I find writing summaries rather difficult, because I feel that I either add in too much information or not enough. In my paper are plenty of websites listed of where to locate the various types of resources. If anybody would like a copy I will attach the sources to this blog.
For this paper I wanted to provide
information for reader advisors who are not particularly familiar with graphic
novels. The first part of the paper is
defining basic graphic novel term including what a graphic novel is: "graphic novel is a term gaining
acceptance that is used to describe bound narratives that tell a story through
sequential art with or without text." (Butler Library, 2017). In the paper are brief descriptions of basic
graphic novel terms, such as comic
book, trade paperback/trade hardcover, omnibus, one-shot, manga, and hentai.
Graphic novels are not a separate
genre but a format; in the same way that a novel in printed form is the same
item in digital form. There are
many types of graphic novels. The
illustrative medium lends itself very well to any genre. If there is a genre in fiction and some in
non-fiction then there is a graphic novel counterpart.
The next section of the paper
discusses the six appeal elements found in books: pacing, characterization, story line, frame/setting, tone/mood, and
language/style. These are essential when digging deeper to
fine tune what the reader wants.
Graphic novel readers could be
interested in a specific comic book series, character, writer and/or illustrator. With graphic novels different writers and
illustrators can interpret the same characters very differently. The different ways of interpretation can
drastically alter the six appeal elements from book to book.
The last sections contains advise
for getting reader advisory information for graphic novels from online/ print
sources, publishers, fellow librarians/library employees, patrons, and comic
book stores/comic cons. A very good way for a reader advisor to learn about
graphic novels is to read some in a variety of genres.
The bottom line is to treat reader
advisory for graphic novels the same as you would for other novels. Take the time to find out what kind of genre,
sub-genre, and which characteristics in the six elements of book appeal that the
patron is looking for. The exception is
to include the art work as being equally important as the story.
Butler
Library. (2017). Research guides: Graphic novels. Columbia University Libraries. Retrieved from http://library.columbia.edu/subject-guides/graphic_novels.html
I absolutely adore graphic novels because I am a huge fan of anime and manga as they have a good amount of characterization and plots for their readers. I am visual reader as well so it helps to see the characters and the story as it unfolds before me because it helps me to feel like that I am there. I think it is very helpful to be aware of graphic novels because they are very popular among a variety of age levels, even those who are adult readers. Being aware of the variety of genres, sub-genres, and characteristics of book appeal within graphic novels is important because patrons that are seeking them out require the same of reader's advisory service.
ReplyDeleteThanks April.
ReplyDeleteI belong to a couple on non-for-profit literacy groups. One of the groups gives away books of all kinds to all ages at different functions. I bought like 100 comics very cheap for the group. They were not sure if the books would be wanted. Much to everyone's surprise the comic books we hot items. People of all ages were eager to read these books.
I have worked at my current library job for 14 months and in this time I have doubled the size of the graphic novel section. I was put in charge of ordering graphic novels, art, theology, and some other sections.
When I started the graphic novels were in three different areas: children section, YA, and next to large print. It was an inconvenience to the library patrons, because volume one of Spider-Man was in the YA section and volume two of the same series was in the children's section. After many attempts I finally was able to move all the graphic novels and manga books to a dedicated area. The exception is that the graphic novels aimed at children were kept in the children section. This makes sense, because these books are more for easy reader or stories aimed for the young children.
Several library patrons have commented positively on the change in location and the broadening of topics outside of the typical superhero genre. However, I did have some internal library issues when I ordered the graphic novel Sex Criminals which is aimed at adult readers, but that is another story.
Hi Robert,
ReplyDeleteExcellent topic to explore! I feel it is very important to give graphic novel readers the same consideration you would any other reader within the library. I feel this is especially true of younger patrons who might be "easing" their way into reading or (anyone who) just happens to love graphic novels. This is a medium which is responsible for some of the greatest stories ever written and drawn! I feel libraries have taken great strides in order to provide greater access to comics and graphic novels. I couldn't help but notice the growing collection at a few of my local libraries. Have you heard of the Will Eisner grant?
Robert, Wonderful, paper topic. You gave me some new insights as to the treatment of graphic novels. I had never read one until I took another class and did some research into reluctant readers and discovered that graphic novels are a great format to reach these types of readers.
ReplyDeleteGlad you shared what you learned. We still need to delve deeper into what appeals to readers to help them find graphic novels of interest to them.