End of an era for black sheen

Viewbook sees revamp in style, acquires spiral binding and acetate pages

The Oberlin Office of College Relations has designed and published a new and enhanced viewbook for Oberlin prospective students.

In previous years the viewbook has projected a general statement about Oberlin academics and lifestyle. This year, however, the Office of College Relations decided to pick up the pace and add some flare to the long-neglected guide by targeting and displaying specific aspects of Oberlin. "Aside from the new design style, we focused more on talking to specific focus groups," said Richard Sherlock, Assistant Director of College Relations.

Sherlock is optimistic about the new look and design. "People seem to like it from our perspective," he said. He estimated approximately 40,000 viewbooks will be sent out to prospective Oberlin students and parents.

Student opinion varied. College junior Ingrid Peterson took one look at the front cover of the book and saw the infamous Oberlin logo: Think one person can change the world? So do we.

"The first thing I think they should do is get rid of that," she said.

Students took liberty tinkering with the nifty two-page foldout map of the college campus inserted within the back of the viewbook. College first-year Miguel Villafana was enthralled. "I love the foldout of the College. I would have loved to have it. I wish I could've had it," he said.

Along with the impressive foldout were amusing and scenic pictures of the College campus and students. Peterson joked about the photo of the Conservatory Pool being placed directly next to a picture of North Quad. "I love how North Quad turns into a babbling brook. Was that pond superimposed or something? I don't remember a pond being in North Quad," she said.

College sophomore Eli Wheeler felt the new viewbook fell along the lines of the average college viewbook. "It looks like all college viewbooks. They all look the same," she said.

Dividing the different sections of the viewbook are creatively-designed opaque acetate sheets. Peterson picked up the opaque sheet. "What is this?" she asked.

"There are good glossy pictures but the transparent dividers are distracting," said college sophomore Dan Flynn.

The viewbook was designed to appeal to the eye of prospective students and parents. "Is this Oberlin or are we trying to sell something?" asked Peterson. Sherlock explained the usual business of gearing the viewbooks towards the desires of prospectives. "We went for what prospective students would want to see," he said.

The question of "Why the new viewbook?" came up as students glanced at the new-fangled style.

"It was time to look at what our material was. Nancy Dye was interested and other colleges are spending lots of money on their marketing. It was due for an overhaul," said Sherlock.

Jammin' at the Cat: A packed Cat in the Cream is pictured in the new viewbook as an example of life at Oberlin. (photo by from viewbook)