Building Worlds, Building Community (FML)

Science fiction is one of the modern world’s leading art forms, and its fandom has invented the future as much as the genre’s writers.

The works of outstanding science-fiction writers show us how to face and understand emerging worlds in tumultuous times. Through the workings of fans we understand how to create community.

Fans imagined a community into existence long before the internet made it easy. They could be opinionated and quarrelsome, yet they worked out rules and rituals that made it possible to flourish.

The connections between readers and writers, united by a common sense of wonder and imagination, are a gift to both sides—and ultimately to the rest of us as well. Among these connections is Worldcon, the principal annual gathering of science-fiction fandom. This convention has been running since the 1930s, and is home to the famed Hugo Awards. 

This exhibit features Worldcon material through the years and examines how science fiction has shaped—and been shaped by—society and culture in the real world. 

Source(s): The Guardian

  • Building Worlds, Building Community<br /> Science fiction is one of the modern world’s leading art forms, and its fandom has invented the future as much as the genre’s writers.<br /> The works of outstanding science-fiction writers show us how to face and understand emerging worlds in tumultuous times. Through the workings of fans we understand how to create community.<br /> Fans imagined a community into existence long before the internet made it easy. They could be opinionated and quarrelsome, yet they worked out rules and rituals that made it possible to flourish.<br /> The connections between readers and writers, united by a common sense of wonder and imagination, are a gift to both sides—and ultimately to the rest of us as well. <br /> Among these connections is Worldcon, the principal annual gathering of science-fiction fandom. This convention has been running since the 1930s, and is home to the famed Hugo Awards. <br /> This exhibit features Worldcon material through the years and examines how science fiction has shaped—and been shaped by—society and culture in the real world. <br /> Source(s): The Guardian
  • We Are the Future Makers<br /> Transformational innovation­—the stuff science fiction is made of—requires aspiration and know-how. <br /> With a history of outstanding engineering programs and proximity to one of the nation’s biggest steel factories, Lehigh has always drawn from both the practical and imaginative facets of science and technology.<br /> Today, Lehigh is working to apply the most recent technological advancements in AI to the betterment of our society. <br /> As with science fiction, the impact of work like this is far-reaching—changing how makers, recipients and surrounding communities perceive and engage with the world. <br /> Many wonder what the future holds. At Lehigh University, we’re shaping it together.
  • What is Science Fiction<br /> Science fiction is a subgenre of speculative fiction, which is an umbrella term for all works of fiction that defy the common laws of our reality (such as fantasy and superhero stories). <br /> Works of science fiction are separated from other genres through their use of scientific fact and theory as the basis for their plots and world-building.<br /> While some authors use proven scientific facts and theories, others use more nebulous science in their stories. In some cases, science fiction <br /> has been able to predict future advancements and technological marvels. The works of Jules Verne, H. G. Wells, and even Gene Roddenberry (the creator of Star Trek) discussed then-unfounded <br /> scientific principles and functions so believably that they inspired future inventors and creators.<br /> In short, science fiction either explores mankind’s relationship with technology/scientific advancements, such as Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot, or uses the social sciences as a scaffolding to offer societal commentary, such as Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness.<br /> Source(s): New York Public Library
  • A Culture of Collaboration<br /> Showcasing these works created for (and around) Worldcon may seem like an unusual choice for an institution like Lehigh, whose collection is based on a more conventional research library tradition.<br /> However, study of these materials embodies Lehigh’s approach to learning and curriculum, starting with the collaborative, hands-on process of how these works are created.<br /> Even before the internet existed, fans used analog means like mail and copying machines to collectively create publications like these—to create networks, share ideas and analyses, and collaborate on writing and artwork.<br /> Through these works, authors and artists commented on—and shaped—events and cultural trends over the last 90 years. Around this corner is an example of one such zine in its entirety.<br /> This zine is part of the Robert Lichtman Science Fiction Fanzine Collection, which is on display at Linderman Library through the end of June 2025. Scan the code to learn more about this exhibit.<br /> <br /> Source(s): Lehigh Libraries, The Chapel Hill Rare Book Blog
  • Psi Phi No. 09 is a fanzine created by Robert “Bob” Lichtman in November 1963. Cover by Steve Stiles, interior illustrations by Ray Nelson.<br /> This zine is part of the Robert Lichtman Science Fiction Fanzine Collection, which is on display at Linderman Library through the end of June 2025.
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▶Building World, Building Community (FML