“Something to be involved in”: Fostering intra-campus community through zine-making and the potentials of a zine library at Binghamton University

Author: Autumn Jacobs

Field of Study: Arts and Humanities

Faculty Mentors: Jennifer Embree, Jillian Sandy

Easel: 10

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: Zines are broadly defined as self-published print works made not-for-profit. They have long fostered communities for marginalized groups and fringe interests and have been increasingly utilized within academic institutions. There have been some zinemaking efforts within the Binghamton University community, but they have been incredibly fragmented and lacking institutional support. This project aims to bridge the gaps between zinemakers and provide administrative support through a zine library. In Spring 2025, articles that discussed and investigated zine libraries were researched and analyzed, stakeholders already utilizing zines were interviewed, and student zinemaking workshops were held to foster interest in zines. By combining an analysis of writing on zinemaking and original research, this project contributes to the growing body of research on zines as tools for academic and social engagement and highlights the role that the Binghamton University Libraries can have to foster creativity and engagement through a potential zine library.