It is possible to hire a ready trained desktop publisher, but you should look for someone who already possesses editing skills, ideally in both official languages. Exceptions to this principle are printing and translation, which should be handled by trained professionals, except for very short pieces. Type A vast range of type is now available from digital foundries big and small. Discriminating purchases of type collections enable publishers with even minuscule budgets to produce a variety of attractive publications with a distinctive house style at very little cost. Clip-art services provide graphics, including stock colour photos, on virtually any subject.
Some graphics programs come with a large library, usually on CD-ROM disks.
A flatbed scanner is invaluable for importing your own graphics. For those who are able and willing to participate, dramatic cost savings can be realized on distribution. Bulletin Boards Documents may be uploaded in various file formats to bulletin boards or networks, including internal LANS, which will allow regional staff to download copies of resource materials as needed. The quality of the downloaded text and graphics may, however, leave something to be desired. Each document contains a small executable file called a 'reader' or 'viewer' that is embedded in the text file and interprets the text data to display on screen or print to the reader's own printer.