In 2002/03, loans totalled 61,785 which was an increase of 13,143 compared to the previous year's figures.

The discs are categorised under popular, jazz, blues, country, folk/world, classical, soundtracks, children's, gospel, new age and opera.

The good thing about having such a variety is that users have the opportunity to sample and to listen to music that was previously unfamiliar.

The other advantage is that sounds not to your taste may be returned promptly, although we do not always appreciate the benefit of some listeners' opinions.

However, any disadvantages are outweighed by the enormous joy of discovering a new group or performer, or previously unheard of styles of music and sounds that soon become favourites.

Many borrowers prefer to listen to the type of music that is familiar and that they have always listened to.

This is not using the collection to its best advantage. Experiment and listen.

There are several music magazines which may assist. But I must be getting old or I do not appreciate the reviews or their advice.

Too often the critiques read as if written by graduates with cultural studies degrees.

So skip these and try the sources I can recommend.

The Rough Guides music reference series provide thorough, literate and informative advice with essays about particular styles within a genre, as well as concise biographies and listings of essential discs.

Be warned that not all the recommended listening is still in print, and if it is, may have to be imported.

By far, the best sources of information are the All Music guide website and the All Music guide series of publications.

The website is www.allmusic.com and is an excellent resource for any devotee of popular music genres. The site is updated regularly, and is rich with cross-references to performers, styles, recording companies, particular instruments and musical influences.

Albums are given ratings and reviewed comprehensively if importance merits this.

Listings are provided of performers and instruments and of production staff for most albums.

Short sound samples are available for a lot of individual tracks. Once again, not all listings are in print or easily available in Australia.

This is a great site to settle a lot of arguments. It is one of those sites where searchers can be easily sidetracked, which is a very pleasant way to learn.

So use the website and the books to open your mind. And use the music collection to open your ears.