A zine (pronounced zeen as in magazine) has no fixed format or definition, but there are defining characteristics that emphasize some or all the following:

• Connection - Zines can be on any topic but their primary focus is to connect people and communities and promote freedom of expression through the exchange of opinions and ideas, especially those that fall outside of traditional publications.
• Content - Zines favor content over form. The content may be informative, instructional, or serve as a form of protest/activism. Fanzines focus on fan culture about musicians, books, or other media. Perzines are personal and focus on the creator's life and experiences. 
• DIY - The zine format favors DIY culture. They are frequently hand made with techniques such as cut-and-paste collage, photocopied, digitally created, or otherwise easily reproduced. 
• Non-commercial - Zines are not created for profit or mass circulation. They are often disseminated for free or exchanged for other zines. Sharing and redistributing may be encouraged by the creators even though all are protected under copyright law. When zines are available for sale, their profits go directly to the creator. Zine fairs are a popular way to meet zine artists and purchase or exchanges zines. 
• Self-published - Zines resist traditional publishing. Accessible even to amateur creators, they are usually self-produced or created collaboratively with a minimal budget.

The boundary between zine and artist's book is blurry. Zines may be elevated to book arts with more expensive materials and advanced techniques. The non-commercial economy of zines also differentiates them from artists' books and other self-published works. 

Libraries have a commitment to intellectual freedom and broad, representative collections. Zines have been the to-go publishing format for many marginalized individuals, communities, and subcultures. It's important to include these resources for cultural memory and historical record in a research library. Additionally, zines can serve as inspiration for students interested in the DIY nature and creative output of zines.

Bridwell Art Library welcomes donations of zines! We collect on all topics and are especially interested in the work of UofL faculty and students, the Louisville community, and the broader region. We will only accept print copies of zines. Fill out the donation form and stop by the Art Library with your zine!