Libraries in Transition
Submitted on July 28, 2011 - 8:10PM
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The following is in excerpt provided to attendees of the 2011 Future Search Conference.
The increasing role of technology and electronically accessible materials has caused many to question the role of the traditional library. With stacks of books, desks and chairs, held within a single physical space, the traditional library offers a place for individuals to quietly read and process information.
Libraries, however, are no longer simply places to house books and offer quiet spaces to read, they are vibrant centers for learning where individuals can exercise their minds to build new knowledge from the information they discover. Libraries exist within the walls of buildings and online. They organize efficient and convenient access to information through managing shared use of books and journals as well as through licensing electronic resources. Libraries capture and preserve human memory and foster creation of new knowledge. In the academy, they are discipline neutral and supportive of all fields of inquiry, ether as learning coaches for the novice student or as a partner to scholars and teachers to strengthen research, instruction and scholarly communications.
As more and more users choose immediately accessible digitized content over traditional printed materials, the future of brick-and-mortar libraries will continue to change to become less about what products a patron obtains at a library and more about the experiences the patron has while visiting. The focus of these libraries will be to provide social spaces where students can work together to derive meaning from their online and classroom experiences1.
At Drexel, the academy has been undergoing a fundamental transformation from a historically purposeful institute of technology education and is emerging as a comprehensive research institution, grounded in a tradition of experiential learning and an ambition for leading civic engagement in a global environment. Its neglected libraries are being reconceived as a learning enterprise with embedded environments around campus and through the Internet, and as an active educational program for assisting learners to develop information literacy skills and researchers in their pursuit of knowledge.
Those interested in a broader perspective might wish to read a recent publication from the American Library Association (ALA) Office for Information Technology Policy. Checking Out the Future: Perspectives from the Library Community on Information Technology and 21st-Century Libraries explores how many library professionals are recognizing the need to evolve during the digital revolution and are driving adaptations designed to ensure that libraries remain an integral part of our society's commitment to education, equity, and access to information. Authored by Jennifer C. Hendrix, OITP Consultant, Checking Out the Future, is based on a literature review conducted in 2008-2009 on the future of libraries, primarily of publications from within the library community. (Online at: http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oitp/publications/policybriefs/ala_checking_out_the.pdf)
Article by: Jenny James Lee and Danuta A. Nitecki. Photo by Jenny James Lee.
1. Hendrix, Jennifer C. Checking out the Future: Perspectives from the Library Community on Information Technology and 21st-Century Libraries. American Libraries Association. Washington, D.C. 2 February 2010. Print.
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Conference Builds Shared Vision of Libraries' Future
Submitted on July 27, 2011 - 8:34PM
[caption id='attachment_204' align='alignleft' width='300' caption='Dean of Libraries, Danuta A. Nitecki, addresses attendees at the close of the conference.']
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Philadelphia, PA (July 25, 2011) - Drexel University Libraries concluded a milestone event towards shaping the future of the organization on Thursday, July 21, 2011. The event, a Future Search conference, brought together nearly 60 people, representing the diverse stakeholders of the Libraries, at the Queen Lane campus of the Drexel University College of Medicine.
Highly interactive, the process took a holistic look at the theme, The Future of Drexel's Libraries: Advancing the University's Strategic Transformation. Attendees reviewed shared past and present experiences to reach a common ground in identifying an exciting future for the Libraries. This new future emphasizes collaboration, leadership, integration of technologies and curation of information resources, as well as the development of innovative spaces to advance teaching, learning and scholarship at Drexel and in the broader communities. This was accomplished through working exercises, small group discussions and creative reporting of insights.
The three-day conference concluded with dozens of strategies towards achieving the desired future for the Libraries and a high level of energy and enthusiasm among the participants. The room where the conference was held was papered with sheets documenting the process and ideas generated. These ideas will be transcribed and the results will lead to a major planning activity for the Libraries with direct implications towards the University strategic plan.
Participants, before leaving the conference on Thursday afternoon, were asked to sign up for strategies they felt most committed to support. These dedicated individuals, through their support of these initiatives, will have an opportunity to become key contributors and ambassadors for the future of the Libraries.
Trained future search consultants Gerry Gorelick and Suzanne Noll, Manager of Training and Development with Drexel University's Human Resources department, facilitated the conference.
About Future Search
Future search is a unique planning meeting, used worldwide, by hundreds of communities and organizations. It meets two goals at the same time: helping large diverse groups discover values, purpose, and projects they hold in common, and enables people to create a desired future together and to start working toward it right away. The meeting design comes from theories and principles tested in many cultures for the past 50 years. It relies on mutual learning among stakeholders as a catalyst for voluntary action and follow-up. The conference is designed with principles that enable people to work together without having to defend or sell a particular agenda and this opens new opportunities for creating a shared future.
Images from the conference are available online at the Libraries' flickr page.
Article by: Jenny James Lee with contributions from Danuta A. Nitecki and Gerry Gorelick.
News Contacts: Jenny James Lee, Library Marketing & Events Associate at 215-571-4095 or jennyjames@drexel.edu
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Archives Event: Dragon's Salute to Service
Submitted on July 25, 2011 - 12:43PM
'Dragon's Salute to Service'
July 7 - August 1, 2011
Visit the James E. Marks Intercultural Center Exhibition Gallery this July for a special exhibit: 'Art & Artifacts.'
This exhibit features 'Freedom's On Me,' the work of renowned multimedia illustrator and U.S. Army Corporal Poto Leifi, and 'A Snap Shot of Drexel's Veterans,' an archival history of veterans on campus. The exhibit will be on display throughout the month of July.
Sponsored by: The Office of Veteran Student Services and The Veteran's Task Force at Drexel, ARMY ROTC at Drexel, the Drexel University Archives and the Office of Equality and Diversity.
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Libraries Welcome New Staff Member: Brendan Johnson
Submitted on July 22, 2011 - 3:22PM
[caption id='attachment_358' align='alignright' width='100' caption='Brendan Johnson']
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The Libraries welcomed Brendan Johnson, Information Assistant for Careers in July 2011. Brendan is currently working towards his MSLIS degree from the iSchool. For the past year he worked as the library assistant at Bucks County Community College while serving as a substitute social studies teacher and librarian at Council Rock High Schools. He was a history and secondary education double-major at Villanova University. Brendan works in W. W. Hagerty Library in room 136.
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Pick the Library's New DVDs
Submitted on July 21, 2011 - 9:25PM
It's time to order new DVDs for Hagerty's leisure collection. We want to be sure that what we order is what you want to see, so we're asking for your help deciding what to get.
Here's a list of some of the latest DVD releases. For each title, you can vote on whether we should get it or skip it. Titles with the most votes will be ordered for Hagerty's Leisure DVD collection.
Vote now--the last day to vote is Monday, July 27th.
Need a movie today? Check out our catalog for DVDs already on Hagerty's shelves.
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Libraries welcome New Students
Submitted on July 18, 2011 - 7:23PM
[caption id='attachment_226' align='alignleft' width='314' caption='Libraries' staff member Eleanor Goldberg addresses new students at Orientation']
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The Drexel campus is flooded with new faces this summer, as new students and their parents attend orientation sessions. Weekly, on Monday and
Thursday, these eager young students attend the Libraries orientation sessions, where they participate in an interactive and informative presentation, with prizes, about the Libraries. To date, 17 Libraries staff members have hosted seven orientation sessions, welcoming hundreds of new students to the Library Learning Terrace.
Article and photo by: Jenny James Lee
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Library Learning Terrace Closed
Submitted on July 18, 2011 - 1:24PM
Plumbing repairs are ongoing at the Library Learning Terrace, and so the space continues to be closed. We hope that repairs will be finished soon and that the Library Learning Terrace will be open later this week.
Thanks for your patience.
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Off campus ProQuest problems? Here's a solution
Submitted on July 15, 2011 - 3:39PM
ProQuest is experiencing some technical difficulties that can make finding full text from off campus problematic. When conducting off-campus research in a Palgrave or Sage database, then linking to a full-text article in ProQuest through GetIt, you may be denied access to the article in ProQuest.
This is a glitch that ProQuest is working to repair, but meanwhile there is one known workaround. If this happens to you, please note the citation to the article you're looking for, close your browser, and start a new ProQuest session.
Confused? Please contact the reference desk for help.
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Conference to help shape future of Libraries
Submitted on July 14, 2011 - 3:26PM
Philadelphia, PA (July 14, 2011) -- Drexel University's Libraries will host a Future Search conference at the Queen Lane campus July 19 - 21, 2011. The conference will bring together around 60 individuals from the Libraries' multiple stakeholder groups. Results from the conference will help to build a vision and directions for the future of the Libraries.
Drexel University students, faculty, staff, administrators and leaders, as well as librarians and community members were invited to attend the conference by Dean of Libraries, Danuta A. Nitecki.
'The Libraries have never undertaken anything like this before and the conference results will become an instrumental part of our planning for the future,' Dean Nitecki said.
Two trained facilitators will host the three-day conference, Gerry Gorelick and Suzanne Noll a Manager of Training and Development with Drexel University's Human Resources department.
Future Search is a large group planning meeting that has been used worldwide for over 30 years. The task-focused meeting engages people to take a holistic view on the conference theme, 'The Future of Drexel's Libraries: Advancing the University's Strategic Transformation.' These individuals are from different backgrounds, who share stories about their past, present and desired future to discover a common ground. This format will allow the Libraries to develop an inclusive vision and will provide Drexel University with key steps for advancing the future its Libraries.
The University is also currently developing its Drexel University Strategic Plan: 2012 - 2017. The Plan will define initiatives, programs and specific goals that will help to propel the University already known for daring innovation and entrepreneurial spirit even further.
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For more information about the Drexel University Libraries please contact Jenny James Lee, Marketing & Events Associate at 215-571-4095.
For more information about the Drexel University Strategic Plan: 2012 - 2017, please visit www.drexel.edu/strategicplan.
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Is a bookless library still a library?
Submitted on July 11, 2011 - 8:19PM
Drexel's Library Learning Terrace was the focus of a recent TIME article by Tim Newcomb about a new trend in libraries. You can read his article at time.com.
We invite you post and share your comments below. What do you think - is a bookless library still a library?
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TIME: Is a Bookless Library still a Library?
Submitted on July 11, 2011 - 2:07PM
Reporter Tim Newcomb featured the Libraries' Library Learning Terrace in his TIME piece titled Is a Bookless Library still a Library? Read the entire article at time.com.
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Welcome Freshmen!
Submitted on July 7, 2011 - 1:33PM
We're so excited to see Drexel's newest class around campus today. We'll be meeting up with you over at the Library Learning Terrace this afternoon. Meanwhile, stop in at Hagerty Library for some quiet time and cooled air. And learn your way around while it's quiet. Tell your family members to come by too.
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July 4th-Closed for the Holiday
Submitted on July 1, 2011 - 11:36PM
We're celebrating American independence just like the rest of you: by closing up shop and heading to the fireworks. That means the library's closing at 8pm on Sunday, and it'll be closed all day on Monday, July 4th.
Happy Independence Day!
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Need a Weekend Movie?
Submitted on July 1, 2011 - 6:41PM
It's a long weekend. Hallelujah! Want to choose your DVD before coming to the library to pick it up? Try this:
- From the library homepage, click the link that says 'Advanced Keyword Search.'
- In the top search bar, enter a search term, like 'action,' 'animation,' or 'Hindi.'
- To get a list of all Hagerty's DVDs, enter an asterisk (*) into the search bar.
- Choose 'Hagerty Leisure DVD' as the location.
- Hit search.
You'll get a list of all the DVDs in our collection. When you find a title you like, click on it to make sure that the location says 'Hagerty Leisure DVDs' and the status says 'Available.'
That way, when you get to the library, you'll know just what to grab. You can swing by and pick it up anytime. We're here all day Saturday and Sunday--but we're closed on Monday to celebrate our independence!
Have a great long weekend!
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Beeps and Buzzes
Submitted on June 27, 2011 - 5:59PM
That high-pitched beeping at Hagerty Library is not the sound of you losing your mind--it's our alarm system. We're doing some testing today, and the beeping will continue throughout the day. You might even hear a fire alarm--but you won't need to respond unless instructed to do so by a library staff member.
Thanks for your patience during the auditory intrusion. Just think how great the sound of silence will be when it's all over tomorrow.
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Libraries' Peggy Dominy receives national PAM Achievement Award at SLA 2011 Conference
Submitted on June 24, 2011 - 3:51PM
[caption id='attachment_177' align='alignleft' width='260' caption='Dominy, on right, receives her SLA PAM Award from Donna Thompson of the High Energy Astrophysics Division of Harvard Center for Astrophysics (Photo courtesy of SLA website)']
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Drexel University Libraries' Reference Librarian for Science and Math, Peggy Dominy, at W. W. Hagerty Library was named the recipient of the PAM Achievement Award for 2011. PAM is the Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics division of the Special Libraries Association, a national professional organization for Librarians.
'It was an honor to be recognized by my peers and professional colleagues,' Dominy said. She
received the award at the national SLA conference, held at the Philadelphia Convention Center, on Tuesday, June 14, 2011.
The PAM Achievement Award is reserved for recipients whose professional work is marked by distinction and dedication to librarianship in astronomy, mathematics and/or physics, according to the SLA website. The award recognizes those members of SLA/PAM who have made outstanding contributions to the division.
Peggy is an active member of SLA/PAM, with her first official role beginning in 1981 when she served as the Astronomy Workshop moderator. Since then, she's served in nine different capacities.
Through blogs on physics, bioscience, math and chemistry as well as her dedication to educating students on how to use information, Peggy is a key member of the Drexel University Libraries staff. She's assisted the library community in many ways and each year reviews multiple books for the Library Journal and her hard work and service to the PAM Division of SLA.
Drexel University Libraries is a learning enterprise. With it's multiple locations, the libraries advance the academic mission of Drexel University by serving as educators, supporting education and research, collaboration, and by fostering intentional learning outside of the classroom in both physical and virtual spaces.
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Article by: Jenny James Lee with award background information from the PAM, SLA website http://pam.sla.org/.
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Your Laptop: A Thing of Value
Submitted on June 22, 2011 - 7:29PM
Theft is the number one crime on the Drexel campus, and your laptop is a prime target.
Please do not leave your laptop unattended for any amount of time in any public space, and that includes the library. Going to the bathroom, stepping away to make a phone call, and popping outside for a hotdog or cigarette all count as lengths of time away.
Even if you ask a neighbor to watch your stuff, his or her studiously bent eyes might not be quick enough to catch a seasoned thief. Wherever you go, no matter how long, if your laptop is out of site, it will very likely be stolen.
It happened today, and it happens a lot. So please: Protect your stuff.
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Learning Terrace Hours
Submitted on June 20, 2011 - 5:58PM
The Library Learning Terrace is undergoing some TLC in its infancy, and it will be closed for the first week of classes. We're looking into repairing a plumbing problem. When the plumbing is back up and running, the learning terrace will be too--in all of its 24-hour, learning-ready glory.
Still need 24/7 study space in University City? Check out the Bookmark Cafe for 'round-the-clock study space, and sometimes a taco!
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Welcome Back!
Submitted on June 17, 2011 - 8:46PM
Welcome to summer term! We're happy to see you.
Yes, there are some things about being at school in the summer that are not ideal. But one of the perks is that the library is quieter in the summer. And we're getting right into the swing of things, resuming our regular term hours starting this weekend, Saturday, June 18th.
Come by, get a head start on readings, or just enjoy the solitude!
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The Triangle: Learning Terrace to Open for Finals Week
Submitted on June 9, 2011 - 12:52PM
Newly built space to continuously change with the needs of students
Drexel University Libraries will hold a grand opening event June 3 at 9:30 p.m. for the newly constructed Library Learning Terrace at 33rd and Race streets, which will remain open for spring finals week.
The event is being planned with a twilight theme to emphasize the new space's 24/7 availability as a study area for students, according to library marketing and events associate Jenny James Lee.
'In fitting with the twilight theme, the space will just be opening for the evening as most buildings and halls begin to close their doors,' Lee said. 'Also fitting of the theme is the flexibility of the space. The term 'twilight' often refers to something not clearly defined, something that is still being developed, or an intermediate state. The Learning Terrace is not yet clearly defined. As student learners begin to use the space, their needs will determine the future of the space and what it may or may not house.'
Visit TheTriangle.org to read the entire article.
Strauss, Aaron. 'Learning Terrace to open for finals week.' The Triangle. Philadelphia, PA. 6/3/11. Web. 6/9/11.
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Where's the microwave?
Submitted on June 8, 2011 - 7:45PM
Please bring back the microwave.
I'm sorry we had to get rid of the microwave. You see, the problem is that there is no staff here to maintain it and keep it clean. The dirty microwave recently caught on fire, and we absolutely can not have fire in the cafe or the library. So we had to remove it.
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Library Learning Terrace is 24/7
Submitted on June 8, 2011 - 5:41PM
Looking for some quality study space? Have you tried the Library Learning Terrace? It's open 24/7 now through the end of finals. And starting next term, the Library Learning Terrace will be dedicated learning space.
The space is already getting a lot of great use. There are plentiful electric outlets, and all of the furniture, whiteboards, and partitions are moveable, so you can adapt the space to your needs. Please check it out and let us know what you think.
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Library Chat is...back up!
Submitted on June 7, 2011 - 6:04PM
Update: Library Chat and Text-a-Librarian have returned. Thanks for your patience while we waited out the service updates.
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Libraries Unveil Learning Terrace to over 250 at Grand Opening
Submitted on June 7, 2011 - 2:44PM
Drexel's Library Learning Terrace opened on June 3, 2011.
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Lost your stuff? We found it.
Submitted on June 3, 2011 - 7:17PM
Hagerty Library's lost and found is overflowing with unclaimed goodies. Cell phones, travel mugs, calculators, mittens, jewelry, books, sandwiches, royal decrees, puppies, ant farms, etc.
If you've lost something in the library, there's a good chance we found it and are holding it for you. So come by the circulation desk to claim your stuff. And don't forget to get it done before you leave for the summer, or it may go the way of last year's unclaimed lost and found items (a sad fate indeed).
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Grand Opening Celebration of the Library Learning Terrace
Submitted on June 1, 2011 - 3:46PM
Do you know where the Library Learning Terrace is..?
It's time to find out, because this Friday, June 3rd, at from 9 PM - 10:30 PM the Libraries are celebrating the opening of the Terrace at the Twilight Grand Opening and you'll want to be there! The celebration will feature music from Drexel Student DJ Mike Mannix, food, activities and giveaways. Don't miss the unveiling at 9:30 PM.
...and if you're not sure where the Learning Terrace is, here is a hint.
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Libraries announce Grand Opening of Library Terrace
Submitted on June 1, 2011 - 3:35PM
On Friday, June 3rd the Drexel University Libraries will celebrate the grand opening of the Library Learning Terrace, located at 33rd & Race Streets, with a twilight opening complete with music from Drexel student DJ Mike Mannix, activities, giveaways and prizes. The celebration will begin at 9 p.m. with an official unveiling scheduled for 9:30 p.m.. The unveiling will be the first opportunity for the community to view this new innovative space.
In fitting with the twilight theme, the space will just be opening for the evening as most buildings and halls begin to close their doors. The Library Learning Terrace will be a facility that is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week for student use, allowing students an innovative and inviting space to study at whatever time works best for their schedule. Also fitting of the theme is the flexibility of the space. The term twilight often refers to something not clearly defined, something that is still being developed, or an intermediate state. The Learning Terrace is not yet clearly defined. As student learners begin to use the space, their needs will determine the future of the space and what it may or may not house.
For more information about the Library Learning Terrace, please visit our website.
Contact: Jenny James Lee, Marketing & Events Associate, 215-571-4095 or jaj92@drexel.edu.
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Archival Outlook: Online Archives Internship
Submitted on May 31, 2011 - 12:38PM
Megan Atkinson, a Drexel University iSchool student, shares the story of her online archives internship with the Drexel University Archives earlier this year. She shares her experience in the May/June 2011 issue of Archival Outlook.
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Hagerty Library 24/7
Submitted on May 23, 2011 - 7:08PM
During Drexel's Final Exam Period (June 2-June 11), Hagerty Library* will be open 24/7 for all current students, faculty, and staff. During this time the library will be closed to the general public, alumni, and reciprocal university affiliates (University of the Sciences of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, and Temple University). The library will reopen to everyone on Monday June 13.
Anyone needing special access during this time should contact the Circulation Desk (215) 895-2767 or circulat@drexel.edu. Reciprocal university affiliates and alumni with Drexel University Library cards may request and retrieve books from the Circulation Desk with prior arrangements.
* Except for the Bookmark Cafe, which will be open to the public Monday - Friday 11AM - 5PM for access to the Taco Bell Express.
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Natural Sciences in the Archives
Submitted on May 20, 2011 - 9:17PM
We're just bursting with pride over Drexel's new partnership with the Academy of Natural Sciences. To show our school spirit, we're putting on a show--or rather an exhibit--of rare natural history books from Drexel Archive's special collections. The exhibit was put together by Archives volunteer and iSchool grad student Phoebe Kowalewski. Works on display include an astronomy text from 1566 by Alessandro Piccolomini, Jonathan Carver's 1781 Travels through the Interior Parts of North America, and several volumes of Audubon's Quadrupeds of North America and Birds Of America. Fly by soon and get an eyeful.
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