University of Virginia Library

II. Educational Aids

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. 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.

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.