| Abstract: | Objective:The purpose of this paper is to examine the contributions of Estelle Brodman, PhD, to the early application of computing technologies in health sciences libraries.Methods:A review of the literature, oral histories, and materials contained in the archives of the Bernard Becker Medical Library at the Washington University School of Medicine was conducted.Results:While the early computing technologies were not well suited to library applications, their exciting potential was recognized by visionaries like Dr. Brodman. The effective use of these technologies was made possible by creative and innovative projects and programs. The impact of these early efforts continues to resonate through library services and operations.Conclusions:Computing technologies have transformed libraries. Dr. Brodman''s leadership in the early development and application of these technologies provided significant benefits to the health sciences library community.Highlights- From the earliest days of computing, libraries have explored the application of computing technologies to library operations. The career of Estelle Brodman, PhD, follows the development of these technologies where her contributions have had a major impact across health sciences libraries.
- At the beginning of the computing era, it was assumed that only the very largest libraries would be able to take advantage of these technologies. Dr. Brodman demonstrated that not only could a medium-sized medical library benefit from the technologies but could provide national leadership in their development and application.
- In one of the earliest examples of collaborative computing, predating data networking, Dr. Brodman demonstrated the power of collaboration with projects that included one of the first integrated library systems and an interlibrary loan network that provided the foundation for DOCLINE.
Implications- Computing and networking technologies have clearly advanced; however, many of the challenges for libraries identified in the earliest work with these technologies remain. The collaborative strategies developed by Dr. Brodman continue to offer significant opportunities for success.
- Research and development in libraries is exciting and rewarding, contributing to the advancement of the profession and securing the position of the library in an academic or clinical care institution.
In an undated curriculum vitae from late in the career of Estelle Brodman, PhD, she listed her present interests, with the first one being “Impacts of new technologies on methods by which scientists gather information and inspiration for research and teaching, and the relationship of the library as a communication center for this” 1]. The manual typewriter, with carbon paper for copies, the rotary-dial analog telephone, and elegant handwriting constituted state-of-the-art desktop information technology for the first two decades of Dr. Brodman''s career. As the computing era began to take shape, however, Dr. Brodman was quick to recognize its transformational potential for library operations. This paper will chronicle Dr. Brodman''s leadership in the earliest days of computing, building a foundation for automation at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and extending the technology model through the development of library applications and networks that would benefit libraries of all sizes. A comprehensive review of Dr. Brodman''s information technology efforts is beyond the reach of a single article. Selected projects are provided to illustrate the challenges, accomplishments, and impact of her distinguished career. |
