The Global Library Project, a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Jones Intercable's Mind Extension University (MEU), is now in its fourth award-winning season. The goal of the project is to create documentary television programming that illuminates the importance of the Library of Congress, its collections and staff, while fostering an appreciation of libraries and the benefits of lifelong learning.
The programs can be viewed on Jones Intercable's MEU channel. As cited in a feature story on the Global Library Project in the January issue of Cable in the Classroom, in 1996 the project will "present a 13-part series tracing the historical development of new modes of human communication and their global impact. Hosted by Michael Dorn ['Star Trek: The Next Generation' and 'Deep Space Nine'), each episode examines a different method of human communication, from nonverbal pictures and music to printed and electronic transmission of works. Using the vast resources of the Library of Congress, the series shows vivid examples of each form of communication and its impact on world history." That series, "Communication: The Human Imperative," has already received much acclaim.
Robert Fiveson, producer/director and head of the Global Library Project, points out that the first show in the series, "Freezing Time: Photography As Visual Archeology," was recently reviewed by Cable World Magazine, an industry trade publication, in an article called "A Tour de Force." Other programs in the series will focus on Written Language; Music; Printing; Telephone, Telegraphy and Radio; Icons and Symbols; Cross-Cultural Communication; Movies and Television; Coded Communication; and conclude with emerging Digital Communications.
With only half the series completed, it has already won the prestigious Telly award for quality nonnetwork or cable programming, as well as an award for "The Advancement of Learning Through Broadcasting" from the National Education Association.
Guests appearing in the series thus far include photographers Mary Ellen Mark, Herb Ritts, Gordon Parks and Jack Delano, documentarian Ken Burns, cartoonists Mort Walker and Pat Oliphant, columnist Art Buchwald, satirists Mark Russell and the Capitol Steps, Victor Borge, former Poet Laureate Anthony Hecht, Jody Foster, Norman Lear, Heidi and Irwin Toffler, radio commentators Bob Edwards and G. Gordon Liddy, television producer David Lynch and journalists James Fallows and Helen Thomas.
Materials, artifacts and subject experts from all areas of the Library are featured on the shows. After airing on the Mind Extension University channel, video copies of each production will be made available to libraries and other educational venues for in-class or self-study use. These institutions will be encouraged to supplement the material presented in the videos with items from local libraries and other local educational sources to enhance the value and relevance of the information presented.
Those with cable access to the Mind Extension University channel may view shows from this series on the last Saturday of each month. Consult your television guide for broadcast times.
The first show produced by The Global Library Project, entitled "Freedom's Flame: The National Digital Library", was completed early last year. Aimed at a general audience, its purpose was to encourage continued support of the digitization of the Library's holdings by pointing out the role that information has in preserving freedom. It was recently received a finalist award in the international category of Community Affairs at the New York Film Festival competition.