The visual display of data and information gathered from experiments is a critical element of research in the atmospheric sciences and remote sensing disciplines. Featured on the library’s new YouTube channel are historical and educational films from the Schwerdtfeger Library collection. The collection currently includes early footage of the earth from space, remote sensing lectures, and specific educational and topical lectures about meteorology.
Stay tuned. We’ll soon add teaching modules developed in the early 1980s that, according to Professor Don Johnson, are considered some of the very first meteorology courses developed for distance learning. A collaboration between the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and SSEC scientists, topics include: cyclogenesis, squall line development, tropical cyclones, earth and planetary atmospheric circulations viewed from space and vertical temperature and moisture profiles from satellite radiance measurements. Also watch for the very first demonstration of McIDAS in 1973 at the annual meeting of the American Meteorological Society.
With over 1700 views we encourage researchers, teachers and students alike to view these classic films. The site will grow slowly, as we convert old 16mm films and videotapes and will only include films for which we hold the copyright, which are in the public domain, or for which we’ve been granted permission to use. All films are also available on DVD, discoverable via the library catalog, and available for loan. Uploaded films include full references, abstracts, subject terms and appropriate tagging to aid discovery.
If you have dusty, old films that you'd like to share with students or other researchers, but can't because of the older format, contact the library. We'd love to be able to include them in this new collection.