A zine (short for magazine or fanzine) is a small-circulation, self-published work of original or appropriated texts and images (Wikipedia). Zines are often part of a maker culture which often includes people from marginalized communities or those who don’t have access to more mainstream publishing options (
zinelibraries.info).
For Culture Night 2022, UCC Library hosted a drop-in Zine Making Evening open to all and feedback on the event was overwhelmingly positive. This evening provided a safe, welcoming space (SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing) for participants to create and communicate their knowledge through the form of a zine. Attendees became active contributors to knowledge creation, which allows for increased participation that acknowledges diverse voices, knowledge and learning experiences (SDG 4: Quality Education).
This workshop will allow attendees to learn about how libraries can facilitate DIY (do-it-yourself) knowledge creation through zines while keeping the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sustainability in mind. The class will cover the logistics in setting up a zine event – from sourcing materials to creating a welcoming space. There will be a hands-on activity in which attendees will share their own thoughts, feelings, and/or experiences on the topic of libraries and sustainability in a zine of their own. By the end of the session, attendees will be ready to run a zine making event in their own library.
