Zines: Zine Reading Room

At Murphy Library, we're thrilled to highlight our new Zine Reading Room—a space dedicated to celebrating the vibrant world of zines. These handmade, self-published booklets offer unique insights into diverse perspectives and challenge traditional notions of authority and information access. But what exactly are zines, and why should they matter to libraries? Let’s dive in.

What Are Zines?

Zines (pronounced "zeens") are small, independently created publications that prioritize self-expression, storytelling, and community building. They often feature personal experiences, artwork, and ideas that aren’t typically found in mainstream media. From poetry collections to guides on navigating healthcare as a transgender person, zines amplify voices that might otherwise be overlooked.

Why Zines Matter

1. Unique Insights into Diverse Perspectives Zines capture the lived experiences of individuals and communities, offering firsthand knowledge that you won’t find in textbooks or academic journals. For example, a zine on chronic illness might provide practical advice and emotional support straight from someone who’s lived it.

2. Challenging Traditional Authority In a world where information is often controlled by large institutions, zines empower individuals to share their own stories and expertise. They remind us that authority is constructed and contextual, and everyone has valuable knowledge to contribute.

3. Valuable Primary Sources As physical pieces of history, zines are primary sources that document social movements, cultural trends, and personal narratives. Libraries can play a crucial role in preserving these artifacts for afuture generations.

The Power of Zine Culture

Zines teach us about how people share information when traditional channels aren’t available or don’t feel accessible. They build networks of support and knowledge-sharing that are vital for marginalized communities. By collecting and preserving zines, libraries can:

• Expand their understanding of what counts as valuable knowledge.
• Foster inclusive community spaces.
• Support underrepresented voices and perspectives.

Why This Matters Now

In an era where information is increasingly dominated by big companies and algorithms, zines remind us of the power of grassroots storytelling. They show that everyone’s story matters and offer a way to preserve voices that might otherwise be lost.

Glossary

• Discursive Practices: Ways in which language and communication are used to construct meaning and knowledge.
• Information Literacy: Skills to navigate, evaluate, and use information effectively, emphasizing that authority is constructed and contextual.
• Materiality: The tangible, physical aspects of zines that contribute to their impact and meaning.

Get Involved

As we explore zine culture, Murphy Library is committed to:

• Studying existing research.
• Connecting with zine creators and their communities.
• Building a collection that reflects diverse voices.

Visit our Zine Reading Room to discover these DIY publications and the stories they hold. Together, we can celebrate the creativity and resilience of zine makers and bring these vital voices into our library community.

Please note that our zine collection is analog (i.e., mostly paper). If your zine is digital, let us know if a print version is available, or if you will allow us to print your zine and make one copy available in the library. 

Zines created by UWL students/faculty/administration/staff:

If you've made a zine, please consider donating a copy! Our goal is to have zines that are a reflection of our campus community. 

Zines created outside of our campus community:

We're grateful that you would like to share your zines with us! If you are a zine maker, please get in touch (molson3@uwlax.edu).

Zine collections:

If you have a zine collection that you would like to donate, please contact us (molson3@uwlax.edu) and include details about the size and scope of your collection, so that we can determine if it's a good fit.