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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Ceremony held for 2011 Library Celebration Awards Recipients
Submitted on May 20, 2011 - 7:08PM
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On Thursday, May 12, 2011 the Drexel University Libraries hosted the second annual Library Celebration Awards, celebrating six recipients of the 2011 awards. The Library Celebration Awards were established in 2010 to recognize individuals or teams who have advanced the values of the Libraries through exceptional accomplishments. In addition to Library staff, a student worker is also recognized for his/her dedication to the Libraries.
Over 30 people attended the May 12th ceremony, held in W. W. Hagerty's Bookmark Cafe, which recognized library staff Gina Cacace, Sarah Daub, Meg Finney, Ellie Goldberg and Emily Misser. Andrew Mineo received the Jane Bryan Student Worker Award, named after former Libraries administrator Jane Bryan who was a great supporter of student workers. Over 25 people were nominated for the 2011 Awards and six were chosen for their exceptional service:
Recipient Gina Cacace, Library Reserve Coordinator at W. W. Hagerty Library was nominated for enhanced services or outreach activities. Gina demonstrates an exceptional level of service in her position as Library Reserve Coordinator. Her coordination of the library reserves positively impacts all users of the Libraries, from students utilizing reserves to faculty and staff requests for reserve materials. Shortly after her assuming her position, she enhanced the communication to and between the faculty and the subject librarians. She established a procedure to keep the faculty and the subject librarians informed on the status of requests, which has streamlined the process resulting in a more reliable and responsive library service for us all. She also established the reserve email account to better and more efficiently handle reserve requests and questions.
Sarah Daub, Circulation/Reserves Clerk at Hahnemann Library, received a nomination for enhanced services or outreach activities. Sarah embraces opportunities to make the Health Sciences Libraries a better place for our students, staff, and faculty. She initiated and executed a project creating exhibits for the hallway area at the entrance to the Hahnemann Library. She proposed a detailed plan with items from the College of Medicine's Legacy Center (a nice collaboration) and she carried this out with artful presentation. She followed this with a thoughtful and sensitive exhibit with materials gleaned from the Hahnemann collection portraying the personal experiences of health sciences professionals with illness or their medical careers. She researched and composed the descriptive narratives that accompanied the display. Currently researching a new exhibit, she has taken on the responsibility of presenting a welcoming, professional, educational, and creative entrance to the Hahnemann Library.
Recipient Meg Finney, a Systems Technician at both Hahnemann and W. W. Hagerty Libraries, was nominated for promoting exceptional collaboration and cooperation among library staff. Meg consistently promotes attentive, responsive and approachable service to all locations of Drexel University Libraries. She was an instrumental figure for the Libraries in dealings with IRT concerning Wi-Fi reception issues and has drafted a form to help library patrons describe IT issues. Meg's efforts contribute to increased responsiveness to user needs across all Libraries.
Ellie Goldberg, Library Assistant in Information Services at W. W. Hagerty Library received nominations for efficient or innovative infrastructure or operations because of her role as the moving force in implementing and organizing the Personal Librarian program that launched last fall. In addition to writing the communications that were sent to each freshman, she spent time and effort in making the process as easy as possible for all of the Personal Librarians that participated in the project. This Personal Librarian Program, which gained national coverage, was a significant highlight of the last year, and it was clearly made possible by Ellie's efforts. Her resourcefulness, willingness to organize and simplify the process for the rest of us was the key to its success.
Emily Misser, the Librarian for Business, Economics and Hospitality Management was nominated for efficient and innovative enhancements to infrastructure or operations. Emily is innovative and creative in her approach to information literacy. She worked to organize the scheduling of presenters, for a library program developed to strengthen research skills of clinical faculty members in the LeBow College of Business, and also served as a presenter herself. She enfolds techniques familiar to the business community in her instructional style, offering a balanced approach. This innovative approach to instruction, known to the wider library community, has resulted in an invitation to be a keynote speaker at the California Conference on Library Instruction being held this month.
The Jane Bryan Student Worker Awards was given to Andrew Mineo, a work-study student at W. W. Hagerty Library. Andrew has worked at the library since his freshman year in Fall 2009. He worked additional hours during finals' periods to cover the shifts other students who called out. When Information Services department was in need of assistance, we heartily recommended Andrew and now he splits his duties between Access Services and Information Services exhibiting skills across a variety of projects and public service commendable in this young adult.
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To see images from the 2011 ceremony, please visit our Flickr Page.
For more information about the Library Celebration Awards or the recipients, please contact Jenny James Lee at jaj92@drexel.edu
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Bring a book for fine forgiveness
Submitted on May 19, 2011 - 8:29PM
Got library fines? Got unwanted text books? We can help with that.
Between May 30th and June 11th, 8am through 8pm, Hagerty Library will offer fine forgiveness for up to if you bring us a current textbook in fair condition (determined by the library). And, if you bring us a book but you don't have fines, you can transfer the forgiveness to your friend who does.
Not sure what to donate? Need more information? Take a look at the library's most wanted.
Questions? Email reserve@drexel.edu.
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Calling all faculty!
Submitted on May 13, 2011 - 7:53PM
If there's one thing we know about students, it's that they want more course readings on reserve. Help them out by getting your summer course reserves squared away as soon as possible. Your students will thank you for it, and so will we.
All the details are listed on our 'Course Reserves' page, where you can also find links to the library's online or printable form. Got a question? Contact the library's reserves desk. We'll get back to you soon.
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The Library is Hiring
Submitted on May 11, 2011 - 8:37PM
Drexel University Libraries, Hagerty Library, is seeking two highly self-motivated individuals interested in gaining work experience in libraries to fill the position of Late Night Supervisor. These individuals will be responsible for the late night supervision and operation of the Circulation Desk and overall functioning of the Library in the absence of professional staff.
Duties include:
- Handling a variety of situations related to access, facilities, and library services; often as the only staff on duty.
- Assisting library users in locating materials, troubleshooting problems, and interpreting policies.
- Assisting Public Safety with access issues.
- Supervising student employees at the Circulation Desk.
- Performing general maintenance and troubleshooting on equipment.
- Closing the library.
Qualifications: Candidate must have strong customer service skills, be self-directed, and have acute attention to detail. Preferred skills: academic library experience, experience with library automated systems, and supervision experience.
Hours: 10PM-2AM Sunday-Thursday, [shared between two positions]
To Apply: Send resume to Dee Childs, dap27@drexel.edu.
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Vintage Computers: Demo @ Hagerty
Submitted on May 10, 2011 - 9:02PM
Want to see some old computers in action? Stop by Hagerty Library, Wednesday, May 11th, 4 - 6pm. While you're there, grab a snack, socialize with fellow enthusiasts, and learn about the history of computing. It's all happening at Drexel Archives' opening reception for its latest exhibit: 'Access for Everyone: Computing at Drexel, 1946 - 1984.'' Drexel University made history with its Microcomputer Project in 1984, which required all incoming freshman to purchase a personal computer. However, the history of computing at Drexel dates back to the very beginning of computer history. The reception includes refreshments and a live demo of vintage computers, co-sponsored by TechServ.
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The Chronicle: Tomorrow's Academic Libraries: Maybe Even Some Books
Submitted on May 9, 2011 - 3:06PM
Imagine a library that is not only bookless but is not necessarily tied to a building, one that takes its personnel and services to patrons rather than expecting them to come to it. Two projects--one now under way at the undergraduate level and one well established at a medical library--suggest where the untethered library is headed. One approach focuses on space; the other on librarians.
Visit The Chronicle.com to read more.
Howard, Jennifer. 'Tomorrow's Academic Libraries: Maybe Even Some Books.' The Chronicle. Washington, D.C. 8 May 2011. Web. 9 May 2011.
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Insomnia Causes Insomnia
Submitted on May 6, 2011 - 2:59PM
Hear that rumbling? It's not an earthquake, it's not SEPTA, it's Insomnia Cookies. Not that I'm trying to sleep next to their truck, but isn't that an ironic name, given their constantly running generator?
So, Drexel: is insomnia cookies worth a 70db engine monotone all day long? If they get this privilege, then I want free reign to set up my grunge band in the middle of Chestnut and rock out.
Why, now that you mention it, I do hear that rumbling, as do many of our library users and staff members.
You've probably guessed that this is an ongoing issue. Several students have complained, and the problem has come to the attention of the Dean of Libraries, Danuta Nitecki. She has asked senior staff to resolve it. So I can't tell you that the noise will cease immediately, but I can tell you that we consider this a problem, and we are working to fix it.
As for your grunge band on Chestnut Street, I'm very sorry, but there is nothing I can do, other than start the mosh pit.
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5/7/11 - Access for Everyone: Computing at Drexel, 1946 - 1984 Archives Exhibit
Submitted on May 3, 2011 - 1:01PM
Drexel University made history with its Microcomputer Project in 1984, which required all incoming freshman to purchase a personal computer. However, the history of computing at Drexel dates back to the very beginning of computer history. This exciting exhibit traces the growing role of computers at Drexel and the University's initiatives to provide access to the Drexel academic community.
This exhibit will run from May 7th - June 29th, 2011.
For more information, email archives@drexel.edu or call 215-895-6706.
Two events will take place in conjunction with this exhibit at W. W. Hagerty Library:
May 11 - Exhibit Opening from 4 - 6 PM
May 12 - Computer History Playdate from 12 - 2 PM
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