OLIS: Comics and Graphic Novels in the Library: More than "POW!"

Presenter(s)/Discussion Leader(s):

William Doughty, Bryant University Library

The status of comics and graphic novels in libraries has changed greatly in the past decade. How does this genre fit into your library's collection? Comic Cons in public libraries are a huge success because patrons enjoy and relate to the genre. The ALA Conference features a Graphic Novel/Gaming Stage and ALA is presenting and exhibiting at New York Comic Con. Comics and graphic novels bring in the "new adults" into the library because they grew up with the stories and characters depicted. Academic libraries purchase comics and graphic novels not just because they are used in the curriculum but because students want to read them for leisure. Do you know about the Eisner Awards for the comics industry which are considered the Oscars of the comic industry? Or that there is a Comic Book Legal Defense Fund?

William Doughty, Borrower Services Librarian, Bryant University, will share his expertise in the world of comics and graphic novels. Some of the points he will address include: how times have changed for comics, collection development tools and how to catalog/classify the materials in the collection, shelving, handling book challenges, and the connections between graphic novels and gaming.

Registration required.

Intended Audience:

Any LORI Library Staff interested in the use of comics and graphic novels in public or academic libraries. Areas of expertise include adult reader services, collection management, gaming, and circulation.