Sometimes the work we do needs a little boost to help it shine. We need someone to refurbish it to give it a more artistic and professional polish. That’s where the Alkek Print Shop and its manager Hithia Davis come in. The Alkek Print Shop is a specialty print service located on the first floor of the Alkek Library.
“I wish more people knew about the Print Shop! I especially wish the art students knew about it because they could see their art in the full scale they want instead of settling for a little 8.5 x 11 inch piece of paper,” Davis said.
The Alkek Print Shop offers large format printing, laminating, and printing and binding services at a low price with a fast turnaround for Texas State students, faculty and staff. It also offers large format scanning, up to 36” wide, free of charge.
Helping people bring out the beauty in their work is something that comes very naturally to Davis.
“I was an art major so I love art. I love printmaking, sewing, and also cooking. I’m really into refurbishing and refinishing stuff,” Davis shared. “I love finding stuff on the side of the road and it’s all nasty and beat up, but I see the beauty in it. I take it home, re-do it, and then I find someone to give it to.”
But Davis is more than the Print Shop manager who helps you out when you’re in a time crunch. She is an artsy, people-loving mother of two who loves the Alkek Library.
“There’s so many things I love about the library,” said Davis. “There are so many things to use, learn, see and get into. Regardless if it has to do with school or classes, it’s fun!”
“I’m a people person. I try to find joy in any situation in everybody. If you like skydiving well, I’m not gonna do it but I’ll cheer you on!” Davis said. “I’m like that with my kids too. If they wanna try something, I’ll try to find something close to what they want to do even if we can’t afford it or have the means to do it, I will try my best to do it. If I can make it, I’ll try to make it. I try to find a shortcut to the things that may be out of reach, I’ll do my best to get it for someone.”
Davis employs that can-do attitude in her service to library patrons as well. Next time you need a poster printed, some cards laminated, or just some advice about how to make your project look better, be sure to go visit Davis and her team in the Alkek Print Shop. Chances are they can help you transform your project into a work of art in a jiffy!
This article was contributed by Carin Carlin, University Libraries social media student assistant.