PACIFIC ISLANDS AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS

 

By

 

Ruth Horie, Librarian

Cataloging Department

Hamilton Library

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

 

telephone: 808-956-2764 fax: 808-956-5968 email: ruthh@hawaii.edu

Library catalog: http://uhmanoa.lib.hawaii.edu/

 

For

 

“Pacific Library Collections” panel presentation

Association for Social Anthropology in Oceania annual meeting

February 14, 2003

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

 


Audiovisual materials may be the ultimate in grey literature. They are produced in many different formats. They may include activity cards, art originals, art reproductions, Braille, cartographic materials, charts, dioramas, electronic resources, filmstrips, flash cards, games, kits, microforms, microscope slides, models, motion pictures, music, pictures, realia, slides, sound recordings, technical drawings, toys, transparencies, and videorecordings.  No matter what the format, audiovisual materials contain valuable information about the Pacific Islands. Topics vary widely, from agriculture, fisheries, and economic development to cultural heritage, politics and women’s rights. Government agencies, NGOs, commercial publishers, and individuals produce audiovisual materials, but due to limited production and distribution, the materials are often difficult to identify and acquire.

 

Once the materials are acquired, from the cataloging point of view there are challenges involved in describing the items and providing online bibliographic access to their content. My presentation today will focus on these challenges and show examples from the audiovisual collections of the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa Library.

 

Description

 

Bibliographic description begins with the title. Audiovisual materials might not have a title. A title may need to be supplied. Variant titles may be present on different parts of the item. The title may appear in several languages. All titles and title variations need to be identified, transcribed and made part of the record that will go into the catalog.

 

The place and date of production are often missing on audiovisual materials. If there are no clues available to determine the year or decade, a phone call, Internet search or an email may be necessary.  Accurate information may come from the producer, the distributor, or the selector who acquired the material. When all logical avenues are exhausted, the cataloger resorts to making an educated guess. Expertise is also needed in determining the language or languages used and in identifying names or words that should be capitalized.

Names

 

Wherever possible, it is important to account for names of individuals and organizations having a significant role in the production of the material are researched and entered in the authorized form in the catalog record. The University of Hawaii at Manoa Library is a member of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging, so we are able to submit new names into the Library of Congress name authority file.

 

Subjects

 

Subject headings describing the content of audiovisual materials are the same as for printed materials, but additional format-specific headings are available. Examples:

 

Biographical videos    

Educational videos

Field recordings

Film festivals

Instructional videos

Motion pictures in ethnology   

News recordings

Personal recordings

Photography in ethnology

Sound recordings in ethnology

Video art

Video recording in ethnology

View-Master reels

 


Form subdivisions can also be added to name, geographic and topical headings:

 

Aerial photographs

Charts, diagrams, etc.

Drawings

Forms

Juvenile films

Juvenile sound recordings

Maps

Photographs from space

Posters

Slides

 

Classification

 

In libraries where all materials are arranged in classified order on the shelves, classification of audiovisual materials enables users to browse in subject areas and encounter like materials. In other libraries, where non-print materials are shelved separately by format in order of accession, subject browsing needs to be done through the online catalog. An example of a library that uses a classified approach is Windward Community College, part of the University of Hawaii system.

 

Access

 

I use the term “access” to refer to the ability of a catalog user to retrieve titles relevant to the search made. This ability is dependent first on the creation of a catalog record for the material, and then on the bibliographic information that is put into that record. Access to audiovisual materials is also enhanced when we contribute catalog records to online  bibliographic utilities such as OCLC and RLIN, which can be searched worldwide.
EXAMPLES

 

Title:                           The brown tree snake [videorecording] : a silent threat.

 

Publisher:                     [Suva, Fiji] : South Pacific Commission, [Regional Media

                                    Centre], 1988.

 

Description:                   1 videocassette (9 min.) : sd., col. ; 1/2 in.

 

Subject(s):                    Brown tree snake -- Guam.

                                     Pest introduction -- Guam.

                                    Brown tree snake -- Control -- Guam.

 

Other Name(s):                 Hermanson, Dale.

                                    Mariano, Lillian L.

                                    South Pacific Commission.

                                    South Pacific Commission. Regional Media Centre.

 

Notes:                                     "Produced during a South Pacific Commission video

                                    production workshop, Agana, Guam, Aug. 22-Sept. 2,

                                    1988."

                                    Instructor, Dale Hermanson ; narrator, Lillian L. Mariano.

                                    VHS.

 

Summary/Abstract:  Describes the introduction of the brown tree snake in Guam

                      and how it has become a menace by causing frequent power

                      and water outages as well as depleting the native bird  population.

 

Call Number:                   VIDEOTAPE 13266

Location:                      UH Manoa: Sinclair AV Center

 

 

This example of a videorecording generated from a training workshop sponsored by a non-governmental organization.


Title:

CEDAW [videorecording] : a special report on the Pacific / produced by Pasifika Communications for the United Nations Development Programme.

Variant Title:

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

 

Publisher:

[Suva, Fiji] : UNDP, c1999.

Description:

1 videocassette (30 min.) : sd., col. ; 1/2 in.

 

Subject(s):

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1980)

Sex discrimination against women -- Oceania.

Women -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- Oceania.

Women's rights -- Oceania.

 

Other Name(s):

Waterschoot, Isabella.

Hermanson, Dale.

Schreurs, Lorraine.

Pasifika Communications.

United Nations Development Programme.

United Nations. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

 

Notes:

Presented by the United National Development Programme (UNDP) and the Economic & Social Commission for Asia & the Pacific (ESCAP).

Executive producer, Isabella Waterschoot ; writer/director, Dale Hermanson.

VHS.

 

Summary/Abstract:

Heralded as the "Bill of rights for women" CEDAW seeks to eliminate discrimination against women throughout the world and to ensure that women are better considered in social, economic and political development. CEDAW is in varying stages of discussion, ratification and implementation in Pacific Islands countries. Reports from the countries exhibit the challenges that arise when elements of the convention contradict local customs and laws.

 

Location:                             UH Manoa: Sinclair AV Center

Call Number:              VIDEOTAPE 19078

 

 

 

 


Title:

Mele aloha `aina : [videorecording] : songs and hula of Hawaiian resistance.

Variant Title:    

Songs and hula of Hawaiian resistance

 

Publisher:       

[Washington, D.C. : Smithsonian Institution, 2002]

Description:      

1 videocassette (117 min.) : sd., col. ; 1/2 in. + program guide

 

Subject(s):       

Protest songs -- Hawaii.

Hawaiians -- Songs and music.

Songs, Hawaiian.

Hula (Dance)

Hawaii History Overthrow of the Monarchy, 1893 -- Songs and music.

Hawai -- Songs and music.

 

Other Name(s):    

Stillman, Amy K.

Halau Ho`omau i ka Wai Ola o Hawai`i.

Smithsonian Institution.

National Museum of Natural History (U.S.)

 

Notes:            

Title from program guide.

Presented by the Smithsonian Institution Asian Pacific American Program and the Asian Pacific American Heritage Committee.

"This program is made possible by generous support from Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc. and the Protect Kaho`olawe `Ohana."

VHS.

 

Contents:         

Aloha `oe / Lili`uokalani--Mele o Kaho`olawe / H.K. Mitchell--Waimanalo blues / T. Wold, L. Martin--Mele `ai pohaku/Aloha `aina song / E.W. Prendergast, J. Libornio--Hoonanea a hookueue Liliu / Lili`uokalani--Na moku `eha --`Au`a `ia / Keaulumoku --

Hawai`i  aloha / L. Lyons.

 

Call Number:                   VIDEOTAPE 20282

Location:                      UH Manoa: Sinclair AV Center

 

 

This example shows how individual segments of a presentation can be brought out in a contents note, enabling keyword access.

 


Title:                           A race for rights [videorecording] / produced and directed by Larry Thomas.

 

Publisher:                     [Suva, Fiji : L. Thomas, 2001]

 

Description:                   1 videocassette (53 min.) : sd., col. ; 1/2 in.

 

Subject(s):                    Coups d'état -- Fiji.

Fiji -- Politics and government -- 20th century.

 

Other Name(s):                Thomas, Larry.

 

Notes:                                     Produced in Sept. 2001--Email from producer.

Editor, camera, Jason Chuto ; music, Vivek Anand, Sailasa Tora.

VHS.

Some interviews in Fijian and Hindi with English subtitles.

 

Summary/Abstract: 

Documents the May 2000 Fiji coup with news coverage and interviews of people with many different viewpoints from all walks of life.

                      

Call Number:       VIDEOTAPE 19892

Location:          UH Manoa: Sinclair AV Center

 

 

This is an example of a work produced by an individual, and how research must sometimes be done to determine the date of production.


Title:                           Fiji waves [videorecording] / director, Nathalie Gouin.

 

Publisher:                     Montreal, Quebec : ´Ecran Total inc., c2000.

 

Description:                   1 videocassette (ca. 48 min.) : sd., col. with b&w sequences; 1/2 in. + guide (1 sheet ; 28 cm.)

 

 Notes:                         Title from container.

                                    VHS.

Chiefly in English; some Fijian; some French with English subtitles.

 

Summary:                   Looks at the introduction and development of television  broadcasting in Fiji, and its social effects.

 

Subject(s):                    Television broadcasting -- Fiji.

Television programs -- Fiji.

Mass media and culture -- Fiji.

 

Other Author(s):               Gouin, Nathalie.

Dumas, Carmel, 1949-

´Ecran Total inc.

 

Call Number:              VIDEOTAPE 20307

Location:                    UH Manoa: Sinclair AV Center

 

 

Example of a videorecording that is commercially produced but not widely available.


Title:             

Micronesian mangroves [videorecording] : harvesting and caring for our mangrove forests ; Mangroves where we live : building roads and homes while conserving our                        mangrove forests and reefs / production & writing, Kathleen Stearns Friday.

 

Publisher:        

Honolulu : Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, USDA Forest Service, [1999?]

Description:      

[Chuukese version]

1 videocassette (ca. 30 min.) : sd., col, ; 1/2 in.

 

Subject(s):        

Mangrove conservation -- Micronesia (Federated States)

Mangrove forests -- Micronesia (Federated States)

Roads -- Design and construction -- Environmental aspects -- Micronesia (Federated States)

 

Other Name(s):     

Friday, Katie Stearns (Kathleen Stearns)

Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (U.S.)

 

Notes:            

Videography and graphics, Steven Hanks Dunsky ; narration, Micaela Lewis ; translation, Innocente Penno.

VHS.

Narration in Truk language and English.

Issued also in English, Kusaie, Ponape, and Yapese language versions.

 

Related title added entry:

Mangroves where we live.

 

Summary/Abstract: 

Explains the importance of mangrove forests in preserving coastlines, coral reefs, fish habitats and the natural food chain in Micronesia; presents best practices in                       woodcutting and road construction in order to minimize damage to mangroves.

 

Call Number:                   VIDEOTAPE 20301

Location:                     UH Manoa: Sinclair AV Center

 

 

This videorecording was produced by a government agency in several languages. It presented challenges in determining the year of production, the form of name of the producer, and providing title access to the additional program included on the tape.


Main Author:                   Serum, Amon.

 

Title:                           Off kats. Volume 2 [sound recording] / Amon Serum.

 

Publisher:                     Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea : CHM Supersound Studios,

                                    p2001.

 

Description:                   1 sound disc (63 min.) : digital ; 4 3/4 in.

 

Subject(s):                    Popular music Papua New Guinea 2001-2010.

                                    Songs, Tok Pisin.

 

Notes:                                     Compact disc.

                                    CHM Supersound Studios: CHMCD 160.

Sung chiefly Pidgin; some Tumbulama, Nabak, Garaina, Motu.

 

Contents:                      Off kats -- Mangi mosbi -- Veronica -- Wariwari -- Ikamoli

                                    -- Meri dokas -- Nine -- Lae City -- Bus kapul -- Sule

                                    mode -- Nine -- Veronica -- Wariwari -- Meri dokas.

                     

Call Number:                   COMPACT DISC 10831

Location:                      UH Manoa: Sinclair AV Center

 

 

Example of a limited distribution commercial sound recording of Papua New Guinea popular music.
Title:                           Cultural encounters in the Pacific War [sound recording] /

                                    The Thirteenth Annual Pacific Islands Studies Conference.

 

Publisher:                     [Honolulu : East-West Center, 1988]

Description:                  10 sound cassettes : analog.

 

Subject(s):                  World War, 1939-1945 -- Melanesia -- Congresses.

                                    World War, 1939-1945 -- Micronesia -- Congresses.

 

Other Name(s):    

                        Lal, Brij V.

                                    Gegeo, David W.

                                    Fifi`i, Jonathan.

                                    Lindstrom, Lamont, 1953-

                                    Laracy, Hugh.

                                    Poyer, Lin, 1953-

                                    Falgout, Suzanne.

                                    Highland, Sam.

                                    Heine, John.

                                    Higuchi, Wakako.

                                    Tellei, Ubal.

                                    Palomo, Antonio.

                                    Zelenietz, Marty.

                                    Saito, Hisafumi.

                                    Shaw, Basil.

                                    Tsukiyama, Ted.

                                    Franco, Robert W.

                                    Sevaaetasi, Tuala.

 

Conference Name(s):

                   Pacific Islands Studies Conference (13th : 1988 : East-West Center)

 

Notes:            Conference sessions, recorded May 18-21, 1988, Jefferson

                      Hall, East-West Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa campus.

 

Summary/Abstract:  

Lectures and discussion on the impact of World War II on Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Pohnpei, the Marshalls, Palau, Samoa and on the experience of the Japanese in Melanesia.

 

Call Number:                   TAPE 1705

Location:                      UH Manoa: Sinclair AV Center

 

 

This example shows how the verbal exchange between presenters and participants in conference sessions can provide a rich underlying dimension to published proceedings.


Title:                           Michael Leyden's People of the Pacific, Samoa [kit]

Variant Title:                 People of the Pacific, Samoa

 

Publisher:                     Auckland : Michael Leyden Publications, [1988?]

Description:                   1 teacher's handbook (28 p. : ill. ; 30 cm) 13 study prints : col. ill. ;

26 x 38 cm. 1 sound cassette (ca. 15 min.) all in container

 

Subject(s):                    Samoans -- Social life and customs.

                                    Samoan Islands -- Study and teaching.

 

Other Name(s):                 Leyden, Michael.

 

Notes:                         Intended for use in schools to support social studies programs at most age levels.

 

Call Number:                  KIT 301

Location:                      UH Manoa: Sinclair AV Center

 

 

This example of a kit published by an individual author includes a combination of text with audiovisual materials: pictures and sound recording. Also, school curriculum materials may present a challenge for libraries to acquire.

 

Title:                           [United Nations flag as produced for the UN Visiting

                                    Mission to Palau, Feb. 1956] [picture]

 

Publisher:                     [S.l. : s.n., 1956?]

 

Description:                 1 poster : blue and white ; 31 x 44 cm.

 

Subject(s):                    United Nations -- Emblems and flag.

                                    Palau.

 

Notes:                                     Title supplied by Pacific Collection.

 

Call Number:                ART P002

Location:                      UH Manoa: Hamilton Pacific Rare-Library Use Only

 

 

Example of a poster with no caption, so a title was supplied.

 


Main Author:                   Muñoz, Gabriel.

Title:                           Ki`i p¯ohaku [game] = Petroglyph bingo / Muñoz.

Variant Title:                 Petroglyph bingo

 

Publisher:                     Hilo, HI : Hawaiian Bingo Co., [1995?]

Description:                   6 bingo cards, 40 calling cards : col. ; 18 cm.

 

Subject(s):                    Hawaiian language -- Study and teaching -- Audio-visual aids.

                                    Educational games.

                                    Petroglyphs -- Hawaii Audio-visual aids.

 

Notes:                                     Bingo cards and calling cards in Hawaiian; instructions in

                                    English.

 

Call Number:                   PL6445 .M865 1995

Location:                      UH Manoa: Hamilton Hawaiian Rare-Library Use Only

 

 

This is an example of an educational game.

 

Title:                           Micronesian Games medal [realia].

 

Publisher:                     [S.l.: s.n.], 1990.

Description:                   1 medal : bronze ; 7 cm. in case 24 x 34 x 4 cm.

 

Subject(s):                    Sports -- Micronesia.

 

Conference Name(s):

                                    Micronesian Games (2nd : 1990 :  Saipan, Northern Mariana

                                    Islands)

 

Notes:                                     Title supplied.

                                    Participants: Republic of Palau, Republic of Marshall

                                    Islands, Yap State, Chuuk State, Pohnpei State, Kosrae

                                    State, Territory of Guam, Commonwealth of Northern

                                    Mariana Islands.

                                    Contains 1 Micronesian Games pin (cloisonneé ; 2 cm.) and

                                    program with title: Micronesian Games, Saipan, Northern

                                    Mariana Islands, July 7-15 (91 p.)

                       

Call Number:                   ARTIFACT 0001

Location:                      UH Manoa: Hamilton Pacific-Library Use Only

 

 

Realia produced in small quantities may be difficult to acquire. Depending on size, composition, and value, realia may pose storage, security and retrieval challenges.