TIPS AND OTHER SOURCES
FOR FILMS & VIDEOS
QUESTIONS / SUGGESTIONS: contact Program Competition
Coordinator - See Program Competition info.
Always have some sort of program “on hand” for an emergency – when a speaker
cannot present program as planned, etc. “Last Minute Programs” on another
“page” offers some suggestions.
Is your group too large to watch a video on one TV? You can CONNECT SEVERAL
TVs TO ONE VCR. A diagram is in the MWF Directory. Surely a Club member or a
friend can assemble it. OR investigate renting or buying a video projector.
(Costs are coming down!)
Kodak slide projectors are still available from large photo store / business
and via mail order. Also ask Club members to watch for a projector at estate
sales, garage sales or second hand shops. Before purchase of used projector,
be sure to check if slides drop down and eject properly. To repair such a
problem is expensive but replacing a bulb is probably under $20.00.
OTHER SOURCES FOR FREE OR LOW COST PROGRAMS
Contact each for complete information and updates.
--Your LOCAL LIBRARY, LIBRARY COOPERATIVE OR SCHOOL
SYSTEM may have Earth Science videos and/or films. If possible
preview these programs, as some are simply travelogues without much
geological content.
--Some STATE DEPARTMENTS OF NATURAL RESOURCES
have videos & films. Some will honor requests from out of state. Addresses
in MWF Directory. Call or write each for a list of programs and other
materials from each.
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY has Libraries across the
country with an extensive collection of videos. They are accessible through
Inter-Library Loan. You can request a program for a specific date in the
future or if your schedule is flexible, choose ASAP delivery. It may be
impossible to guarantee the exact date a program will be in your hands. But
you can keep the program for several weeks if needed. The list of titles is
impressive and worth the wait. Verify availability and other details by
calling GEO Center Coordinator at (703)648-4476.
Access the USGS Library Catalog at
www.usgs.gov/library. Choose “Library Catalog”, then “Search Options” ---
enter General Keyword: “Videocassettes” and a Subject Keyword such as
“geology”, “paleontology”, “minerals”, etc. There are hundreds of titles but
not all are suitable for Club use. When you find a title of interest, jot
down the Title and Call Number, the USGS location, etc. Give all this info
to you local public or school library. Ask them to request the video (or
other materials) through “Inter-Library Loan” – specify that the request
should go to the USGS Library – not “any nearby” library! When the video
arrives, you may keep it for two weeks. If you need more time, call the USGS
Circulation Desk (703)648-4302 and request an extension. Extensions are
granted if there is no other request.
Sample titles: “Every Stone has a Story”,
“Glaciers: Natures Conveyer Belt”, “Florida’s Geology Unearthed”,
“Meteorites”
For Juniors: “Under the Microscope: Science
goes Underground”, “Harriet’s Magic Hat: Geologist”, “Earth Science
Experiments”
***Since websites can be changed without notice, specifics of how to search
may change. But keep “digging” and you’ll find a treasure!!
The KANSAS GEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION has a large
collection of videotapes available at no cost other than Priority Mail
return postage.
Anyone can borrow programs for a specific date
or ASAP. See list on website www.kgfoundation.org or request copy (5+ pages)
by phone: 316-265-8676, FAX: 316-265-1013, email: janice@kgslibrary.org or
c/o Janice Bright, 212 N. Market St., Suite 100, Wichita, KS 67202. These
videos are from many producers. [NOTE: Any videotapes from PBS, NOVA &
National Graphic are for home viewing only] Some are brief, others are 60+
minutes. Some are for juniors. The Kansas Geological Foundation list has
descriptions and TRT. Topics include: Archaeology, Geologic Hazards,
Paleontology, Mineralogy, Stratigraphy, Earth Science Technology, Earth
Science, General Interest & more.
CAHOKIA MOUNDS MUSEUM SOCIETY -
Request list from: Cahokia Mounds Museum, attn: Video Rental Program, 30
Ramsey St., Collinsville, IL 62234 or call (618)344-9221 The list
shows about 30 programs about Cahokia Mounds and archaeological topics of
regional interest. Some are commercial productions for “home use” only. Some
of the videos are long, others are short. Sample titles: “Cahokia Mounds” -
50 minutes, “Early Stone Tools” & “…Pressure Flaking” - 80 minutes, “In
Search of Indian Astronomers” - 23 minutes Cost: $3.00 postage per
video tape + $10.00 Deposit. The Deposit will be returned after tape(s) is
returned unless there is damage. Rental period is two weeks. Programs can be
requested by phone with a MasterCard or Visa.
RENTAL LIBRARIES: Several University Film
Libraries rent videos and 16mm films to off campus organizations. (verify
off campus use) The rental fee seems to depend on the length of the
presentation – may be $20.00. One is University of Missouri – Columbia - try
www.missouri.edu/medialab.htm
- or call 573-0882-3601 Search for Topics: Geology, Paleontology,
Archaeology, etc. There may be links to other libraries. If you are close to
a college or University with an Earth Science or Geology Department, check
to see if they have a “Lending Library” with videos, DVDs, etc.