Once your library has acquired a collection of zines, the next big question is how to display and store them.

One tried and true method is magazine file boxes, also known as pamphlet file or shelf file boxes. These are great for storage but less great for easy perusal.

Stacks at the previous location of ZAPP in Seattle

The “open back” style of magazine file boxes (like these at the Olympia Timberland Branch) may encourage browsing.

Stacks at the Olympia Timberland Library

To increase visibility and browsing, having at least some of your collection in front-facing shelving is a must. These acrylic “zig-zag counter displays” are eye-catching and help prevent “floppy zine syndrome.”

Display at the Barnard College Library

Display at the Long Beach Public Library

File cabinets can also be a good storage solution for tight spots. The Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) Library stores their large zine collection in hanging file folders, organized by title. Again, having at least some of the collection easily visible is key.

Zines area at Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Does your library have periodicial display racks which are no longer in use? They might come in handy for your zine collection, like this repurposed newspaper display.

Display at Hollis University Library

This wire framed rack at the 38th Street branch of the Indianapolis Public Library is displayed prominently.

These single-faced shelving racks, found at Hennepin County Library’s Minneapolis Central Library, provide visibility and a little mobility.

Zine display racks at the Minneapolis Central Library

For those with a larger budget, these “media browsing bins” at the Pacific Northwest College of Art and Vancouver Public Library pull out for better access.

Shelving at the Pacific Northwest College of Art

Shelving at Vancouver Public Library

More artistic (and DIY) options can include hanging wire and attaching zines with metal hinge clips or clothespins.

Display at the Glasgow School of Art

Now that you’ve got some ideas of how to display your zines, you need to decide if and how you’ll categorize them. There’s no standard way, but check out this sampling of other libraries’ categories for ideas.