The RISM database references mostly historical music manuscripts, the majority of them originated before 1800. - The original sources are available from the libraries, music archives, and private collections as indicated in the RISM database. These institutions can often be approached for reproductions. - About 700,000 entries (June 2010). -- Die RISM-Datenbank weist hin auf vor allem historische handschriftliche Noten, die Mehrzahl davon entstanden vor 1800. - Die Originale können in den angegebenen Bibliotheken, Musikarchiven oder Privatsammlungen eingesehen werden. Dort können oft auch Reproduktionen herstellen gelassen werden. - Ca. 700.000 Einträge (Juni 2010).

In addition to the 75.000 prints belonging to the basic content, VD16 comprises a supplement of more than 25.000 new titles. New titles are added continuously through acquisitions by the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek for the Collection of German Prints, as well as through data provided by national and foreign libraries.

The bibliographic project, Bibliography of Books Printed in the German Speaking Countries from 1601 to 1700 (VD17), intends to establish a German National Bibliography of the 17th century imprints. All German titles and all titles which have been printed or published in the former German speaking countries will be catalogued. Broadsheets are listed, musica practica (notations) and maps are excluded. VD 17 will be continuously enlarged and made more complete by contributions from associated libraries, the database currently contains more than 300.000 entries.