Are you familiar with Zines? Did you know the Alkek Library has a collection of them?
In short, a zine is a self-published magazine by one person or artist or a collective and usually expresses some opinion that may not be the mainstream opinion.
The Alkek collection of Zines has now moved into a new home on the main floor in room 204 — the Special Collections & Archives brand new reading room. Stop by and see the Zines and all the other cool materials in the reading room at our Open House on February 27 from 3 to 6 p.m.
Our Zines Research Guide has information about what a Zine is, how to find them at Alkek Library, and instructions for how to make one! Publishing of zines often happens by the traditional, analog cut and paste method and photocopy for making multiple copies for distribution.
Here is what this exciting change in location for the Zine Collection means for you and how you can access the Zines!
- You can use the Zine Collection rack on the 3rd floor to browse the covers of the Zines
- Take a picture of the zine cover(s) and the call number(s) of the zine that you want to see or write down the title and the call number
- Bring either or both of these options to the desk on the Main, 2nd floor and show them the picture or title and call number of the zine(s) you want to see
- If someone is available, you will be directed to the Special Collections & Archives Reading Room, located in Alkek 204, to view/read/access the zine(s) (Reading Room open hours: Mon-Fri 9-4, Sun 1-6)
- If no one is available to show you the Zine(s), the desk staff will show you how to make a request to see the zine at a future time
- You can also look the title of the zine up in the library catalog, https://txst.locate.ebsco.com/search and use the Special Collections & Archives link to request to see the zines in the Reading Room
- To browse the Zine Collection in the library Catalog, choose Location on the left-hand side limiters and click “more” to see all locations and then choose ALK Zine Collection, Special Collections Reading Rm 204
Contact Tara Spies Smith with any questions about the Zine Collection, ts20@txstate.edu
This article was contributed by Open Licenses Librarian Tara Spies Smith.