Zines (pronounced “zeens”) are self-made, self-distributed publications. Typically produced in small batches that can be easily reproduced, zines are a direct expression from the creator to the reader without financial motivation. Here is a collection of zines created by the Idaho Commission for Libraries. You can print and fold copies for use in your own library or zine collection.
Self-Care Zine
A zine with some simple self-care tips and reminders, including a page to color, an opportunity to list things that will help you feel better, and a few resources you can reach out to when struggling. Adapted with permission from a zine created by Kate Radford, Boise Public Library.
Digital Inclusion Zine
A zine activity that introduces the five elements of digital inclusion and asks the reader to reflect on what their library is doing now in regards to digital inclusion, and how their library might address it in the future. This zine needs to be printed double sided, or as two separate zines.
How to make a mini-zine
This zine introduces what a zine is and teaches the reader how to make their own 8 page mini-zine from a single piece of paper. This zine was created as a part of the Idaho Information Literacy Project.
SIFT zine
This zine introduces the SIFT Moves, which are four things to do when you’re confronted with information that may not be 100% true. SIFT stands for Stop, Investigate the source, Find better sources, and Trace claims, quotes and media back to the original context. The SIFT Moves were created by Mike Caufield and shared with an open license. This zine was created as a part of the Idaho Information Literacy Project.
Political speech zine
This zine prints the sections of Idaho Code that relate to political speech for public employees and provides some tips on complying with Idaho Code as a public employee, especially those that work in libraries. This large zine is printed on 11 x 17 paper, but folded just like a normal 8-page zine.
Download PDF
How to fold this zine
Large 8-page zine template
ALA Library Bill of Rights zine
This is a zine representation of the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.
ALA Code of Ethics zine
This is a zine representation of the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics.
How to make a tiny zine
This zine introduces what a zine is and teaches the reader how to make their own 16 page tiny-zine from a single piece of paper. This zine was created as a part of the Idaho Information Literacy Project.
Today I Learned Zine
How Do I Navigate Futures?
In this interactive zine you’ll discover how you view our possible futures, the value of looking back to see forward, and write a story about your future self. Great to use with students, staff, and community members! Contents borrowed from “Futures Thinking Playbook” with permission from Teach the Future.
BCAF 2024 Future Navigator Zine
Printing tip: this zine is designed to be printed on 8 1/2 x 11 paper, double-sided, folded in half, and stapled in the middle.
Check out our Zines in the Library tutorial on Niche Academy:
For more information on zines, check out Intro to zines (zinelibraries.info)