Zines in Manuscript Collections at the BPCL
Zines in Manuscript Collections at the BPCL
The BPCL has a remarkable collection of archival materials related to zines. These collections offer an in-depth look at the step-by-step process of creating zines, including correspondence with artists, writers, and scholars who contribute their work to fanzines; some manuscript collections include the original paste-ups that were used to create zine copies. The manuscript collections also capture the history and culture surrounding zine communities, especially fanzine communities.
The American Tolkien Society Collection (PCL MS 134)
The American Tolkien Society Collection richly documents the output and discourse of Tolkien fans, scholars, and publishers, particularly during the 1970s-1990s. The collection consists of organizational papers, correspondence, written productions, and printed material created or collected by the American Tolkien Society (ATS). Many materials are relevant to the production of the ATS's journal, Minas Tirith Evening-Star (MTES), including fan submissions of Tolkien-related essays, criticism, fiction, poetry, artwork, and musical notation. The collection is also a remarkable repository of information about Tolkien communities and fandom beyond ATS.
Issues of Minas Tirith Evening-Star (MTES) can be found in the BPCL's fanzine collection.
Alice J. Mills Kirk/Spock (K/S) Fanzine Collection (PCL MS 224)
The Alice J. Mills Kirk/Spock (K/S) Fanzine Collection represents nearly four decades of participation in the Star Trek slash fanfiction movement, from the 1970s until Alice Mills’ death in 2015. The collection is primarily comprised of fanzines centered on the Kirk/Spock (K/S) relationship from the original Star Trek television series and subsequent movies. It is the “/” between the names of Kirk and Spock from which the term “slash” fiction is derived. In addition to Kirk/Spock, the collection also contains materials from fandoms such as Jack/Ennis or B/B (Brokeback Mountain); Garak/Bashir (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine); Love Noir Deux (A Donald Strachey Mystery Slash Zine), and several non-fandom works. Also included are audio cassettes featuring notables such as William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, a collection of photographs, and original fan art.
Hoosier Archives Collection of Dipzine Materials (PCL MS 238)
The Hoosier Archives Collection of Dipzine Materials includes a vast array of materials concerning the production and dissemination of Walter W. Buchanan's "dipzine" (or Diplomacy zine) titled The Hoosier Archives. The collection consists of organizational files, which include handbooks, tactical strategies, subscriptions, lists of players and game masters; game files; correspondence between Walter W. Buchanan and numerous game masters and players; card files; and awards/plaques.
Sandra Springer Papers (PCL MS 192)
The Sandra Springer Papers include record of Sandra Springer's activities within fandom, including paper copies of several versions of her database, correspondence with other fans, conference materials, and a collection of items relating to a trip she took with several friends to see William Shatner ride horses in a horse show in Kentucky.
The materials in this collection will be of interest to those studying the fan cultures of the 1980s and 1990s, the influence of technology, and fanzines in general.
Ellen Nehr Papers (PCL MS 147)
The Ellen Nehr Papers consists of research materials, correspondence, and manuscript materials written by Ellen Nehr, as well as review proofs of books written by others that she received for inclusion in her Murder Ad Lib newsletter. These materials will be of interest to those studying fan culture, the mystery fiction industry of the late 20th century, and the work of Ellen Nehr.
An inventory is not currently available for this collection; however, the materials are available for research upon request.
Chelsea Quinn Yarbro Papers (PCL MS 180)
The Chelsea Quinn Yarbro Papers contain manuscript materials, items related to the publishing process, as well as professional and personal correspondence received by the author. This collection includes myriad zines related to horror and science fiction.
Materials in boxes 38-60 were added in 2014 and are only partially processed. These materials are accessible to researchers, but must be reviewed by the archivist prior to use.