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