While the Glomerata, Auburn University's annual yearbook, uses its funding each year primarily for printing 12,000 copies to distribute to students, faculty, staff and alumni, it found room in its budget this year for some needed upgrades.
"This year was one of our big years in terms of getting new stuff," said Taylor Henderson, photo editor. "We needed new lighting equipment and new semi-professional cameras, which are expensive."
This added cost will greatly enhance the photo quality of the yearbook, Henderson said.
The photo staff tested the new equipment by taking group photographs.
"We were able to take a picture out in front of Cater Lawn, where it was virtually pitch black, and illuminate it like they are in a room somewhere," said Taylor Hardy. Glom editor-in-chief. "You will be able to tell a huge difference between the photos from this year and last year."
Funds were also set aside to purchase new computer equipment.
"We also just updated all of our computer software this year to get everybody on the right track," Hardy said. "We are actually ahead of the publisher on that so it will benefit us in the long run."
Each year, the Glom's budget is organized into line items to ensure that all aspects of the yearbook have adequate funding. The categories include advertising, Greek composites, printing, publicity, staff training, travel and events and services.
"The majority of our budget does go into printing," Hardy said. "We do a 496-page book and most of it is in color. We do a lot with the cover, the in-sheets and other stuff like that to really make it pop."
This year, the Glom's budget was $221,241.24, out of which $192,500 was set aside for color printing on the proper paper, Hardy said.
While the Glom uses its equipment to take independent photos, advertising is necessary to inform students to come get their pictures taken.
The yearbook paid for advertising on Tiger Transit buses while hanging fliers and signs around campus encouraging students to participate, Hardy said.
Editorial staff members attend conferences and workshops in the summer to prepare for the upcoming year.
"One of my big things this year was that I really wanted to get everyone on staff involved and excited about it," Hardy said. "I am glad that you can walk through the office and ask anybody what our theme is and they could spout it off to you like that."
The Glom also hosts a pageant fundraiser every fall that is open to all students.
"At one point it was a huge fundraiser, and now it has become a tradition," Hardy said. "Everybody gets so excited about it, and we love to put it on."
Last year, the Miss Glom pageant raised more than $1,500 to boost the budget.
Staff applications for the Glom will be available in August. All students are encouraged to apply.
"We want anyone and everyone," Hardy said. "Anyone who will come and participate, give enough time and put forth some effort. Anybody can learn the software if you just spend some time with it."
The 2011-12 Glom will be distributed in April.
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