How are you using technology in your job?

The Office of Publications works with the Oswego campus community to assist with and create printed publications for in-house and off-campus printing. We're  surrounded by software and hardware technology...from administration to design to production and back.

In what way has technology transformed your job?

Since 1994, the Office of Publications has evolved from manual paste-up and darkroom work to digital design, setup and production for offset printing, digital b&w and business-color copying. Job storage is predominantly digital now. Job specs and billing are tracked via database. We're soft-proofing via PDF files. The office communicates and receives work electronically more than ever before.

What does technology add that would not be possible without it?

Technology has made printing faster and more flexible. Desktop publishing has made it accessible. It's changed design, typography, photography and printing from specialized art and craft to accessible creative outlet for almost anyone with a PC.

How do you see technology improving learning?

Technology is a tool that has the potential to increase flexibility and productivity; span distance; improve documentation; and connect people like never before.

In what ways do you find technology frustrating?

Technology is a tool. Globally, these tools can be used for good and bad. People need to share understanding and apply technology ethically to be truly innovative.

Technology in graphic design is very much a double-edged sword. Since desktop publishing began in 1986, the designers role has been devalued. Client expectations are higher--It's got to be good, fast AND cheap.

The process is different too. The computer is so much more immediate than a drafting table. You don't need to know where you're going until you get there. Today's society is more saturated with computer art, but less trained in design than ever before. It's a bit numbing. It also creates a divide between designers and the printers producing the work.

How are you using technology in interesting or unique ways?

Most people find the production side of our operation interesting to witness. It's the part most of us take for granted. I'm not naive enough to think that we stand-out in cutting edge printing technology. That said, we are working at a level appropriate to our audience and on-level with our peers. The more work we can keep in-house, the less money leaves the fiscal "loop". We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to do so.

How are you using technology to develop and deliver staff development?

Within the Office of Publications, our staff has participated in web conferences, and we regularly visit online documentation on troubleshooting etc.

Campus-wide, we serve the faculty and staff members who add quality, and personality to the campus. They make the campus unique--we use printing as a tool to keep the campus community in touch with their audience and with one another. The data and feedback we capture from clients today will help shape our service offerings in the next decade.

How are you applying  technology in your personal life?

I'm not as "wired" personally, as I am professionally. I do own the usual smattering of personal electronics, such as a home computer with web and email, a MP3 player. For the most part, I'm glad to have a respite from the digital age when I'm home with my family.

Is there a single technological item you can't imagine living without?

My well-pump. I'm a big fan of running water.

Is there a particular technological item that you plan on learning  and/or purchasing in the near future?

The Publications Office will be upgrading to a computer-to-plate system in the near future. This will allow us to send work directly to the printing plate. This will improve image quality and reduce or eliminate the chemistry used in the process. Hardware and software upgrades are in constant evolution.