This is a zine about library activism. First, we are treated to a guide on how to put on and maintain an alternative library like the Civic Media Center, which publishes this magazine. Then we get a guide to locating independent book publishers. The most important feature in this issue is “Libraries as Media”, the theory that libraries are a form of media, and even a sort of meta-media, since it is used to convey information to the public. It goes on to describe the numerous challenges libraries face nowadays, from the increasing cost of books, the increasing amount of books published to the problems of cataloguing, commercialization, political indoctrination, etc. There is an article chronicling the life of late 19th century anarchist Joseph A. Labadie, and a long review of Project Censored 1999. That’s the first half. The second half of this publication is made up of reviews of reference books, books from the alternative press, zines, magazines, youth-related books and serious comics. This is an excellent resource for librarians and people interested in alternative media alike. The only reproach I would make to this publication is its dry writing. It’s kind of like reading a Chomsky Book – you know what you’re reading is important, you care immensely, but still can’t wait for it to be over, you know? (Frandroid Atreides)
magazine, vol 4, #3, 68 pages, Charles Willett, $9, 1716 SW Williston Road, Gainesville, FL, 32608-4049, USA