A paginator is someone who is in charge of laying out the pages of a newspaper, book, or other type of media project. Pagination is the process of gathering all of the content for a text or web project and laying it out according to numerical page templates. The end result is an ordered final product with specific content designated the paginator on each page. A table of contents or other ordering index is usually included, which must be precisely ordered and checked for accuracy.
While some paginators specialize in this one task, others have a broader scope of responsibilities. Some paginators’ jobs also require them to write or edit existing content. In small offices, the paginator may be tasked with even more responsibilities. Some newspaper offices or other businesses combine the paginator’s and ombudsman’s roles. The ombudsman is a person who deals with complaints, in this case from readers, and may take active steps to correct errors in the text or run corrections to stories that have already been published in future issues of the periodical.
An paginator works with specific software to lay out publications in today’s world of modern media. Traditional offices did not use this technology, but as more print media became automated or done using digital tools, specific programs were developed to aid in the layout of print projects quickly and effectively. Paginators are usually familiar with these types of programs, which use their own page layout measurements rather than the traditional metric or English systems.
Many paginators place a strong emphasis on quality control. This includes proper page labeling and sequential page numbering, but it also refers to the larger issue of clear, legible text and well-designed text columns. Readers should be able to easily follow stories that are printed on multiple pages throughout the publication. A paginator might work on this aspect of layout as well. These experts may also be in charge of crucial advertising measurements, such as the sizes and shapes of individual ads on a page.
A paginator’s primary responsibility is to sign off on completed projects to indicate that they are ready for publication. This professional is responsible for a crucial step in the layout and editing of a variety of media. The paginator benefits from a keen eye for detail, as well as experience with print media and software and IT skills. Other professionals frequently play a similar role in website design, ensuring that each page or section is logically and attractively organized, and that the site map contains links to all areas of the site.