What's Happening?
Northwestern University's Transportation Library is showcasing a collection of government reports from the mid-20th century that featured artistic and creative covers. These reports, which include titles like 'A Report of Highway Death in Missouri,' were
designed to engage readers and highlight serious issues through striking visuals. The trend of using artistic covers for government reports was prominent in the 1950s to 1970s and saw a resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s. Rachel Cole, the curator at the library, has been sharing these covers on social media to draw public interest. The library, which houses over 500,000 volumes related to transportation, is one of the few remaining dedicated transportation libraries in the U.S.
Why It's Important?
The artistic covers of these government reports serve as a reminder of the importance of design in communicating serious issues. By using creative visuals, these reports were able to capture the attention of readers and convey the gravity of the topics discussed. This approach contrasts with the more generic and less engaging designs of modern reports, which often rely on digital formats. The historical significance of these covers also provides insight into past transportation issues and the efforts to address them. The resurgence of interest in these designs highlights a growing appreciation for the role of art in public communication.
