Keeping Print Alive: A Look into Campus Reprographics

CSI’s Reprographics Manager keeps print services running and campus communication alive.

By Atticus Tacopino

After over 20 years of service, Phillip Hasley’s routine revolves around organizing print requests from over 100 departments, each with varying needs and urgencies.

Moving through the office, Halsey skillfully juggles print jobs, transitioning from the printer to his computer to keep everything running smoothly.

For Halsey, each day he is tasked with the navigating the demands of campus print services. While print could be described as a dying industry, the demand at CSI remains steady, especially with their transition to digital requests which allow a easier way to receive and communicate with people that need printing done.

“Technology has changed. Instead of people walking in, they send an email,” said Halsey. “We still receive about 70 to 80 jobs a day—some big, some small.”

Each request sent to reprographics reflects the CSI’s diverse communities, from the need for academic materials to club promotional items. This commitment to quality ensures Halsey’s work remains a cornerstone of the campus community.

The Reprographics Office provides print-related services to faculty and staff as well, often its high-speed black and white and color photocopying, collating booklets, and large format printing. They also handle various finishing services such as laminating, scoring, folding, trimming, binding, and stitching, ensuring all print jobs meet the demand of faculty.

Seated at his computer, Halsey prepares to dive into the morning’s emails and assess the day’s incoming print requests.

Their transition to digital printers requires less manual labor and promotes greater efficiency for this department. This shift reflects not only technological advancement but also an important adaptation to the ever-changing college landscape and demands.

“Printing presses in big print shops run 12,000 sheets an hour,” said Halsey. “We run 120 sheets an hour, about 30 sheets per minute. So we actually do more work with fewer people.”

The college relies on this office’s efficiency, which maintains a high output despite staffing challenges. The COVID pandemic reduced the reprographics team down to only two employees. Yet, Halsey and his colleague maintain productivity, ensuring the office remains responsive to faculty and staff needs. Although tensions can run high between staff members but their dedication and attentiveness lead to the high-quality work that their office is known for.

“We can now print postcards in quantities of 20,000 to 30,000,” Halsey said. “It’s really amazing when you look at all the different projects we do.”

Through the challenges of the pandemic and evolving demands of digital media, Halsey remains committed to his role, ensuring that the essential services of the Reprographic Office continue to thrive, one print job at a time. His dedication exemplifies the importance of adapting to an increasingly digital world.

The reliance on printed materials continues, particularly for students without reliable internet access, making physical announcements crucial for campus life. Many students depend on these resources to stay informed about important events, deadlines, and support services. In a community where digital communication can sometimes be overwhelming or unreliable, printed materials serve as a stable alternative.

Halsey carefully organizes a box of freshly printed postcards, ensuring each one is ready for distribution to its designated office, highlighting the attention to detail in every job.

In addition to supporting the student body, the Reprographics Office plays a vital role in facilitating faculty initiatives and events across campus. From promotional materials for lecture series to informational brochures for new programs, each print job contributes to campus vibrancy. These materials serve not just as information sources but also as tools for engagement, helping to spark interest among students and faculty alike.

“The printed materials are great for keeping students in the loop. Many really depend on them for key deadlines and opportunities,” said coordinator of Enrollment Services; Michael Adamo. “Without clear info, students might miss out on important support that can make a difference.”

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