Greetings from the University of Alabama,

 

MLIS and MFA students at the University of Alabama’s School of Library & Information Studies (SLIS) have joined together to raise funds for the recovery and reconstruction of libraries in Haiti that were ruined by the recent earthquake.   Book arts and library science students worked together  to  create “The Collaborative Haiti Broadside,” a beautiful work of art, and will sell the limited edition of 75 numbered copies to those interested in owning one.

 

The broadside which measures 11” by 17” is printed on paper that was made by hand in the School’s paper mill from cotton fabric contributed by members of the SLIS community.  Students, staff and faculty spent a day pulling paper for the project.  Meanwhile, students in the information sources and services course identified “Night and Day” by Haitian poet Paul Laraque and their instructor acquired permission from the publisher to print the limited edition of the poem for the project . Tuscaloosa artist Sarah Marshall created the linotype of the artwork that graces the broadside, and students set type and printed the broadsides in the School’s type studio.  The Haiti Broadside was unveiled on April 1 at the School’s annual Edible Book Festival.

 

Book arts professor Steve Miller coordinated the effort.  Those who contributed to the creation of the SLIS broadside included Steve Miller, Anna Embree, Elizabeth Aversa, Jeff Weddle, Sarah Marshall, Anthony Cox, Anne Edwards, Ellison Graham, Mary McManus, Paul McLaughlin, Beth Riggs, Melissa Koener, Bill Friedman, Amanda Haldy, Weston Flippo, and Elise Peterson. 

 

A photograph of the broadside may be viewed at http://www.slis.ua.edu/Haiti.html.  For additional information about this project and the availability of the broadsides, please contact Cassie Martin at 205-348-4610 or [log in to unmask].

 

SLIS challenges other programs in LIS education to launch projects that can address the rebuilding of the Haitian information infrastructure.  Please share your projects and ideas with all of us so that we can learn about the cultures and personalities of other schools.

 

Elizabeth Aversa

Director & Professor

School of Library & Information Studies

The University of Alabama

Box 870252, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0252

Telephone 205-348-4610

Fax 205-348-3746