Memorial Hall Library - Answers
Answers, a telephone community information and reference service that began in 1977, was partially funded with a $9500 LSCA Grant administrated by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The original project manager was Owen Smith. However, all MHL reference librarians fielded questions during library hours. Although a separate phone number was designated for the service (470-1184), questions were accepted through the main library phone number also. In 1979 the service won the John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Contest.
By 1980 Answers was described as the Community Information Center for Greater Lawrence. The information was kept in three index card file boxes. The first two contained information on area organizations and services. The third contained difficult questions (stumpers) and questions that patrons frequently asked. In 1982 the information was entered into a database.
See
- Andover Townsman, May 3, 1979.
- "Answers Program Lauded", Andover Townsman, April 26, 1979.
- "Need Help? Just Ask a Referral Service," Boston Globe, July 30, 1982, page 35 to page 36.
- "From Trivia to the Serious, They Have the Anwers," Andover Townsman, October 27, 1983, page 12 and page 16.
- Have a Question, "Answers at Libraries," Eagle Tribune, October 19, 1986, page B1 and B3.
--Eleanor 16:23, December 29, 2006 (EST)
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