The New Medium of Print: Material Communication in the Internet Age

By Frank Cost

Available July 2005

Print is so familiar that it remains invisible to the average person. Frank Cost, associate dean of the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences at Rochester Institute of Technology and co-director of the RIT Printing Industry Center, has often wished for a small, fun-to-read book to give to people who were thinking about the world of print for the first time. Most of the available introductory books concentrate heavily on the technology, but say little about how people actually use print, let alone why. The New Medium of Print is a new kind of book: it provides an introduction to the underlying systems for the creation and distribution of print, as well as an exploration of its many and varied contemporary uses. This book is the first in the Printing Industry Center Series: a co-publication of RIT Cary Graphic Arts Press and RIT Printing Industry Center.

“Frank Cost captures between two covers the essence of printing and information technology at their convergence in the 21st century. Written in clear and concise language, this book is a must-read for industry professionals and all those wanting an overview of the magic that computers have brought to information publishing.”
— Bruce James, Public Printer of the United States

“Print is an exciting and dynamic industry—blending art and science and technologies galore. In The New Medium of Print: Material Communication in the Internet Age Frank Cost takes us on an exhilarating ride through the worlds of media and communication. This book is an important guide for those who wish to make the journey.”
— Frank Romano, InfoTrends/CAP Ventures

“The New Medium of Print reviews the processes involved in producing printed graphic communications, and presents the many traditional and emerging uses of print. The text links these concepts to our experiences as consumers, and takes the medium forward into the Internet age. As an excellent introductory text for graphic communications educational programs, The New Medium of Print is a compelling and enjoyable read.
— Mary Anne Evans, Assistant Professor, RIT School of Print Media