Desktop Publishers

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Also known as:
Desktop Publisher, Desktop Publishing Specialist, DTP Operator, Electronic Console Display Operator, Electronic Imager, Electronic Pagination System Operator, Electronic Publisher, Electronic Publishing Specialist

See all Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications Careers.

ABOUT DESKTOP PUBLISHER CAREERS

Video transcript

Electronic pagination system operators are crucial to the production of printed, paper-and-ink materials. In fact, while many traditional "pre-press" printing jobs are disappearing, this job is among the top ten fastest growing occupations not requiring a college degree.

Thanks to desktop publishing software, writers, advertising and public relation agencies, and others who want to produce printed material now submit their text as computer files. But a human being is still needed to review and filter those files, insert illustrations, and select the type styles to be used for the printed pages.

That's what electronic pagination system operators do. They bring all the electronic elements together, apply their design skills, and spend the finished file to the printing plant. Computers may have eliminated many printing jobs, but they have also created the need for electronic pagination systems operators and made them absolutely essential to the publishing industry.

SNAPSHOT

Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

Leadership	HIGH
Critical decision making	HIGH
Level of responsibilities	LOW
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines	HIGH
Dealing and handling conflict	LOW

Competition for this position	HIGH
Communication with others	HIGH
Work closely with team members, clients etc.	HIGH
Comfort of the work setting	HIGH
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions	LOW
Exposure to job hazards	LOW
Physical demands	LOW

Daily tasks

Select number of colors and determine color separations.

Transmit, deliver or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates.

Store copies of publications on paper, magnetic tape, film or diskette.

Load floppy disks or tapes containing information into system.

Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software.

Position text and art elements from a variety of databases in a visually appealing way to design print or web pages, using knowledge of type styles and size and layout patterns.

Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials.

Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.

Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse.

Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.

View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Interacting With Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Thinking Creatively	Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization	Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE

Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Design	Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Production and Processing	Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Communications and Media	Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Clerical	Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Administration and Management	Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

TOP SKILLS

Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.