Cal Poly Graphic Communication Library Begins New Phase in Fundraising

The Cal Poly E.H. Wadewitz Memorial Library is beginning a new phase of fundraising efforts to renovate dedicated space in the university's Graphic Arts Building to house the majority of the collection.

Printing Industries of America donated the initial collection to Cal Poly earlier this year. The Wadewitz Memorial Library is the largest graphic communication library in the world, and it continues to grow, said Harvey Levenson, graphic communication professor emeritus.

With industry support and private contributions, the Graphic Communication Department exceeded its initial funding goal of $100,000, which enabled the delivery, storage and inventory of the library.

"We are also pleased to announce the appointment of Graphic Communication Professor Emeritus Gary Field, who will organize the collection," Levenson said. "Field, a former Printing Industries of America (GATF) employee, is intimately familiar with the Wadewitz collection, and his assistance has been invaluable."

The collection's rare items will be preserved and protected in the Special Collections & Archives department in Cal Poly's Kennedy Library.

The university has also received a donation of the entire Richard Fisch library. Fisch's scientific contributions to the knowledge of the graphic communication industry are considered significant.

Plans are underway to help guide the future of the library, as well as to recognize contributors to the project. "The department is developing an advisory committee for the collection, and all contributors of financial and publication support will be invited to join," said Ken Macro, chair of the Graphic Communication Department. Supporters will also be invited to a major conference at Cal Poly in July 2015, when the initial dedication of the collection will take place.

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