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Libraries Host Inaugural UCI Zinefest

ImageOn October 22, 2015, the UCI Libraries had the opportunity to host the inaugural UCI Zinefest. During the event, we welcomed the UCI community to join in a DIY zine-making session to create original, handmade zines, which are defined as a small circulation of self-published work of original or appropriated texts and images usually reproduced via photocopier. Zines have a proven history of sharing ideas thoughtfully and peacefully.

Zinefest aimed to empower our diverse UCI community, especially undergraduate students, to creatively express their thoughts, opinions, concerns, and values. Participants attended workshops to create zines that reflect their experiences and opinions, and were encouraged to share their creativity and ideas with fellow "zinesters." The workshop also created an opportunity for the University Archives to document student life and activity, enabling UCI students of the future to learn about student life in 2015. Additionally, Zinefest coincided with the international celebration of Open Access Week and provided a creative opening to educate participants on the benefits and opportunities of Open Access publishing and information freedom.

As part of the event, Professor Jeanne Scheper, from the Gender and Sexuality Studies program in the School of Humanities, spoke on "Students as Cultural Producers" and empowered students to create and express their principles, ideals, and feelings.

Two librarians shared their expertise on preserving and providing access to zines at the UCI Libraries. Emilee Mathews, Research Librarian for Visual Arts, spoke on "Zines and Libraries," discussing the responsibility that the UCI Libraries carries to collect and make available resources for the community. Steve MacLeod, Public Services Librarian for Special Collections & Archives, curated an exhibit of zines, representing the diversity in content within the UCI Libraries collection.

Zinefest connected with individuals, including students, staff, faculty, and community at large. The UCI student newspaper, New University coverage of UCI Libraries Zinefest muses:

"Looking around Gateway Plaza, one came face-to-face with alternative points of view. There was the guy with a Suicidal Tendencies hat, another girl rocked space buns and Grace Jones earrings; purple hair, tattoos, pixie cuts and mustaches - this was the place for those who typically do not have a place."

Our special thanks goes to UCI Illuminations, The Chancellor's Arts and Culture Initiative, for making this event possible for students, staff, and our community members.

The program was managed by Christine Kim, Special Collections & Archives, and Kathleen Gaffney, Communications & Events.

For more information, please contact Christine Kim, Public Services Assistant in Special Collections & Archives, at christine.kim@uci.edu or 949-824-4935.