From Niche to Norm: A Case Study of Zines in a Circulating Collection

Abstract

Zines present unique opportunities and challenges across traditional library functions: access,
cataloging, preservation, digitization, and special collections. They also provide incredible possibilities
to redefine what research looks like and to engage students in a new way. This article tracks our
goals and process for conceptualizing and implementing a social justice-focused zine collection. We
contextualize our case study with both a literature review and a survey to establish current practices
and reflect on how former practices have changed. Our findings indicate that zines are becoming more
readily incorporated into library collections and are more frequently cataloged and allowed to circulate
than in previous years.