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. 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 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.
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
Education an Extension program in the field of medical education. For two
years interest has been 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.
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.
During 1933-1934 the Division is coöperating with the American Federation
of Arts in circulating exhibitions of art in selected rural communities
in Virginia.
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.
