University to close Printing Services after century of service

It may be one of the University’s oldest institutions, but the rapid advances in technology are finally overtaking KU’s venerable Printing Services operation. Founded in 1902, Printing Services will stop its presses for good in 2005.

The University announced the planned closure, citing changes in technology—such as Web publishing,  e-mail and color copying—that have eroded business volume at Printing Services for several years. The exact date of closing will be determined as 20 employees find other jobs and as arrangements for external  service providers are in place. The KU Department of Human Resources has begun helping employees with skills  assessment and job applications.

“Although this is the fiscally responsible decision for the University, it is a painful one,” said Marilu Goodyear, vice provost for information services. “Despite the best efforts of a committed,  professional printing staff, we simply could not find an efficient, cost-effective  way to continue this service for the campus.

 
Goodyear said the current printing jobs of campus customers would be completed by Printing Services or contracted out as needed.  Campus mail, a division of Printing Services with two employees, will continue  operating under the supervision of information services.

 In 2003, citing fiscal pressures, the University eliminated four Printing Services positions and scaled down operations to run the unit as cost-effectively as possible.