The Library’s Guide to Graphic Novels

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The circ stats say it all: graphic novels’ popularity among library users keeps growing, with more being published (and acquired by libraries) each year. The unique challenges of developing and managing a graphics novels collection have led the Association of Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS) to craft this guide, presented under the expert supervision of editor Ballestro, who has worked with comics for more than 35 years. Examining the ever-changing ways that graphic novels are created, packaged, marketed, and released, this resource gathers a range of voices from the field to explore such topics as

• a cultural history of comics and graphic novels from their World War II origins to today, providing a solid grounding for newbies and fresh insights for all;
• catching up on the Big Two’s reboots: Marvel’s 10 and DC’s 4;
• five questions to ask when evaluating nonfiction graphic novels and 30 picks for a core collection;
• key publishers and cartoonists to consider when adding international titles;
• developing a collection that supports curriculum and faculty outreach to ensure wide usage, with catalogers’ tips for organizing your collection and improving discovery;
• real-world examples of how libraries treat graphic novels, such as an in-depth profile of the development of the Penn Libraries' manga collection;
• how to integrate the emerging field of graphic medicine into the collection; and
• specialized resources like The Cartoonists of Color and Queer Cartoonists databases, the open access scholarly journal Comic Grid, and the No Flying, No Tights website.

Packed with expert guidance and useful information, this guide will assist technical services staff, catalogers, and acquisition and collection management librarians.