: Protest Song

What are liner notes?

Liner notes are booklets that accompany a sound recording, such as a CD or LP.  Notes can also be included on an LP cover or linked to a digital music recording.  Liner notes vary in length and what they contain. They may include:

  • Writing and performance credits
  • Lyrics
  • Description of the performance
  • Photos of the performance or performers
  • Synopsis of the story or plot
  • The entire text of a work (libretto)
  • Essays about the content included in the recording, similar to program notes.

Finding Liner Notes

Search the catalog and limit to "Audio" to find CDs and LPs at Williams Libraries.
Screenshot of library catalog search results, with the resource type facet set to Audio and circled in red

Click the title of the CD or LP to see more information, and look for a mention of liner notes in the "Notes" section
Screenshot of the detailed item view in the library catalog, with the Notes field circled in red. The Notes field reads, "Texts of the speeches and songs (4p.) inserted in the container.

Look for the "booklet" button when on the page for the album:
Screenshot of album page with the link to the booklet circled in red

You can also search all booklets by keyword:
Screenshot of the Naxos top menu, with the "search booklet" button circled in red

Search WorldCat and limit to "Music Recording" to find CDs and LPs at other libraries.
Screenshot of the WorldCat results screen with the music recording facet selected and circled in red

Click the title of the CD or LP to see more information, and look for a mention of liner notes in the "Notes" section

Screenshot of the Noted field in the detail record view in WorldCat. The text of the notes field reads, "Program and biographical notes inserted in container."

Subjects: Music