University of Virginia Library

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
are fifteen minutes in length and are broadcast every Tuesday evening usually
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 disseminating and carrying the results
of study, research, and investigation of its 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 regularly 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. In a few communities of
the state personal assistance in play production will be offered.

Printed announcements giving more fully the services that can be
rendered by this Bureau are sent upon request.

Aid to Teachers of Illiterates.—During the year a limited amount of help
has been given by the Division to those agencies in the state organized for
the eradication of adult illiteracy. 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
in any form, it will continue to assist upon request teachers in these fields.