Zines

What are Zines?

Zines are self-published, hand-made booklets or magazines. They are typically produced in small, limited batches and can be made using various techniques including collage, photocopy, hand drawing and digitally. Zines tend to be easily reproduced - often by crafting an original “master flat,” and then photocopying, folding, and stapling the pages into simple pamphlets. Zines can also be sewn, taped, glued - or even exist in unbound and other formats. The main rule is that there are no rules!

Spanning most imaginable topics, there’s a zine for everyone.

What is the Zine Maker Space?

Located on the ground floor of the Clifford Whitworth Library, the Zine Maker Space is a place for you to come and make zines! In the Zine Maker Space you can access a range of equipment you can use to make your very own zine on whatever subject or topic you like.

Stuck for inspiration? The Zine Maker Space is also home to two great zine collections that will get your ideas flowing:

• our own  Zine library, which you can search using Library Search

• and the Salford Zine Library, a unique archive of self-published materials which seeks to preserve and provide access to zines from around the world, as well as promoting zines and DIY culture through workshops, exhibitions, and other events.

To find the zine collections and the Zine Maker Space head towards the laptop loans section and look for the ‘Zine Maker Space’ signs. Please note that the Zines are for reference only and can’t be taken out of the Library.

How can I use the Zine Maker Space?

The space can be used by individuals and groups. You will need to go to the enquiry desk to get a 'zine making kit' which will be issued to your library card. Return the kit to the enquiry desk when you have finished so that we can keep an eye on stock levels.

Each kit contains the basic tools such as pens, pencils, scissors, paper, label makers, stencils, staplers and glue - everything you need to create a zine. The zine maker space also gives you access to a printer, and there are power sockets for you to use your laptop.

How do I make a zine?

You can find instructions on how to make a simple zine using one sheet of A3 paper on the wall or search online for 'zine template'. Once you’ve made the folds you can start filling the pages with words and pictures… But this is only the starting point! Check out the zine collection for inspiration for different formats, shapes and sizes. We've compiled a list of resources where you can find out more about how to create a zine.

We will also be running ‘zine maker' workshops. Dates for these will be announced through social media and the Library App.

I've made my zine - what next?

Once you have made your zine, you can take it away with you. Alternatively, you can share it with others! To do this, pop it into the 'zine drop box' next to the printer and we will add it to the zine vending machine.

We will also take zines that you have made yourself at home, or as part of a course. Again, just pop it in the zine drop box.

There's something I want in the vending machine. How can I get it?

The machine doesn't take real money, so you will need to ask for a token from the enquiry desk

Want to request a new zine?

Use the Ask for a new library item form to let us know if there is a zine that you'd like to see us add to our collection.

Salford Zine Library

The Salford Zine Library is a unique archive of self-published materials which seeks to preserve and provide access to zines from around the world, as well as promoting zines and DIY culture through workshops, exhibitions, and other events. More information is available on the Salford Zine Library website.

If you have any queries relating to the Salford Zine Library's collection, please contact salfordzinelibrary@googlemail.com and the Salford Zine Library team will be happy to help.

Arrange a visit

We are only displaying a fraction of the Salford Zine Library collection. To arrange to see some material that is currently in storage, please contact library-zines@salford.ac.uk.