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Revolutions in Text and Technology: Zines

This guide, created by zine librarian Jenna Freedman, supports Sue Mendelsohn's English course at Columbia University in the summer of 2023.

History

Radical and fandom based self-publishing

Pamphlets
Harlem Renaissance
Science fiction fandom
Cartonera, Samizdat
Literary chapbooks
Alternative/underground press
Punk fandom (1970s & 1980s)
Riot grrrl (1990s)
Etsy, Canva, social media

Culture

Anyone can make a zine

But who does?

punks
activists
moms
students
teachers
librarians
permaculture enthusiasts
crafters & cooks
artists
hackers

And why

sharing
loneliness
connecting
self-expression
self-documentation
me too-ing
giving