Zines are self published works typically produced by one person and distributed by making photocopies of the original. They are often short format works exploring a particular subject or cultural phenomenon (in which they may be referred to has Fanzines) from the perspective of the author. Zines are often made as a means of self expression by the author and/or general interest of a community of readers with a shared interest in the subject. There is also a long history of Zines as a medium embraced by marginalised groups and counterculture as a method of communication outside of the traditional editorial process of published print media.

The length, subject matter, complexity and style of zines is broad and there are no real 'rules' as to what needs to be included to be considered a zine - it is more a description of the general format and method of circulation.

The collection exists to support the expression, cohesion and leisure reading of the university community. We hope it inspires the community to create and contribute their own zines to the collection.

Making a zine is often a beginner friendly way of sharing interests, passions and creative works especially if you are not ready or able to submit to a more formalised publication. Zines can be a helpful tool for students who plan to go on to share work in a more formal ways in the future, by building confidence in making your voice and work public.

Life at university can be both exciting and intimidating (intellectually and personally) creating and sharing zines can help to articulate and share your experiences or even just provide a pleasant distraction around one of your personal interests. Knowing a zine is shared, anonymously or otherwise, can help foster a sense of self expression, belonging and community.

We hope this zine collection in time may contribute to the record of life at the institution and our university community.

We are happy to accept donations to our collection, especially from the university community. If you have a story to tell, thoughts to share or artwork to showcase you can produce a zine.

We accept zines on any topic and will have a donation box in our zine collection room in Harrison library. Submissions will be reviewed by the library to see if they can be part of the collection.

We are happy to receive zine donations by post FOA Content (Zines), Ambika Paul Building , Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton. WV1 1LY

Our zines are for reference use only so must remain within the Zine Collection, the collection is available during Harrison Library opening hours. 

Click here to see a list of the zines available in the collection.

If you know of any zines that would fit our collection you can either fill out a suggestion card and submit via the donation box in the Zine collection room or alternatively email periodicals@wlv.ac.uk with zine title details and where to source it.

We will consider buying it for the collection where budgets permit.