Zine Collection Developer

The current opportunity is available for current Manchester Met students, to apply you must be based in the UK for the duration of the role.
We are looking for two students to work closely with the Special Collections Museum team to develop our Zine Collection.
Zines are self-published, non-commercial publications. They are typically produced in limited batches with a DIY (do-it-yourself) aesthetic, using various techniques including collage, photocopy and hand drawing. Zines cover a wide range of subjects, including art, politics, music, and personal experiences.
Inclusivity and diversity are considered inherent within Zine Collections. They are often a way for marginalized groups and individuals to share their perspectives and experiences, and connect with others who have similar interests. We want to make sure that our zine collection is as diverse as it can be and reflects an array of creators, narratives, and lived experiences.
We are looking for two students to evaluate our collections, identify any gaps and research new zines to acquire to fill those gaps. Sharing the collection development process and working with partner groups is also part of the Museum's work to diversify collections.
Please note this is a one-off, short-term role for 8 hours work in total. We expect the successful candidates to work flexibly to find a convenient working pattern, manage a small amount of independent research time, and fill out a timesheet.,

• Collection Assessment: analyse the existing zine collection to determine the range of subjects, themes, and creators represented.


• Gap identification: determine areas where the collection lacks representation in terms of subjects, themes, and creators.


• Collection development: research and identify new zines that address the identified gaps and contribute to a diverse collection., Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
  
  Research skills


• Communication and networking


• Time management


Additional information: The role will involve a visit to another university Zine Collection and either a zine shop or zine fair in the Greater Manchester area. Travel time to and from is on top of the working hours, but travel expenses will be covered., This role is only open to current Manchester Met Students who meet the following requirements -

• Have an interest in equality, diversity and inclusion


• Have an interest in research


• Have good time management skills


We welcome applications from any student, but we are keen to encourage applications from individuals who are not traditionally represented in the library, archive, and museum sectors. You don't need prior experience of museums, libraries or making zines. What we do value is lived experiences and we want you to be curious about how libraries and cultural institutions develop and shape their collections and be willing to challenge and question accepted practices.