Tuesday, August 19, 2003

Wilmington, N.C. – University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s Randall Library and the Cape Fear Museum will host “Research Revolution: Science and the Shaping of Modern Life,” a free six-part viewing, reading and discussion series beginning Sept. 2. Fifty libraries nationwide were selected to participate in the project organized by National Video Resources in partnership with the American Library Association Public Records Office. The National Science Foundation funds the series.

The “Research Revolution” aims to increase the public’s understanding of scientific discovery and technological transformation in the twentieth century. The Tuesday lecture series provides an opportunity to participate in discussions led by scholars and scientists about the impact science and technology has on our lives. An essay and the series’ six award-winning documentaries provide an introduction to each of the topics.

William McCarthy, associate professor of history and coordinator of the UNCW Science, Humanities and Society Program, will moderate the program and will be joined by an expert on each topic.

“The library is a place where the academic disciplines come together, and this series especially brings together strong interests at UNCW—science, the humanities and documentary filmmaking,” said Sherman Hayes, university librarian. “Cape Fear Museum’s partnering with UNCW to provide increased access for the series is compatible with their longstanding interest in preserving and presenting the history of science in the region.”

The first program and film, I Am Become Death: They Made the Bomb, focuses on the Atomic Age. It will be shown 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 2 in the Randall Library auditorium and 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Cape Fear Museum.

Other films of the series are:

Into the Body, concerning robotics, genetic engineering, and body implants.

Randall Library, 7 p.m. Sept. 16; Cape Fear Museum, 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23

Our Genes, Our Choices, a Fred Friendly Seminar on genetic testing and issues of privacy.

Randall Library, 7 p.m. Sept. 30; Cape Fear Museum, 2 p.m. Oct. 7

Gene Squad, dealing with forensic DNA analysis.

Randall Library, 7 p.m. Oct. 14; Cape Fear Museum, 2 p.m. Oct. 21

What’s Up with the Weather? presenting the debate over global warming and the benefits and problems of various alternative fuels.

Randall Library, 7 p.m. Oct. 28; Cape Fear Museum, 2 p.m. Nov. 4

Natural Connections, looking at biodiversity in five habitats and the scientists who work within them.

Randall Library, 7 p.m. Nov. 11; Cape Fear Museum, 2 p.m. Nov. 18

For more details, visit http://library.uncwil.edu/research_revolution/ or contact Sue Cody at 910/962-7409 or codys@uncw.edu.