Lehigh Libraries Special Collections announces an exciting new exhibit opening in January 2025. Recently, the Libraries acquired the Robert Lichtman Science Fiction Fanzine Collection amounting to over 15,000 items. This extensive collection spans nearly a century, dating from the late 1930s through 2022, and features commentary, fan fiction, criticism, conference proceedings, and other genres. Along with the printed works, the archive includes correspondence, original art, and several fanzine titles personally published by Lichtman.

Fanzines, or ‘zines, as they are commonly referred to, may seem like an unusual choice for an institution whose traditional rare book collection is steeped in history. However, a previous gift of fanzines from alumnus Frank Lunney already revealed significant research interest across the curriculum. 

Boaz Nadav Manes, Lehigh University Librarian says: “Adding this comprehensive fanzine collection to Lehigh Libraries’ holdings establishes our libraries as a primary national destination for research related to science fiction studies and affiliated interdisciplinary fields. With the addition of Lichtman’s correspondence and artwork, the collections’ appeal goes much beyond its thematic focus and will generate enthusiasm around deepening our understanding of areas such as fandom culture, network analysis, gender studies, and more. We are truly excited about this landmark addition to our collection.” 

The exhibit accompanying the acquisition includes published foundational science fiction literature, including early examples of works that incorporate aspects of AI into their stories, such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, R.U.R., and Tik-Tok of Oz. Selected zines displayed include some of the earliest examples of this genre dating from the 1930s to those written during World War II and the Vietnam War. Artful covers capture one’s imagination, while the authors’ and editors’ commentary about current events is insightful.

Lois Black, Director of Library Special Collections, is already strategizing about the potential partnerships a collection such as this may forge. “Study of fanzines cuts across Lehigh’s curriculum. The design and communication style represented in the fanzines has been compared to today’s social media and may serve as a witness to contemporaneous events and cultural trends over the last ninety years.”

 

On-site Displays at Linderman Library and E.W. Fairchild-Martindale Library

While it will take some time before the entire Lichtman fanzine collection is fully cataloged and prepared for use, we are pleased to exhibit highlighted selections from the collection showing its breadth and depth. The on-site display opens in Linderman Library in January, with additional material relating to international Worldcons (World Science Fiction Convention) opening later in Fairchild-Martindale Library. Both displays will be on view through the end of July 2025. Please also visit the virtual exhibit and watch for news about upcoming programs.

 

Galaxy of Ideas

Dates: Open through July 18

Hours: Daily 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Location: Linderman Library, Ground and First Floors
30 Library Dr, Bethlehem PA 18015

Visit Linderman Library’s ground and first floors to see the Galaxy of Ideas display, which exhibits a curated selection from the collection, showing its breadth and depth. Also on display are zines dating back to the 1930s, which are among the earliest works in this genre.

Learn more and plan your visit

 

Building Worlds, Building Community

Dates: Open through July 31

Hours: Weekdays 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Weekends 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Location: E.W. Fairchild-Martindale Library, Sixth Floor (South Wing)
8 E Packer Ave, Bethlehem PA 18015

Visit E.W. Fairchild-Martindale Library’s sixth floor (south wing) to see the Building Worlds, Building Community display, which features Worldcon material from the 1930s through present day and examines how science fiction has shaped—and been shaped by—society and culture in the real world. Visit and make your own zine!

Learn more and plan your visit