Research Guides: A Guide to Art & Design Resources: Zines

Books about zines

Zines are in various collections across the WashU Libraries. Please see the two options below for tools and strategies.

What is it? Books, journals, media + zines. All 9 WashU Libraries, including Rare Books.
To view items found in Special Collections, email record link to: spec@wumail.wustl.edu.

TERMS + STRATEGIES

Search: zines (Subject). This will give you a subject list of zines and books primarily about zines.

Zines and zine compilations (Subjects LC):

What is it? Archival collections including the Dowd Illustration Research Archive (DIRA). Finding aids describe collections.
To view item, email record link to: spec@wumail.wustl.edu

TERMS + STRATEGIES

IDENTIFY HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT ZINES

Reference sources, as well as books are articles about the history of zines, or zines and your topic, can help you explore and identify historically significant zines. For example, see Britannica: Zine (publishing)

Once you find a zine, how might you research it?

BOOKS

Worldcat - Union catalog of libraries worldwide with often good quality, enhanced records. A great place to start. Can limit to WashU or request from interlibrary loan. Note: does not show if we own ebook.
WashU Classic Catalog

ARTICLES

TERMS + STRATEGIES

Start narrow about your zine: "sniffin' glue" (or "sniffin glue" AND zine). You'll likely find few or possibly no results in book catalogs.
Next go broad with 'zine' and the theme or topic: zine (subject) AND punk (subject)
If looking for history, try also: zine (subject) AND punk (subject) AND history.
- Book: Notes from underground : zines and the politics of alternative culture / Stephen Duncombe.
Use the record's subjects/descriptors to find similar works.