Radical Reference and Zines: Activist Librarianship at Your library, Online, and in the Street

This presentation focuses on expanding library services for activists and independent media makers, especially youth. Specifically the volunteer organization Radical Reference and the zine collection at Barnard College will be discussed.

Radical Reference is a collective of volunteer librarians who support activist communities, progressive organizations, and independent journalists by providing professional research support, education, and access to information. Zines are self-publications with roots in American revolutionary war pamphlets and science fiction fanzines. How do these new initiatives support the mission of urban librarianship in a public higher education setting?