Using Zines in Research: An Instruction Module for Greenfield Public Library

Abstract

This paper presents an instruction module design as collaboration between Greenfield Public Library (GPL) and Greenfield Community College (GCC) in Greenfield, Massachusetts. The module, titled “Using Zines in Research,” is intended to assist incoming GCC students in evaluating zines as a medium and source for academic work. Utilizing GPL’s zine collection, the instruction module will give students an opportunity to actively engage with zines, think critically about their usage in research, and work collaboratively to create their own zine. This paper explores the development of the module, based on existing literature on teaching with zines and community-based library instruction. This paper also includes feedback and reflective practice from a module conducted with a group of students in December 2023.