Hollywood Librarian, The: a Look at Librarians Through Film

Synopsis: A blend of factual documentary, feature film, and storytelling, the film reveals the history and realities of librarianship as depicted in American movies. Interviews with actual librarians, intercut with film clips of cinematic librarians, examine such issues as literature, books and reading, censorship, library funding, citizenship and democracy.
This film’s subject is librarians: who they are, what they do, why they do it, and the impact of their work in people’s lives. Films such as SOPHIE’S CHOICE, PHILADELPHIA and IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE show librarians as negative stereotypes, whereas the librarians in LORENZO’S OIL, DESK SET and THE SHAWSHANK REDEPTION are competent and professional.

DVD extras: 30 minutes of bonus materials, including a Book Cart Drill Team featurette.
Language: English
Country: United States
Year of release: 2009
Year of production: 2007
Documentation: For further information see the film’s website: http://www.hollywoodlibrarian.com/
Subjects: Film studies; Librarianship
Keywords: feature films; libraries; librarians

Name: Media Education Foundation
Email: info@mediaed.org
Web: http://www.mediaed.org External site opens in new window
Phone: +1 413 584 8500
Fax: +1 413 586 8398
Address: 60 Masonic Street
Northampton
Massachusetts 01060
USA
Notes: The MEF produces and distributes documentary films and other educational resources to inspire critical reflection on the social, political and cultural impact of the mass media, particularly in the US, with emphasis on gender, health, politics, race and commercialism. Sale on DVD.

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British Universities Film & Video Council