Educational film magazine; (January-December 1920)

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NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL FILM LIBRARIES A Reply to a Recent Suggestion in Educational Film Magazine Offered by Charles Urban—State University Extension Plan Sug- gested As One Solution of the Problem By B. a. Holway Exteneion Service, University of South Carolina, Columbia, S- C. I WHETHER we pass in review over the experiences of the past or attempt to peer into the future and forecast coming events, consideration of the general subject of visual instruction by means of the motion picture points conclusively to the need of a practical, efficient system of film distribution, co-ordinating supply and demand and possessing the complete confidence of the educator as a class. Practical distribution is essential of educational subjects, subjects that have true classroom value or real worth from a welfare or religious point of view, in which both tech- nical phases and pedagogical features are given proper consideration. Charles Urban in the February issue of Educationai, Film Magazine touches on this subject and offers a solu- tion—the establishment of film libraries in local communi- ties maintained by popular subscription or subscriptions of users, the film being purchased outright. The Urban suggestion contains the nucleus of the solu- tion but in its full detail is too far in advance of the develop- ments in this field of motion pictures to be essentially practical at the present time. There is no question but the time for such distribution is coming to a certain extent. Objections to the Urban Plan Without going too deeply into the subject, two criticisms come to mind. First, such a library in most instances could not be large enough to be of much practical value and many of the subjects would soon exhaust their usefulness after being shown once or twice. Secondly, as has already been pointed out, the technical handling of the film, inspec- tion and booking should be in the hands of an expert or dt least one more or less experienced in that line. Such persons are not easy to procure for community work of this nature. The medium of distribution which would best meet the requirements of visual instruction development would be an exchange system devoted exclusively to non-theatrical interests, where the necessary technical experience and the physical handling of the films could be found together with a certain amount of pedagogical training. In such a center the complete confidence of the educator should be vested. To function as effectively as practical in the strictly visual instruction phases, such an exchange should not be operated for monetary gain, but should be at least semi-self- supporting. University Extension Offers Solution Such a medium is offered in the extension departments of the forty-three states now actively engaged in the develop- ment of motion pictures as an effective aid to education. Motion picture distribution and handling machinery has already been established and the field has been canvassed. In most instances the work has developed under the direct supervision of a technical man. The National University Extension Association with head- quarters in Washington, D. C, in co-operation with the Bureau of Education, visual instruction section, of the Department of the Interior, has done splendid work in get- ting this machinery under way. The film subjects that have been furnished have made possible the start. No one can deny that these subjects are far from adequate. But they form the nucleus of what may be developed into a worth '.hile library of educational welfare and recreational filn suitable to schools, colleges, churches, and welfare anc industrial institutions. In practically every instance the motion picture worl now being done through the extension departments is ir connection with either the state university or the state boarc of education. State aid is therefore possible and practica and that is what is needed. If the state legislatures wili appropriate sufficient funds to carry on this work and pur chase new film each year, visual instruction will receivf an impetus that will launch well into the forward rank; of the motion picture field and permit it to attain the prom ;nence that rightfully belongs to it. While the federal government does not permit any chargr of admission to be made in the use of government film, noi any charge by the distribution center, there is no reasor why a nominal charge to cover necessary expense, such a; inspection, etc., should not be made on film purchasec with state funds. This would enable the exchange to In at least semi-self-supporting annd any balances that migh develop could be used for the purchase of additiona subjects. Advantages of State-Aid Plan i Let us consider briefly what the results reasonably ex pected from active participation by the state in the develop ment of visual instruction might mean. A state appropria, tion for educational films on a basis similar to the appro j priations for textbooks, etc., would establish the market foi| educational subjects. On forty-three prints a produceii certainly has a chance to get back his investment. Con' sequently, with a known market established, the incentivei for production heretofore lacking will become an active; factor. With pedagogical supervision entering into thfi purchase and distribution of educational film, producers! will of necessity be compelled to consider classroom valutj as predominant, thus correcting the present difficulty some; limes found with so-called educational subjects. j With an adequate supply of film subjects for educational! ]nirposes available in every state at a very nominal or noj rental charge as the case may be, coupled with the strategij cal value the distribution of such film through the educaj tional departments of the state government would have, visi ual instruction could reasonably be expected to develop b>! leaps and bounds. Extension departments of the state edu' calional boards or universities are in a position to foster thfi use of motion pictures in the educational field, to encourage; '.he installation of equipment and render practical assistancej and advice to the individual institution. A co-ordination of supply and demand is thus assured. i It is entirely up to the extension departments. If the)) realize the possibilities and responsibilities confronting! them and take the suggestions herein contained seriously, thf j writer is confident that within the next year or two visual' instruction will have attained more nearlv to its true promi- nence and the motion picture have entered into the field foi which it was primarily intended. A certain amount of development work will probably have to be done with the legislature—ves, and the educa- tors, too—of the various states. But it can be done. There 10