III. Educational Aids
Extension Library.—The Division lends by mail under prescribed regulaions,
and with certain limitations, books from the University, Extension and
departmental libraries for nominal costs of postage and packing. Emphasis is on
the loan of the best current books, although provision is made for a wide range
of interest. Lists of books available for loan are sent free upon request.
Assistance is also furnished in assembling information and reference material
on subjects of current interest for use by individuals or organizations
requesting such data.
Radio and Newspaper Book Reviews.—Closely associated with the library
extension work is that of the weekly reviews of current books, selected on the
basis of merit, by members of the University and associated faculties over the
WRVA broadcasting station in Richmond, Virginia. The Division conducts
the reviews in coöperation with the Virginia Quarterly Review. The reviews
are fifteen minutes in length and are broadcast every Tuesday at 6:45 P. M.
Only seven omissions have occurred since the weekly talks were begun on
November 13, 1928; both in duration and continuity the reviews are unique in
radio broadcasting. The purpose of the reviews is to give a critical opinion of
a selected number of the best current books.
Special reviews in two forms, a long article dealing with one book and a
brief discussion of several books, are furnished to the newspapers of the state
which request them for publication in their book or feature sections. All books
reviewed are loaned upon request by the Extension Library.
Medical Extension.—The Extension Division coöperates with the Medical
Society of Virginia in administering under its Department of Clinical and
Medical Education an extension program in the field of medical education.
For over two years interest was centered on instruction in the subject of prenatal
and postnatal care. For this purpose a full-time instructor was retained
who gave lectures and conducted clinics in numerous centers throughout the
state. For the current year the subject of pediatrics is being emphasized. Special
clinicians for brief periods are being engaged.
The purpose is to enlarge the fields of interest and to give similar instruction
in other subjects.
The Division also coöperates with the Department of Medicine of the
University of Virginia in announcing postgraduate courses for practicing
physicians conducted at the University of Virginia.
Publications.—For the purpose of carrying the results of research, study
and investigation of members of the University faculty to as many people as
possible, the Extension Division publishes each year a number of bulletins on a
variety of subjects. Many are for free distribution, while for others a small
fee is charged to cover the cost of printing. Aside from a portion of those
studies that are distributed without cost, bulletins are sent only on request. These
publications are accumulative in character, and the results of approximately one
hundred studies or reports are now available.
Bureau of School and Community Drama.—The Bureau of School and
Community Drama has as its immediate purpose assistance in the selection of
suitable plays for schools and community organizations. It also offers help in
the actual production or staging of plays.
Visual Aids.—As a result of donations largely the Extension Division
has available for loan to schools, churches and other educational organizations
in the state, educational films, slides and prints. The films and slides are principally
on historical subjects and were prepared to supplement classroom instruction
in History. The prints are chiefly reproductions of famous paintings
or works of art and were designed to bring to the smaller and more isolated
communities good color prints that would convey some idea of the beauty inherent
in the great masterpieces of some of the world's leading artists.
The Division is at present coöperating with Southern Art Projects, an
organization sponsoring art in the South, in circulating exhibitions of original
paintings, including oils, water colors, etchings, in communities throughout the
state. Lectures on art by leading artists are offered also.
Aids to Teachers of Adults.—With the increased interest and attention
to adult education there has come a demand from teachers of adults for advice
and assistance with regard to methods and materials to be used. Advice is
offered on these subjects and, when available, materials are loaned.
More complete announcements concerning each of the above services will
be sent free upon request.
