Libretto:: News

November 2009 - Invited due to his expert knowledge and love of the subject, Jason Rubin, senior writer at Libretto, recently presented on brainstorming to two undergraduate classes at the New England Institute of Art. During the sessions, Rubin stressed the importance of including two distinct phases in the brainstorming process: first, the right-brain phase of free-flowing ideas and creativity, and second, the left-brain phase of analysis and critique. To illustrate his points, Rubin used positive and negative examples of brainstorming, including a Monty Python sketch called "String" and a clip from the Disney Channel show, Imagination Movers.

Libretto provides messaging and Web content for NEFA

August 2009 - Libretto is pleased to announce the launch of the redesigned NEFA website. NEFA (New England Foundation for the Arts), a leading nonprofit that supports the arts in New England and beyond, engaged Libretto and Korn Design to refresh their identity, messaging, and website. During an extensive discovery process, the two firms worked closely with NEFA to asses the organization’s brand and mission. Libretto then developed new messaging and Web content that highlights NEFA’s support of artists and the creative economy. The resulting site features clear navigation, high-level messaging describing NEFA’s work, and engaging project spotlights.

Visit the site at www.nefa.org.

RSA’s Vantage magazine wins award of excellence

July 2009 - Vantage magazine, RSA Security’s biannual publication, has been honored with an Award of Excellence in the Custom Published Magazines and Journals category of the APEX 2009 Awards, the annual awards program recognizing excellence in publications work by professional communicators. Vantage is an open forum for RSA’s global customers, partners, and industry experts to discuss information security issues, solutions, and trends. Libretto has been charged with the editorial direction and content creation for Vantage since 2006.

Libretto to develop Joslin Diabetes Center fundraising communications

June 2009 - Libretto has begun work on a suite of fundraising communications materials in support of the Joslin Diabetes Center’s most recent capital initiative aimed at funding recruitment of scientists and the purchase and upgrade of lab equipment. Located in Boston, Joslin is the world’s largest diabetes research center, diabetes clinic, and provider of diabetes education. The successful campaign will ensure that Joslin remains at the forefront of areas including stem cell research, vascular imaging, and bioenergetics.

LEMON features article by Neal Kane

May 2009 - Libretto President Neal Kane is among the contributors to the current issue of LEMON Magazine. His piece, "Oh, the Horror," examines the 1974 Brian de Palma film Phantom of the Paradise and its place in pop culture. The issue is a tribute to David Bowie and also includes work by Bowie, music duo Daft Punk, Buzz Aldrin, and Iggy Pop. An award-winning independent magazine, LEMON is published annually by editors Kevin Grady and Colin Metcalf.

Libretto completes viewbook for Clark GSOM

May 2009 - Libretto is pleased to announce that it recently completed a viewbook for the Clark University Graduate School of Management (GSOM). The viewbook clearly articulates Clark’s value and differentiation, highlighting its global community, exceptional faculty, and collaborative environment.

Throughout the project, Libretto worked closely with key GSOM stakeholders including Lynn Davis, director of enrollment and marketing, and Ed Ottensmeyer, dean. Our relationship with Clark continues as we work on print and online advertisements promoting the school’s part-time and social change degree programs.

Neal Kane presents at Pecha Kucha

April 2009 - On April 15th, Libretto president Neal Kane presented at Pecha Kucha 9, an evening of creative presentations hosted by AIGA Boston. Pecha Kucha is a relaxed, informal gathering for networking and sharing work. Started in 2003, the event has spread virally to over 100 cities worldwide. Neal's presentation focused on the naming, branding, and website for FP3, a development project in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood. Libretto collaborated on the project with Nicole Curran of whydesignworks.

Libretto president is guest lecturer at MIT

April 2009 - Libretto president Neal Kane recently served as a guest lecturer as part of a series hosted by WebPub, an organization dedicated to helping professionals at MIT and beyond stay informed about emerging trends in communications.

Drawing from more than 20 years of experience as a professional writer and founder of Libretto, Neal shared his best practices for creating effective Web experiences. Topics included Web writing and navigation, search engine optimization, and the use of multimedia assets.

"Neal was relaxed and approachable during his presentation and the audience really made a connection with him," says Lisa Mayer, Web and database consultant at MIT. "His presentation was a great distillation of the experience he’s gained working with MIT and other high-profile clients."

New MIT ChemE website receives positive response

April 2009 - Libretto announces the launch of a new website the firm wrote for the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChemE) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). A collaboration between Libretto and designer Jan Moscowitz of Moore Moscowitz Design, the new site has rapidly received praise from members of the MIT community for its improved ease of use and readability.

Libretto is no stranger to MIT’s ChemE department, having completed its graduate and undergraduate viewbooks a few years ago. Last year, the department embarked on a significant overhaul of its website and turned to Libretto for assistance.

Libretto first performed an audit of the old ChemE site, providing a competitive analysis and detailed recommendations on its content and organization. Once the audit was approved, the writing began. The new site features tight, compelling copy and streamlined navigation. An MIT professor calls the new site "a big upgrade" from the old, noting its "bright, bold text" and "crisp, clear layout." An alumnus who graduated in 1994 agrees. "I’m impressed with the new website … very elegant design, easy to read, very educational, and well done."

Libretto’s relationship with MIT dates back 10 years and includes many schools, departments, offices, and laboratories. In just the past three years, Libretto has completed Web projects for the School of Engineering, Sloan School of Management, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, and MIT Medical. Libretto has also assisted MIT with fundraising efforts, most notably by helping to develop the theme for its current capital campaign, The Human Factor. Older projects include work for the MIT Office for the Arts, the MIT Entrepreneurship Center, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and MIT Dining Services.

AIGA AFTA hosted by Libretto

March 2009 - On Thursday, March 19, Libretto hosted a social event in conjunction with AIGA Boston, the professional design association’s local chapter, at 33 Restaurant and Lounge in Boston’s Back Bay. Area designers, writers, photographers, and other creative folk joined Libretto staff and clients for an informal evening of delicious libations* and enjoyable conversations.

*Try a Librettist, the featured drink of the event: Muddle fresh mint in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add equal parts vodka and Rose’s lime juice. Shake with ice cubes and serve with a sprig of mint.

Libretto Projects Earn CASE Awards

March 2009 - The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) has recognized three separate projects that Libretto wrote for two different institutions with Bronze Awards. Recruitment and identity materials developed for Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania, and a case statement written for Vermont-based World Learning, were all honored recently.

According to Neal Kane, president of Libretto, "We are very committed as an organization to the education market and have many close relationships with exceptional schools throughout the Northeast. We’re grateful not only to our clients but also to our Susquehanna design partner, studio-e, for this wonderful recognition."

Jason Rubin named Communications Director of AIGA Boston

February 2009 - Libretto Inc. is pleased to announce that Senior Writer Jason M. Rubin was selected by AIGA Boston to serve on its board of directors in the role of Director of Communications. His two-year term officially began in fall 2008. Libretto President Neal Kane has been affiliated with AIGA Boston for a number of years and currently serves on the organization’s Advisory Board.

"We are thrilled to have Jason on our board," says Suzanne McKenzie, president of AIGA Boston. "He brings a fresh perspective and important creative skills to our group, and will provide considerable value to the communications function."

AIGA Boston is one of the largest local and regional chapters of AIGA, the professional association for design. Founded in 1983, AIGA Boston has more than 800 active members, representing a diverse cross-section of the New England design community.

Libretto provides theme for The Human Factor, MIT's $500 million interim capital campaign

February 2009 - MIT recently announced the launch of The Human Factor, an interim $500 million capital campaign focused on student life and learning. Libretto developed the campaign theme in conjunction with staff from MIT’s Resource Development office.

The theme provides the centerpiece for an innovative website that employs dynamic video profiles highlighting MIT undergraduates. Students describe the passion that drives their athletic, artistic, and personal pursuits, as well as their academic work, which includes designing cars that run on alternative fuel, researching spinal chord injuries, developing life-saving devices for rescue personnel, and examining the effects of music on memory.

According to Neal Kane, Libretto's president, "Encapsulating the essence of student life and learning at MIT within a single phrase was a daunting proposition; however, like most of the projects we participate in at MIT, it was also extremely rewarding. We are honored to play a part in such a critical initiative."

Visit the site: http://thehumanfactor.mit.edu