Graphics center moves up in national rankings

Rodney Brown, the center's manager, was featured in an article, "Top In-Plants: Deans of Duplication" in In-Plant Graphics magazine. Brown's picture was featured on the cover along with managers from such schools as Temple and George Mason universities and the universities of Maryland, Denver and Oklahoma.

How does the GCC compare with in-plants at other schools?

"Over the years, the University has moved up in the ranks from 97 to 54 in the nation in terms of size, volume of work and the type of work, which, as a mid-sized institution, is where we should be," Brown said.

Brown began working at UD in 1981, and he said the Graphic Communications Center has expanded and grown with the University.

"In 1984, when I became manager, $350,000 was spent on in-plant printing and duplicating, and $1.2 million was sent to outside vendors," Brown said. "Now we do 78 percent of the University's total printing at an approximate cost of $2.4 million. We do nearly 6,000 printing jobs annually and 19,200 quick copy jobs.

"We're here to serve everyone on campus-departments, student organizations, admissions, alumni, athletics, offices, facilities and individuals, and our prices are competitive. On average, our quick copies cost 80 percent less than from outside vendors, and our printing jobs cost 21 percent less.

"As technology changes, we are constantly adjusting and upgrading. Our latest equipment includes three color copiers located at the GSB site and in the Trabant and Perkins centers. Our mission is to serve the campus," Brown said.

In addition, GCC is equipped to print and apply labels, stuff envelopes and do mailings. "It's very efficient, convenient and saves a lot of time to use our services to handle all aspects of large mailings," Brown said.

The GCC staff-which consists of 23 full-time and four miscellaneous wage employees, including a student from Hodgson Vo-Tech High School--works two shifts, from 7:30 a.m. until midnight, five days a week. "Our customers can drop off and pick up their jobs at our GSB site after 5 p.m. now that we have a second shift," Brown said.

Brown said GCC is user-friendly, wants the campus community to be aware of all its services and encourages visitors. In addition to its traditional, October open house, the center now offers tours and demonstrations of its equipment, followed by lunch, to any interested person at UD.

To schedule tours or for more information about GCC, call Sandy Margerison at 831-2153.

Vol. 19, No. 13

Dec. 2, 1999

Vol. 19, No. 13

Dec. 2, 1999

Graphics center moves up
in national rankings