Crafting the Perfect Legend: Diverse Storytelling through Zines

Short Session Description: In the past, zines were an underground form of community in the 60-90’s that fell out of fashion with the rise of internet forums. Many of the largest fandoms got their start by creating and publishing zines so like minded people can come together and discuss the things they love. Zines come in a variety of formats. Some may look professional but most are predominantly DIY, this however, does not include digital formats. A theme for a zine can range from an individual's unique interest, be it topical, historical, or personal. By not only educating the library and community about zines and teaching individuals how to create a zine, it can help establish a unique collection within the library that will represent a more accurate portrayal of the community's experience. These zines can act as an archive/snapshot of the community at the time but also help individuals reach a larger audience and establish a sub-community of their own. This would be a great activity/workshop for a library to present in a creative space such as a makerspace.

Session Style/Format: Interactive Workshop

Takeaways: The actual “takeaway” would be a single page zine from different materials provided by the presenters to actively demonstrate the simplicity and DIY nature of zines. Materials provided in this session includes one piece of paper, writing prompts, scissors, magazines, glue sticks, markers and other crafting materials. The other less physical takeaway would be the understanding of how a zine can help hone individual in creative writing styles, encourage unconventional thinking, and help create a platform for stories that are typically neglected from being told. If the thought of sharing through a zine format feels intimidating, there is no need to worry. The zine community is encouraging of sharing content more than perfecting the medium.

Organization: A Pair of librarians, one knowledgeable in zine culture, the other the expert craftswoman but open to collaborating if anyone is interested in joining us.

Contact information: Beronica Avila, Dominican University, bavila@my.dom.edu

Jessica Barth, University of Delaware