Overview
The Book Arts Lab is in the heart of campus within the MacOdrum Library. With the scent of ink, rhythm of presses, and type cases that look like they are straight out of past centuries, this lab has allowed students to discover the intersection of language, craft, history and so much more.
The lab would like to expand the type collection with additional languages so that it is available for course projects, teaching and research opportunities. Not only do we hope this type will provide additional academic context and content but also provide more cultural expression, and cross- cultural dialogue via typography. Students can learn by collaborating across languages, printing multilingual chapbooks and through typography discussions on the different meanings in different linguistic traditions. Additional language type would help to transform the lab into a more inclusive space for experiential learning. Every language added is another voice, another rhythm, another way of seeing the world through type.
The Background
For years, students have set type in English — learning not just how to spell out words, but how to build them, letter by letter, with their hands. The Book Arts Lab would like to expand its type collection. This thinking began with a question from a student in a class learning about zines, communication and expression: “Could I print my piece in French?” Our response at the time was…not yet.
The Rollout
With consultation with faculty, we will purchase several sets of type in other languages. This will be centred around pedagogy within current disciplines of study. By reaching our goal of $5000, the Books Arts Lab would have the resources to purchase type in the following languages:
- French
- Spanish
- Cree
- Inuktitut
- Medieval Black Letter font
Your support would enhance the teaching and learning experience for our students by advancing accessibility and inclusion of the lab.