This book will help librarians extend literary graphic novel collections to attract a large, untapped group of comic book readers with a sure-to-be-popular comic book collection.
Do comic books belong in libraries? Absolutely—as Comic Book Collections for Libraries makes very clear. This illustrated guide defines the role of comic books in the modern library, provides a thorough grounding in the subject for beginners, and suggests new ideas for those already familiar with these perennial reader favorites.
The book begins by introducing the structure of the comic book, industry players, and genres. The bulk of the guide, however, is comprised of actionable advice on such things as creating and maintaining the collection, cataloging for effective access, and promoting the collection, including how to feature comics with other library materials, such as movies and games. Drawing on the authors' experience, the volume answers numerous other questions as well. How can you tell which titles are age-appropriate for your library? Which titles are popular? How do you include characters that will appeal to diverse reader groups? Complete with checklists and a rich array of examples, this easy-to-use work can make every librarian a superhero.
Table of Contents:
Foreword by Stan Sakai
Acknowledgments
1. Comic Books, Graphic Novels, and Popular Culture
A Brief History of Comic Books
Medium or Genre?
The Value of Comic Books
Libraries, Comic Books, and Graphic Novels
Conclusion
Notes
References
2. The Structure of the Comic Book
Titles
Issues
Volumes
Arcs/Crossovers
Continuity
Conclusion
Notes
References
3. The Players
Publishers
Archie
Big Two
Dark Horse Comics
DC
Fantagraphics
IDW
Image
Marvel
Tokyopop
Viz Media
Creators (Writers, Artists, Editors)
Adams, Neal (Artist)
Barks, Carl (Writer, Artist)
Bendis, Brian Michael (Writer, Artist)
Brubaker, Ed (Writer)
Byrne, John (Writer, Artist)
Claremont, Chris (Writer)
Eisner, Will (Writer, Artist)
Ellis, Warren (Writer)
Ennis, Garth (Writer)
Gaiman, Neil (Writer)
Johns, Geoff (Writer)
Kirby, Jack (Artist, Writer)
Kubert, Joe (Artist)
Lee, Jim (Writer, Artist, Editor)
Lee, Stan (Writer, Editor)
McFarlane, Todd (Writer, Artist)
Mignola, Mike (Writer, Artist)
Millar, Mark (Writer)
Miller, Frank (Writer, Artist)
Moore, Alan (Writer)
Morrison, Grant (Writer)
Perez, George (Artist, Writer)
Quesada, Joe (Artist, Editor)
Romita, John, Jr. (Artist)
Romita, John, Sr. (Artist)
Ross, Alex (Artist)
Sakai, Stan (Writer, Artist)
Schwartz, Julius (Editor)
Shooter, Jim (Writer, Editor)
Sim, Dave (Writer, Artist)
Takahashi, Rumiko (Writer, Artist)
Tezuka, Osamu (Writer, Artist)
Waid, Mark (Writer)
Weisinger, Mort (Editor)
Other Industry Terms and Organizations
Artist
Breakdowns
Bronze Age
Colorist
Comics Code Authority
Creator
Creator-Owned
Diamond Comic Distributors
Direct Market
Editor
Golden Age
Inker
Letterer
Modern Age
Penciler
Plotter
Scripter
Silver Age
Work for Hire
Writer
Conclusion
Notes
References
4. Genres
Superheroes
Manga
Romance
Westerns
Horror
Crime
Science Fiction
Fantasy
Nonfiction
Alternative
War
Licensed Comics
Children's Comics
Conclusion
Notes
References
5. Creating and Maintaining a Core Comic Book Collection
Formats for Library Collections
Where to Buy Comic Books
Binding Considerations for Comics
Determining Age Appropriateness and Creating Selection Guidelines
Policies for Comic Books
Funding for a Comic Book Collection
Monitoring and Maintaining the Collection
Conclusion
Notes
References
6. Cataloging
Monographs, Serials, or Both?
Title Access
Notes Fields
Subject and Title Headings
Main Entry/Cuttering
Cataloging Examples
Example #1: Essential Spider-Woman, vol. 1
Example #2: Birds of Prey: The Battle Within
Collection Location
Conclusion
Notes
References
7. An Effective Collection: Guidelines for Promotion
Public Relations, Promotion, and Advertising
Developing Messages about the Collection
Physical Location and Display
Promotional Displays Inside and Outside the Library
Building a Community around Comic Books
Events to Promote the Collection
Communications about the Collection
Promoting the Collection on the Library Web Site
Using Library Newsletters and Other Publications
Using Press Releases
Using Surveys and Polls to Promote and Build the Collection
New Media for Promotion
Sharing with Other Professionals
Specific Promotion Techniques for School Librarians
Marketing the Comic Book Collection to Women
Conclusion
Note
References
Recommended Readings
8. Comics in Other Parts of the Library
Films
Television
Using the Audiovisual Collection
Traditional Games
Role-Playing Games
Video Games
Miniatures Games
Games Days/Nights
Conclusion
Notes
References
9. Web Resources
Publishers
Comics News
Sales
Reviews
Lists of Collected Editions and Their Contents
Age-Appropriate Material
Women in Comics
Conclusion
Notes
References
Glossary
Appendix A: Initial Graphic Title List and Inclusion Criteria
Appendix B: Comic Book Characters and Their Titles
Appendix C: Further Readings on Comics, Graphic Novels, Manga, and Anime
Index
About the Author :
Bryan D. Fagan is a freelance writer. He has an MLS degree from the University of Maryland.
Jody Condit Fagan is associate professor and content interfaces coordinator at James Madison University Libraries and Educational Technologies, Harrisonburg, VA.
Review :
This thorough guide focuses on creating a core collection for adults, though much of it will also be useful for youth librarians. . . . Armed with this book, librarians should feel confident about knowledgeably creating and maintaining a successful comic-book collection.
A highly useful and highly recommended read for any librarian who wants to create greater interest in their facility.
