Notes from Barefoot Librarians session at ZL(u)C 2016, Boston
The focus on this session was to discuss how barefoot libraries are organized, funded, recruit volunteers, and the like.
QZAP – Revolving interns at the beginning of every semester. Many are cataloging and design internships.
+Have them make mini ‘how-to’ zines so that the interns understand the whole process    from maker to cataloger.
+there are some benefits to becoming a nonprofit such as fundraising options and the     allowance for tax free donations.
+raise funds though merchandise, silk-screening t-shirts, ‘anti’-kickstarter campaign, Â Â Â Â Â grants, and gifts such as the Que(er)y Librarians in NYC.
+’mofember’ read-a-thon (get paid to read zines and donate money back to QZAP)
+have lesbian songbooks, proto-zines.
+QZAP is a working archive, meaning you work and make things in the space.
+have an ephemera collection, a single-page flyer collection. Filing cabinets house zines   in alphabetical order by title.
+zines donated are kept in their original packaging with any letters, notes, stickers, etc    that came with the zine.
Interference Archive – Â in Brooklyn. Collect posters, buttons, zines, ephemera since 2011. Is all volunteer-run. Is a 501c3.
+focusing on accessibility over preservation. Open stacks, can scan anything, no white   gloves needed for handling.
+do not collect anything unique.
+might try a capital campaign to raise funds. Make money from co-working spaces and    events. Class visits (ask for donations)
+exhibitions happen all the time. Artists produce publications = advertising.
+have a podcast called Audio Interference
Papercut Zine Library – collective, non-hierarchical. All volunteers. Have thought about becoming an LLC but has not really made any movements towards that yet. In it’s 11th year.
+would not want to merge with another institution or organization as it would compromise   what their zine library is all about.
+fundraising consists of DIY shows, punk shows, benefits, community workshops (with   after-school programs, public libraries, schools, museums). For these workshops they    ask for a donation. Roughly $100-$200 for an hour to three hours.
+life-time membership on a sliding scale of $2-12 which gives you borrowing privileges. Â Â Â Also have merch for sale.
The Root Radical Lending Library – have volunteers and interns.
+has some issues in regards to raising funds as there is a conflict of interest.
+some zines circulate, some do not. All books circulate.
Some thoughts:
+How can the Progressive Librarians Guild be of assistance to these barefoot libraries?
+Thinking about Archives versus Library and what that means