A chapter in the University’s history is coming to an end

Craftsmanship, daily operations and presence

The printing house in the Graphic Centre, which has been an integrated and natural part of the University’s daily operations for decades, is facing its end. Officially, the decision to close the printing house was based on finance and the need for investment.

Since 1970, the printing house at the University of Southern Denmark has been an understated but central part of the University’s daily service functions. This is where thousands of printed materials have been created: reports, roll ups, dissertations, posters, teaching materials and visual expressions that have supported research, teaching and dissemination.

In the early years, the printing house had three employees and was under the Technical Administration, as it was known then. Later, it became Print & Sign before finally becoming part of the Graphic Centre in SDU Communications. Always as an integrated part of the University’s operations – and not just a technical function but a place where expertise, advice and craftsmanship were at hand. The printing house was familiar with the rhythm, deadlines and special requirements of the University.

The printing house has been known for fast delivery, great flexibility and in-depth knowledge of internal needs, as well as direct, personal help from Dan or Thomas when yet another deadline was urgent. Not as a digital ordering function but as a natural and necessary part of the University’s infrastructure.

Throughout the years, the printing house has followed the development from analogue production to digital workflows and has contributed to ensuring a better utilisation of existing resources – human as well as technological – long before it became a strategic slogan. At the same time, the printing house has retained its strength: its proximity to users and its ability to quickly translate needs into specific solutions. These are qualities that cannot be gleaned from a spreadsheet; nevertheless, a ‘well-functioning and appreciated service’ will be closing.

Over the years, many employees and users have experienced the printing house as a stable and reliable partner – a place where jobs were delivered and where quality and availability went hand in hand.

Other universities are also moving towards fewer in-house printing functions and greater use of external suppliers – either as a full phase-out or with hybrid models. The phase-out will end not only a service but a long piece of practical university history. What will remain is the impression of a printing house that has helped shape and support SDU’s life in print.

Only time will tell what the University has actually lost and whether it can ever be regained with self-service solutions from external suppliers – or whether the University has made itself poorer by cutting these costs.

You will be missed.

In tribute to the legacy of the printing house.