- Printing Newspapers and Almanacs: One of the primary roles of printers was to produce newspapers and almanacs. Newspapers were rare, but they reported on important events and news from around the world. Almanacs, on the other hand, were annual publications that contained useful information such as weather predictions and agricultural advice along with religious information and trivia.
- Printing Pamphlets and Broadsides: Printers also produced pamphlets and broadsides, which were single-sheet printed materials. Broadsides were often used for announcements, advertisements, or public notices, while pamphlets covered various topics like religious tracts, political speeches, or scientific discoveries.
- Publishing Books and Documents: Printers were responsible for publishing books, which entailed setting the type, printing the pages, assembling them, and binding the book. Books published in colonial times covered various subjects, such as religious texts, literature, history, and scientific treatises.
- Printing Currency and Legal Documents: Printers were also trusted with the production of currency and legal documents. They printed paper money, certificates, deeds, and other official documents that required accuracy and security.
- Bookselling: Many printers also operated bookstores, where they sold the publications they printed, along with other imported books. Bookstores served as centers of learning and intellectual discourse, where people could gather to discuss ideas and purchase literature.
- Intellectual Leaders: Printers were influential figures in colonial society. They often held influential positions as journalists, publishers, and community leaders. Some printers even founded newspapers and printing presses that became instrumental in shaping public opinion and disseminating information.
- Supporting Political and Social Causes: Printers played a crucial role in supporting political and social causes by printing materials that promoted certain ideologies or movements. They used their publications to advocate for independence, religious freedom, and other ideas that shaped the colonies.
- Technological Advancements: Printers actively sought to improve their craft. They experimented with new techniques and technologies to enhance the quality and efficiency of printing. Some even developed and patented their own printing presses and improvements.
- Community Service: Printers in colonial times were not just businessmen; they also served the community. They established libraries, schools, and other cultural institutions to promote education, literacy, and intellectual enrichment.
Overall, printers in the colonial era were skilled craftsmen, publishers, and communicators who held significant influence and played a vital role in society, shaping the flow of information and contributing to the intellectual, political, and cultural development of the colonies.