Graphic Novels Beyond the Basics: Insights and Issues for Libraries

This study of the graphic novel and its growth in the library helps librarians utilize and develop this extraordinarily popular format in their library collections. What does the surge of popularity in graphic novels mean for libraries? Graphic Novels Beyond the Basics: Insights and Issues for Libraries goes deeper into this subject than any other volume previously published, bringing together a distinguished panel of experts to examine questions librarians may encounter as they work to enhance their graphic novel holdings. Graphic Novels Beyond the Basics begins by introducing librarians to the world of the graphic novel: popular and critically acclaimed fiction and nonfiction titles; a wide range of genres including Japanese manga and other international favorites; recurring story and character archetypes; and titles created for specific cultural audiences and female readers. The book then offers a series of chapters on key issues librarians will face with graphic novels on the shelves, including processing and retention questions, preservation and retention, collecting related media such as Japanese anime films and video games, potential grounds for patron or parental complaints, the future of graphic novels, and more.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments Introduction: Origin Stories Martha Cornog and Timothy Perper A Quick History of Comics and Graphic Narrative Comics, Graphic Novels, and Librarians About Comics Today About This Book Notes References PART I: THE LITERATURE Chapter 1: The Allure of the Superhero Michael Niederhausen What Is a Superhero? Superhero History Who Loves Superheroes? Significant Superheroes Keeping Current Superhero Programs in Libraries Notes References Chapter 2: Japanese Manga Robin Brenner Origins and Influences The Manga Boom Manga Audiences, Symbols, and Literacy Cultural Road Bumps Collection Development Making Manga's Appeal Work for You: Programs and Your Community Putting It All Together Notes References Chapter 3: Girls, Women, and Comics Trina Robbins What? Girls Read Comics? Women and Comics: A Long Tradition So What Do Girls Want? Collection Development Assessing Interest and Keeping Up: What's Hot? Your Community: How to Get Girls into Your Library Girls, Women, and Comics: Reprise Notes Bibliography Chapter 4: American Comics: Beyond the Superhero, Part One, Genre Fiction Michael R. Lavin Introducing the Broader Vista An Overview of Genres Conclusion: Genres Redux Chapter 5: American Comics: Beyond the Superhero, Part Two, General Fiction and Nonfiction Michael R. Lavin Graphic Novel Adaptations Realistic Fiction Autobiography/Memoir Other Types of Nonfiction Conclusion Suggested Resources Chapter 6: Graphic Novels: A Global Literature Introduction Martha Cornog Part 1: The Global Context of Graphic Narrative John A. Lent Part 2: A Librarian's Guide to International Graphic Novels Martha Cornog Notes References PART II: GRAPHIC NOVELS AND THE LIBRARY Chapter 7: A Place in the Library Francisca Goldsmith Collection Development Acquisitions Bibliographic Access Collection Placement Circulation Issues Preservation and Collection Maintenance The Future of Graphic Novels in Libraries Notes References Chapter 8: Comics and Graphic Novels in the Academic Library Collection Lorena O'English Comics and Higher Learning: An Introduction Graphic Novels in the Academic Setting Issues Unique to Academic Library Collections Case Studies Conclusion Resources Notes Appendix A Chapter 9: Japanese Anime Gilles Poitras Before We Go Any Further: Some Definitions Characteristics of Anime and Manga What about Problematic Content? Collection-Development Considerations Anime: Fans, Programs, and Your Community What Shall the Future Bring? Notes References Web Site References Chapter 10: Censorship of Graphic Novels in Libraries Martha Cornog and Erin Byrne A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words The Way It Is: Graphic Novels and Challenges Forestalling Complaints and Challenges: Strategies Dealing with Objections and Challenges Case Studies Commentary and Conclusions Figure 1: Sample Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources Notes References Appendix A: Graphic Novels and Games Robin Brenner Appendix B: Guide to Graphic Novels in Special Topics Martha Cornog 1 African American–Interest Graphic Novels: Resources 2 Latino-Interest Graphic Novels: Resources 3 LGBT-Interest Graphic Novels: Resources 4 Religious-Themed Graphic Novels: Resources Appendix C: Bibliography of Books: Graphic Novels, Libraries, and Literacy Martha Cornog Appendix D: Selected Online Resources Martha Cornog Index About the Editors and Contributors

About the Author :
Martha Cornog is a freelance researcher and writer and has written the graphic novel column for Library Journal since 2006. Timothy Perper is review and commentary editor for Mechademia: An Annual Forum for Anime, Manga and the Fan Arts.

Review :
The editors of this engaging guide assert that graphic literature is not just a genre but rather an effective literary medium. They sustain their argument through a brief but insightful historical recap, an overview of evolving critical commentary, updated statistics touting ubiquitous growth, a nod to literacy-related research, and testimonials from librarians—all in the introduction. . . . This useful and entertaining guide is recommended for public and academic libraries, for both nascent and established graphic collections. Any old time librarian who wants to better understand the graphic novel and decide if their library should begin to carry them needs to consider Graphic Novels: Beyond the Basics as an educational introduction and reference to the category. In this collection of ten chapters by librarians, graphic novel writers, and others based in the US, Cornog and Perper introduce librarians to graphic novels. Chapters explain genres, superhero comics, manga, graphic fiction and nonfiction, comics for girls and women, international comics, and issues relating to purchasing, cataloging, preserving, collecting related media like anime films and video games, collecting for academic libraries, and dealing with potential complaints and censorship. Core lists of recommended titles are included, and an appendix lists graphic novels of interest to African Americans, Latinos, LGBT patrons, and those interested in religious themes. This work is of value not only to the librarian, but also to the educator wishing to incorporate the graphic form into their classroom. Contributors to this book include librarians, scholars, and publishers, giving the reader a well-rounded perspective from trustworthy sources. The tone is encouraging and empowering, and the information and advice is practical. This title would be an asset to any public library professional collection. Content is useful to library media specialists, academic librarians, and teachers and should be considered by those teaching in library science and media programs at the graduate level. It will serve as a reference resource to those developing a core collection, planning programs around graphic novels, academic libraries considering adding or expanding a graphic novel collection, and those writing policies or dealing with challenges of the format. Whether you are serious about the genre, interested in the history, or looking for ammunition, this book should be on your shelf. The wealth of knowledge and research that went into these essays is impressive, and reading this book will put you on the road to becoming an expert. . . . Highly recommended. highly informative . . . there is much to enjoy and inform in this volume.