Collections somewhat like what is being suggested sit on library shelves or on computers at many, if not most, universities. The problem is getting access to them. Although it seems like each university makes its own piecemeal collection, interlibrary agreements make it effectively a few very large "multipart" museums of music rather than a whole bunch of little independent ones.

In a few places, particularly where a local university has a large or very active "musicology" department, local public libraries may have agreements for access. The problem is that you can't get it if you can't find it, and most local library staff don't know what's available in all of the "co-op" agreements.

While it doesn't do much for "small label" stuff, it may be worth noting that many universities, fearing lawsuits against the schools if students use school computers for downloads, have started running their own music-share programs. The record/copyright companies have actually paid a large share of the costs for several of them via discounts and/or grants, on the theory that they can "train young vulnerable students" to believe that you've gotta pay for it to get it, and get it through "legal" channels.

Most systems I've heard of amount essentially to "purchase" of an unlimited license for each enrolled student to "rent" any music they can find on one of the "music rental" sites. Since the music there is pretty much what's "popular" it's mostly idiot-fare, but at least it's a start - maybe even in a useful direction.

If the music distributors could maintain all of the stuff they control where it's available for a minimal "usage fee," it would be a real help for the budget conscious who just want one or two titles at a time for long enough to hear how they're done. There's no real reason why anything they've ever sold should ever be "out of print." Apparently they've spent so much time hiring lawyers they forgot that a good marketing department can sometimes help find useful ideas.

John