EARS: Electronic Access to Reference Service

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences Librarianship
• Information Science
• Medical Informatics

Background:

• The Health Sciences Library developed Electronic Access to Reference Service (EARS) to bridge the gap between remote users and library resources.
• EARS was implemented in September 1984, leveraging existing electronic mail systems and online public catalogs.
• The system was designed for users at remote locations utilizing terminals or microcomputers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the history and evolution of the Electronic Access to Reference Service (EARS).
• To analyze the utilization patterns and impact of EARS on library staff and services.
• To identify key factors influencing the adoption and integration of new technologies in library settings.

Main Methods:

• Historical tracing of the EARS system development and implementation.
• Analysis of user interaction data and service requests through the EARS interface.
• Qualitative assessment of the impact on library operations and staff workflows.

Main Results:

• EARS facilitated remote access to library resources, including computerized literature searches, reference information, journal article photocopies, and book requests.
• The menu-driven interface streamlined user access to diverse library services.
• The study explored the system's influence on library staff roles and the broader adoption of technological innovations.

Conclusions:

• EARS demonstrated a successful model for extending library services to remote users through electronic means.
• The implementation highlighted the importance of user-friendly interfaces and integration with existing systems.
• Understanding the factors driving technology diffusion is crucial for future library service development.