VOL. 23, NO. 1	SEPTEMBER 5, 1997

cademic departments and administrative offices can now eliminate countless trips to Columbia's Printing Services department by submitting orders for everything from course readings to letterhead via the World Wide Web. Late last spring, Printing Services, located in the basement of Journalism, became the first shop in New York State and one of a few in the country to install a newly developed interface between digital copy machines and the Internet. The technology was pioneered by Xerox and adapted for use here by Printing Services staff.

  "Conceivably, if Columbia clients take advantage of our delivery service and the new interface, they will never have to visit our offices," said Director of Printing Services Steve Berry. According to Berry, who oversees the production of 35 million photocopies and 20 million off-set impressions annually, the Xerox interface is the natural continuation of his operation's entry into digital technology six years ago. Digital copiers work directly off computer files, eliminating the need for "hard copy" originals and producing a higher quality product. "Digital copying also provides greater flexibility because documents can be easily edited on the printing equipment if necessary," Berry said.

  "The innovative interface will make it easier for clients around the University, particularly those not on the Morningside campus, to do business with Printing Services," said Vice President for Support Services Kenneth Knuckles. "It is one example of the ways in which we are trying to streamline administrative processes for the convenience of the entire university community," he said.

  Printing Services clients can pre-register for the new system via the Web (http://netra.prtsvc.columbia.edu). For information and assistance, contact Manuel Lugo at 854-3233.