MTSU Center for Popular Music

Preserving the Past, One Track at a Time

At Middle Tennessee State University, the Center for Popular Music houses one of the most comprehensive collections of American vernacular music in the world. But as the archive expanded, reaching over a million artifacts, its outdated shelving and mezzanine setup began to limit preservation, access, and daily workflows.

Partnering with Patterson Pope, the Center overhauled its archival storage room, removing the mezzanine and installing compact mobile shelving designed for long-term flexibility and protection. The new system improved lighting, airflow, and fire safety, while giving staff the space to work efficiently and grow the collection for years to come.

Check out the video and the full case study to see how this behind-the-scenes transformation supports research, protects history, and amplifies access to America's musical legacy.