 | The University of Virginia record March 15, 1932 |  |
III. Educational Aids
The educational aid services include the following:
Extension Library.—The Division lends by mail under prescribed regulations,
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. Alphabetical 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.
The University Library renders valuable assistance to the Division in
its effort to increase the usefulness of the Extension Library.
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 facilities of
WRVA are offered without charge by the Larus Brothers Tobacco Company,
owners and operators of the station.) The Division conducts the
reviews in coöperation with the Virginia Quarterly Review. The reviews
between seven and eight. Only five 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.
A single review in the longer form has been known to have been printed in
seventeen papers; the usual number is ten or twelve. All books reviewed
are loaned upon request by the Extension Library.
Publications.—For the purpose of carrying the results of study, research,
and investigation of the University faculty to as many people as possible, the
Extension Division publishes twelve bulletins on various subjects each year.
Most of the bulletins are issued free of charge, but for some a nominal price
is set which covers only the cost of printing. The Extension Division also issues
at regular intervals a leaflet, "Extension Topics," which is chiefly a letter to
Extension students serving as a bond between them and the University; and
"University of Virginia Extension," which is circulated widely as a medium of
information about the classes, publications and activities of the Division. Special
care is given to the task of placing the printed materials in the hands of those
who most appreciate and profit by them. A leaflet published annually describes
available Extension publications.
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.
Printed announcements giving more fully the services that can be
rendered by this Bureau are sent upon request.
Aid to Teachers of Illiterates.—At the suggestion of the State Department
of Public Instruction, package libraries containing a few books for
illiterates and materials outlining a method of teaching adult illiterates to
read and write have been assembled. Upon request, these libraries are
loaned teachers of illiterates, and others interested in methods of adult
elementary education. While the Division does not attempt to teach illiterates
or near-illiterates nor to carry forward elementary adult education, it
will continue to assist upon request teachers in these fields.
| The University of Virginia record March 15, 1932 | |