Thanks to Alycia for that wonderful introduction, and Hello Everyone! I am thrilled to be the new Zine Librarian here at Brooklyn College Library. Alycia is a formidable force in the world of zines, and she will be a tough act to follow, that’s for sure. But I will do my very best. I feel well-prepared to pick up where Alycia has left off, having been there at the beginning as a Zine Intern two years ago, and receiving such valuable training from Prof. Sellie herself. I feel devoted to this Zine Collection, watching it grow from a couple boxes and a dream into the sensational collection it is now. I will do my best to keep the momentum going!

I wanted to also ask for your help, zine/library folks: Please pass along any ideas for new local or obscure places I can find zines, new columns you’d like to see on this blog, or zines you’ve made or read that you think should be part of the collection (don’t forget, it’s Zines made in or about Brooklyn, Zines about Zines, and others on a case-by-case basis).

I am also in the process of collecting ideas (whether tried and true or completely dreamed up) about how to promote the zine collections within the library, elsewhere on campus, and within the community at large. If you have any thoughts, pass them along! Now that the collection has grown to a nice size, I want to find new ways to demonstrate the value of the viewpoints contained within those xeroxed pages to people who might not know what zines are all about. I hope you will not hesitate to contact me if (BC faculty/student groups or other libraries) you want me to visit a class, or (all interested zinesters/researchers/humans) if you would like to visit the library and look through some zines.

Fellow interns Devon, Erica and Sarah, I particularly welcome your ideas. It would be great to find new ways to collaborate if you are willing!

Robin Potter

zinecollection@brooklyn.cuny.edu