1) How useful were the pre-course readings?

1: Useful to the point of providing a foundation for course and background on certain topics later covered in course. 2: Very useful introduction -- not an overload of reading. 3: Very useful -- I would say inspirational. 4: Useful for me; with a limited background, they worked well. Not overwhelming. 5: Very useful and mercifully short and to the point. 6: Useful -- wouldn't have minded more pre-course reading material, or a list of suggested reading.

2) Were the course syllabus and other materials distributed in class useful (or will they be so in the future, after you return home)?

1: Yes, and yes. 2: N/A. 3: Course structure unfolded over time (i.e. was not collected in syllabus form); class handouts were largely of a performative nature (and delightfully so). 4: They (the course handouts) form a unique reference to the topic of the course. 5: Yes. 6: Very useful as an in-class tool, and now form a great reference for future use.

3) Was the intellectual level of the course content appropriate?

1: Yes. 2: Yes -- always. 3: Yes. 4: YES, most stimulating. 5: Conducted on an appropriately high level with feet well planted in reality. 6: Yes, stimulating discussion.

4) If your course had field trips, were they effective?

1: One visit to computer lab at Fine Arts Library (if that counts as a field trip) was time well spent (discussing appropriate Web design standards). 2: Yes -- very good presentation by the adjunct lecturer. 3: N/A. 4: Web page design a useful link to the future (and present) world of publication design. 5: Yes, the Website evaluation was very useful. 6: N/A.

5) What did you like best about the course?

1: GA's enthusiasm and animation! Never a dull moment. 2: Pertinent material and real life experiences -- with examples that were successful and ones that were not so successful and why. 3: GA, and looking. 4: The enthusiasm and passion of the instructor. 5: Instructor's ability to teach the realities of the design world from both personal successes and failures (from which we learn the most). 6: The continual bombardment with beautiful books and stunning pieces of printed material.

6) How could the course have been improved?

1: A little more "elbow room" (facility was a bit cramped). 2: A larger room and space closer to the "break area." 3: Perhaps by the inclusion of more practice. 4: I would have enjoyed a "hands-on assignment" followed by GA's and other students' critiques. 5: Only by a design project, but this is not possible in time allowed; besides that is what we go away to do. I feel GA would continue to help course students with honest evaluations of work in future. 6: A larger room so that books could be on display throughout course.

7) We are always concerned about the physical well-being both of the RBS teaching collections and of materials owned by UVa's Special Collections. If relevant, what suggestions do you have for the improved classroom handling of such materials used in your course this week?

2: N/A. 3: Folks without extensive rare books experience would benefit from instruction on handling rare and delicate materials (gentle reminders). 4: We did need a bit more space given all the handouts and examples. 5-6: N/A.

8) If you attended the Sunday and/or Monday night lectures, were they worth attending?

1: Yes. 2: All lectures were entertaining and informative. 3: Sunday night would benefit from concision in lecturing. Monday night was worthwhile; Thursday doubly so. 4: Both were excellent (Monday and Thursday -- didn't attend Sunday evening). 5: Yes, although I felt that TB's was a bit too much like a pitch for funds. 6: Sunday lecture: No -- seemed to be aimed at donors, not students already attending RBS. Monday lecture: Yes!

9) If you attended Study Night, was the time profitably spent?

2: Some problems when looking for material that was not in the collection. 3: Yes -- especially enjoyed TB's excursus on Linotype. 4: N/A. 5: Yes. 6: N/A.

10) Did you get your money's worth? Any final thoughts?

1: Yes, and then some! :) An excellent scholarly -- but not dry -- examination of design for cultural institutions. 2: Yes -- a wonderful addition to my book arts education. 3: Without doubt the course is worthwhile. Advice: Take it (and -- steel yourself -- stay on the Lawn)! 4: I found the course most worthy of my time. It clarified a number of quandaries I've mulled over about the future of Special Collections publications. 5: Yes, definitely! Highly recommend for anyone connected with publishing -- designer, or no. 6: Such wonderful intensity, but very well organized (in terms of course and entire program) so as not to be overwhelming. Knowledge from these five days will last years!

Number of respondents: 06

There were three full-time students (50%), one rare book librarian (17%), one public relations assistant (17%), and one editor and publications coordinator (16%).

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