Library Reference Section

Year Published: 1979

Creator: Greenhouse Productions / CBS Films

Description: In this film from Periscope/Greenhouse Productions entitled "Library Reference Section" (1979), Barry Jennings is caught in the library after hours by Miss Crawford, where he admits he wanted to look up information about UFOs after thinking he saw one. Suddenly, an alien named Soloid from the planet Transmo appears, explaining he came to Earth to learn what humans know about aliens. Miss Crawford guides Soloid through the library’s reference resources, teaching him how to use dictionaries, encyclopedias, magazines, and atlases to find reliable information. Soloid learns about UFO studies, recent sightings, and how different reference tools organize knowledge, realizing that libraries offer far more accurate information than the drive-in movies he has been watching. Though he must soon return to his planet, he promises to come back, and Miss Crawford encourages him to rely on reference books and librarians for true understanding rather than movies. This film was written and directed by Richard Gurman and produced by Michael Castle, 0:00 Miss Crawford closes the library and says good night to Laurel. 1:17 – Applause is heard. Miss Crawford finds Barry Jennings in the library after closing. Barry admits he stayed because he wanted to look up something he thought might seem strange. 1:53 – Barry asks if Miss Crawford has ever seen a UFO. He explains he thinks he saw one the previous night, describing a buzzing sound and red flash in the sky. 2:32 – A mysterious figure appears, introducing himself as Soloid from planet Transmo. He explains he came to Earth to learn what humans know about aliens and UFOs. He and Miss Crawford agree to research together in the library. 3:20 – Miss Crawford guides Soloid to the reference section. She explains dictionaries, their alphabetical order, and how to use guide words. Soloid learns that “UFO” stands for “unidentified flying object.” 5:32 – They move on to the encyclopedia. Miss Crawford explains indexes and alphabetical guides. Soloid reads about UFOs, Air Force studies, and the Center for UFO Studies founded in 1973. He wants more current information. 7:46 – Miss Crawford suggests magazines. She explains that schools can’t keep many but public libraries have bound volumes and indexes. Soloid insists they go to one. 8:37 – At the public library, Miss Crawford shows him the Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature, explaining how to use indexes, subheadings, abbreviations, and citations to locate articles. 11:12 – Soloid learns the Air Force studied over 12,000 UFO reports but found no evidence of alien origin. He mentions recent sightings near Barstow, California, and Miss Crawford directs him to an atlas. 12:08 – She teaches him how to use an atlas index, page numbers, and grid references to locate Barstow. She explains atlases can also provide climate, altitude, and population information. 13:50 – Soloid explains he must return to his planet soon but promises to return to learn more. He reveals that most of his knowledge of Earth comes from drive-in movies, which leads Miss Crawford to explain that libraries and reference books are far more accurate. 15:00 – Miss Crawford suggests that perhaps one day Transmo will open its own library. Soloid agrees, and music closes the scene.

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RWEZmk_lfk

Metadata Source:YouTube