The librarian-led INTD 188: Zines and Information Creation class recently culminated in a show at The Gallery in the Valley on Main Street Geneseo.
A zine, short for magazine, is a unique form of self-published publication that typically has a small circulation and showcases a combination of text and imagery. Often produced by individuals or small groups, zines are a powerful medium for sharing personal insights, creative expressions, and alternative perspectives. This one-credit course aimed to highlight the relationship between information literacy, visual literacy, and artistic expression by both examining and creating zines, as well as exploring the publishing industry and the cultural and informational contexts surrounding the dissemination of information. Language taken from the syllabus, written by professors Max Sparkman and Alessandra Otero.
On Tuesday, December 9, the creators shared their work with classmates, friends, and family at The Gallery. Zine topics ranged in purpose and tone, from personal accounts of gender expression and mental illness to analyses on the politics of pantsuits and the fate of the film industry.
Students were also given the opportunity to submit their zines to the forthcoming Milne Zine Collection being developed by Max Sparkman, so you can look forward to seeing some of these impressive works yourself in the near future!
Article written by Francis Harte. INTD 188: Zines and Information Creation was designed and taught by librarians Max Sparkman and Alessandra Otero, with the support of librarian Francis Harte.
Don’t miss these DIY spaces at Geneseo:
The Publishing & Creativity Studio
The Publishing & Creativity Studio, located in Milne 215, is filled with supplies, tools, and equipment for the Geneseo community to engage with both digital and physical bookmaking on multiple levels—from single-issue handmade zines to fully digital publications!
Kudos to Digital Publishing Services Manager Allison Brown for her expertise and support.
The Gallery on Main Street offers workshop hours every Wednesday from 12-6. Bring a project and spend some time working on your creative projects before or after class!
Thanks to The Gallery staff, especially Sarah Devito, for coordinating and hosting our budding zinesters.
