TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Two televisions with international programming, including soccer matches, have been installed in a study area on the second floor of the Gorgas Library for the benefit of The University of Alabama community.

This new service, suggested by UA President Robert E. Witt, is a way to help international students feel at home while on campus. The international television service has been endorsed by the UA Office of Community Affairs and Capstone International.

Viewers may select from six Mandarin Chinese channels. There is a channel that features choice programming from Chinese television stations including drama, variety programs and cultural programs. Another channel provides made-for-television dramas and classic television series. A third presents general entertainment, news and an English-language learning series.

There are two 24-hour channels—one broadcasts news, and the other features cartoons for Chinese-speaking children ages 7 and under. Also, there is a Japanese channel with Mandarin subtitles which broadcasts information about Japanese fashions and trends of interest to Chinese speakers.

Five channels provide programming in South Asian languages. One of these channels broadcasts dramas, game shows and cricket matches in Hindi. Another features daily news programs in Hindi, Punjabi and Gujarati.

A popular Indian language movie channel offers classic and Hollywood films in Hindi and other regional Indian languages. Two channels are available 24 hours a day—one offers South Asian music and movies, and the other one presents news, education, drama, music and movies in Hindi, English and Gujarati.

Of particular interest to UA students is the soccer channel which broadcasts comprehensive coverage of international soccer, rugby and international sports news.

The international television programming is available during hours that the Gorgas Library is open. Wireless headphones and remote controls may be checked out by students, faculty and staff members at the nearby Circulation Services Desk. The headphones and remote controls circulate for two hours and may be renewed.

Please visit http://www.lib.ua.edu/libraries/gorgas/ for more information, or call 205/348-9748 for library hours and a complete listing of international programming.

As UA’s principal locus of information services, University Libraries strives for excellence in advancing the University’s teaching, research and outreach programs by anticipating information needs, providing access to resources, and promoting effective use of information by students, faculty and staff.