Music & Dance

Lois Sims Sheet Music Collection

Lois SimsThe personal collection of sheet music of Lois Sims (Nov. 2, 1927–Dec. 28, 2006), scores cataloger for the Ohio State University Music & Dance Library and violinist in the Columbus Philharmonic (predecessor of the Columbus Symphony) and other local groups. The collection consists primarily of American music for voice and piano published between 1880 and 1966. Often featuring distinctive cover art and lyrics with topical allusions, the items document styles, historic periods, popular culture, and trends in entertainment and publishing. Finding Aid in process. Click here to view select public domain items.

Born in Columbus, Lois A. Sims was a graduate of North High School and an aluma of the Ohio State University. She was one of the original violinists in the newly organized Columbus Philharmonic Orchestra, under conductor Izler Solomon. After raising five children, she spent more than 25 years working at the OSU library, chiefly in the Music & Dance Library, where she was circulation manager and, later, scores cataloger. She retired in 2003. She sang in the choir of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, and was a volunteer worker in the Bookworm, the church book store. She was a member of Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity, and for several years served as its secretary.