Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

Comics & Graphic Novels

Coming soon to…well…everywhere!

Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

What you need to know:

• The difference between comics & graphic novels is, simply, length

• Both are examples of SEQUENTIAL ART

• Comics (& graphic novels) are a FORMAT, not a GENRE

Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

According to “The Secret Origin of Good Readers”…

Reading comic books may help to:• Develop an increased interest

in reading.

• Increase literacy in the broad sense of the word.

• Develop language skills and a rich and varied vocabulary.

• Foster interest in a variety of literary genres.

• Foster interest in a broad range of topics.

• Stimulate a creative imagination.

• Develop an appreciation of art.

• Develop the ability to discuss and critique art and writing.

• Increase understanding of how meaning is found in visual phenomena.

• Enhance understanding of popular culture

Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

Also…

• Comics & graphic novels are not just for kids

• They aren’t just about superheroes either

• Comics & graphic novels are great for reluctant readers…

• …but that doesn’t mean they aren’t “real” books

Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

No shortcuts…• Like other formats, selecting comics & graphic novels requires knowledge and passion

• Comics & graphic novels should be selected carefully, with an eye toward users, the library material selection policy, and community standards.

• There are no shortcuts. Core lists, reviews, and recommendations are a great place to start, but a great collection depends on a librarian who truly understands the format.

• Besides, you might just become a fan, if you aren’t one already!

Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

Things to consider…

• Space (shelving and location)

• Audience (kids, tweens, teens, adults)

• Cataloging (741’s or separate collection?)

• Who’s responsible & where does the money come from?

• Publicity and programming

• Continuing Education

Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

RESOURCES

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REVIEWS

• Booklist

• KLIATT

• Knowledge Quest

• Library Journal

• Publishers Weekly

• School Library Journal

• Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

CORE LISTS for ALL AGES

• No Flying No Tightswww.noflyingnotights.com

• Comic Books for Young Adultshttp://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/units/lml/comics/pages/index.html

• Diamond News & Reviewshttp://bookshelf.diamondcomics.com

• Brodartwww.graphicnovels.brodart.com

Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

ONLINE RESOURCES• Anime Insiderwww.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/anime

• Art Bombwww.artbomb.net

• BWIwww.bwibooks.com

• Comic Book Legal Defense Fundwww.cbldf.org

• Comic Book Publishers on the Internetwww.comiclist.com/publishers.html

• Comic Book Resourceswww.comicbookresources.com

• Comics Worth Readinghttp://comicsworthreading.com

• Internet Public Library: Graphic Novelswww.ipl.org/div/procrast/graphicnovels

Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

ONLINE RESOURCES CONTINUED…

• Librarians Guide to Anime & Mangawww.koyagi.com/Libguide.html

• Newsaramawww.newsarama.com

• Previewshttp://previews.diamondcomics.com/public

• Secret Origin of Good Readerswww.night-flight.com/secretorigin

• Sequential Tartwww.sequentialtart.com/home.php

• Wizard Magazinehttp://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/wizard

Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

Graphic Novels in Libraries Email List

• To subscribe, go to http://lists.topica.com/lists/GNLIB-L/

• List website at • www.angelfire.com/comics/gnlib

Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

BOOKS• Graphic Novels 101: Selecting and Using Graphic Novels to Promote Literacy for Children and

Young Adults: A Resource Guide for School Librarians and Educators by Philip Charles Crawford (Hi Willow, 2003)

• Anime Explosion: The What, Why and Wow of Japanese Animation by Patrick Drazen (Stone Bridge Press, 2002)

• Graphic Novels Now: Building, Managing, and Marketing a Dynamic Collection by Francisca Goldsmith (American Library Association, 2005)

• Getting Graphic! Using Graphic Novels to Promote Literacy with Preteens and Teens by Michele Gorman (Linworth Publishing, 2003)

• Graphic Novels: Everything You Need to Know by Paul Gravett (Collins Design, 2005)

• Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud (Kitchen Sink Press, 1994)

• Developing and Promoting Graphic Novel Collections by Steve Miller (Neal-Shuman, 2005)

• The 101 Best Graphic Novels by Stephen Weiner (Nantier Beall Minoustchine Publishing,2nd Revised Edition, 2006)

Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

AWARDS

• YALSA’s Great Graphic Novels Listwww.ala.org/ala/yalsa/booklistsawards/greatgraphicnovelsforteens/nominations.htm

• Eisner Awardswww.comic-con.org/cci/cci_eisners_main.shtml

• Harvey Awardswww.harveyawards.org

• Comic Book Awards Almanachttp://users.rcn.com/aardy/comics/awards

Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

EVENTS

• Free comic book day (5 May 2007)

www.freecomicbookday.com

• Comics conventionswww.comic-con.org

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YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND

Comic Shop Locatorhttp://

csls.diamondcomics.com

Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

DISPLAY IDEAS

• Highlight titles that tie in with current events or pop culture

• Mix formats around a theme

• Use the calendar

• Offer Readalikes

• Supplement displays with booklists

Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

PUBLICITY IDEAS

• Work with your comics retailer to publicize the library collection

• Include graphic novels in school and community book talks

• Add comics & graphic novels news to library newsletter or send out a press release

• Distribute flyers anywhere comics fans congregate

Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

PROGRAMMING IDEAS

The possibilities are endless and the return on

investment is HUGE!

Copyright Julie Bartel 2007

City Library Graphic Novel Collection

Grand Openingwith Special Guest Neil Gaiman