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RIT Graphic Arts Research Center records

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: RITArc-0138

Scope and Contents

The Graphic Arts Research Center (GARC) collection contains brochures and publications produced by GARC, as well as clippings regarding GARC, its programs, and research. The collection also includes a small number of research reports issued by the Center. Materials are roughly arranged as follows: general information, brochures, clippings, events, newsletters, publications, and Graphic Arts Research proposal outline. Events includes documentation for seminars and classes held by GARC. Publications include the journal Photographic Conservation, published by GARC and the Gapzette.

Dates

  • Creation: circa 1955-1985

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Biographical / Historical

In 1937, the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute (RAMI -now Rochester Institute of Technology) absorbed the Empire State School of Printing. Under the direction of Dr. Mark Ellingson, the Institute's president, the School of Printing was transferred to RAMI and its first class was held that autumn. The program was changed to a two year format and the Institute was given complete administrative control. Ellingson had become convinced that there was a strong need for research and development in printing and graphic arts education, and this was a need that RIT could and should fill.

In 1948, a “Proposal for a Newspaper, Printing, and Graphic Arts Research Center” was compiled. Within three years, the Graphic Arts Research Center (GARC) was established in January 1951. Originally part of the Department of Publishing and Printing, the newly independent center brought together scientific and technical personnel and helped RIT to become renowned as a force in graphic arts education and innovation.

Over the next twenty-five years, GARC published works on graphic arts technology, held workshops and seminars, and served as the research arm of the School of Printing with its web offset press laboratory and testing facility for printing equipment, inks, and processes. When the RIT Research Corporation (RITRC) was founded in 1980, several GARC projects were brought under the umbrella of the corporation, and GARC itself was renamed the Technical and Education Center of the Graphic Arts (T&E Center).

Extent

1 Linear Feet (2 Hollinger/Document Boxes)

Language

English

Overview

The Graphic Arts Research Center (GARC) records contains brochures, publications, clippings related to, and produced by GARC, as well as the handwritten outline of the Graphic Arts Research Division from 1947. GARC was a division of the College of Graphic Arts and Photography at RIT.

Arrangement

Materials are arranged chronologically and by series.

Other Finding Aids

In addition to this finding aid, an inventory is available below. For more information, please contact the RIT Archive Collections.



RIT Graphic Arts Research Center records

Processing Information

Finding aid created by Amy Vilz in September 2011.

Title
RIT Graphic Arts Research Center records
Status
Published
Subtitle
RIT Archives
Author
Amy Vilz
Date
28 September 2011
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the RIT Archives Repository

Contact:
Rochester NY 14623 USA