Zooming into the world of comics, graphic novels and zines.

• Author: Cox, Debbie
• Position: National Library of Australia

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The National Library of Australia has recently focused on building its collection of contemporary Australian comics, graphic novels and zines. Collecting this material can be difficult, as it is often made in very small print runs, is of an ephemeral and disposable nature and lacks the usual imprint details (self-publishers can be a fey, shy and wily bunch).

The word 'zine' (pronounced 'zeen') is taken from 'magazine', although the former has little in common with the more prolific and commercial latter. Zines are small underground press publications. These amazing and variable creations come from individuals who usually self-publish with only the assistance of a personal computer and a photocopier. Some zines are produced by small independent presses that use production techniques ranging from basic...