The Gleeson Zine Kits was a pilot initiative to facilitate the experience of making zines in the remote student environment. The kits were requested by USF community members who were interested in making zines on their own, or they were mailed out ahead of time for Gleeson Zine workshops and classes. The zine kits provided Gleeson Library with the opportunity to advance our mission to actively engage the USF community by providing the resources, and services to develop the whole person. Remote teaching and learning has not been an easy task, these zine kits created new connections with our students amidst the challenges of remote learning and engagement. The zine kits highlight the library's values of access, community, innovation and creativity, as well as helped us pursue our vision to be a central partner in student success. Additionally, the Gleeson Zine Library shares the University’s commitment to social justice movements and local community activism by collecting and loaning print zines that center BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ narratives, and their own voices.

Assessment

We measured the success and impact of the Gleeson Zine Kits pilot initiative by tracking the number of requests and encouraging participants to complete a short survey. A survey was sent out to the first 89 and zine requestors and received 15 responses. Here is the feedback we received.

Faculty Feedback

I loved it. More importantly, my students loved it. I've done zine workshops in the past - face to face in Gleeson. When I learned that they would be available during Covid I jumped at the opportunity. It worked, I believe, for so many reasons. First, it's a fun and creative activity. Second, using our hands and senses and bodies and incorporating analog tools like paper and pens and scissors during OUR ERA OF ZOOM totally works - it was a wonderful escape from our zoom sessions.

Student Feedback

This was a great way to get involved in school activities without being on campus! it made me sooo happy to receive.

I loved the zine kit!! So cute and super helpful for making stuff. The zine workshops have probably been my favorite USF event/program and this was a great translation of it.

Of the 109 zine kit requestors, 85% were USF students, 9% were USF staff, and 6% were USF faculty. All of the survey participants stated that they received their zine kits.

When asked to provide suggestions or comments, here is what the respondents had to say.

I love it, and I think it should continue to be offered :)

Keep up the good work! Spread awareness of the program because I think so many students would love to receive a kit.