Karen McEwen- Collection Development Project

Curriculum Vitae

Resume

Syllabi of Classes

The Native American Boarding School Experience 1880-1940

Collaborative Storytelling: The Evolution of Narrative in Role-Playing Games

Thirty Seconds to Impress: LIS Distance Education and Employment

Adult Graphic Novel Collection for the Public Library

Top Secret! A Checklist Evaluation of Non Fiction Espionage Monographs at the Georgetown University Libraries

Book Reviews

Adult Graphic Novel Collection for the Public Library

The Library- Introduction to the Minneapolis Central Library

Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the library was renovated in 2006. The redesign was by the architect Cesar Pelli, who in his own words refers to it as "a design masterpiece". Consisting of 353 Million square feet, there are 25 community meeting rooms, a state of the art auditorium, a center for new Americans, reular and adaptive/assistive technology labs and special spaces for children and teens. In addition to unique architecutre, the roof is host to an 18,560 square foot "green" roof featuring low growing ground cover. By 2010 the library will open the new Minnesota Planetarium & Space Discovery Center(Henneprin County Library, 2008).

Earlier this year, the library merged with the Helprin County Library system. This merger enhanced their already impressive array of services. In addition to databases and bibliographies, patrons may also download audio books, movies and music directly to their computers, through the county library website. EBooks are available and patron participation is encouraged through interactive-blog reviews.

There are 297 public computers available for use in the library. Teh assitive technology lab includes adaptive equipment, auxiliary aids, closed captioned and descriptive videos, large print and audio books (Henneprin County LIbrary, 2008. The library collects materials in thirty languages and has over three million items servicing 350,000 registered borrowers. The library actively reaches out to address the needs of all its patrons: children, teens, adults, students, the business community and new immigrants. One of the trends the library has noticed is a large increase in the immigrant population (approximately 6,000 a year) and is working with bilingual language programs in the new American Center to meet their needs (Henneprin County Library, 2008). Another local group is the students from the Minneapolis School of Design, located nearby. According to the National Association of Comic Art Eductors, the Minneapolis School of Design is one of four schools in the United States which offer a degree in sequntial art design (comic books and graphic novels)(NACAE,2008).

Parameters of the Collection- Why collect adult graphic novels?

Sales of graphic novels have increased over four hundred percent (400%) since 2001. While final sales figures for graphic novels in 2007 are not yet available, preliminary figures indicate 8,584,317 units of adult grpahic novels were sold totaling $95,174,425.00)(Anime News Network,2008). This indicates that adults are a significant demographic or consumer of graphic novels- unsurprising as the average graphic novel reader is now twenty-nine (29) years old (Weiner,2002).

Based on existing services, clientele and demonstrated popularity, the library has decided to create an adult graphic novel collection. The collection includes graphic novel series, orgiinal works and serialized comics. Adult is defined by the rating and/or age-appropriateness of selected materials. An M or Mature rating indicates materials recommended for an adult or eighteen or older audience. This is the minimum age this collection is designed for. To determine age or rating graphic novels were selected and cross referenced as follows:

Graphic novels are a format and therefore represent a number of genres. Therefore, while the collection is predominately fiction, a limited number of well reviewed non-fiction materials are also included. This core collection, featuring poular authors is primarily retrospective, but includes some current talents featured by the American Library Asociation, (ALA) on Booklist Online. Currently, materials are English only, but given the popularity of graphic novels as an educational tool, review and purchase of graphic novels in Spanish by a bilingual librarian is strongly recommnded. Due to budget restrictions neither Manga graphic novels nor anime DVD's are included.

Selected Items

See Exhibit A

Selected Tools

Selection tools fell into three catgories: Bibliographies and librarian websites, general interest and fan websites. Worldcat.org appears in both the bibliographies and librarian sites as well as general interest because it was used to idetnify the number of libraries holding the item and to find additional magazine reviews. The breakdown of this list is as follows:

An expanded bibliographic/citation list is available as Exhibit B. A Breakdown of materials by subject and selection material is available as Exhibit C.

Helpful Selection Tools

Graphic Novels: A Genre Guide- This work fills a gap in the biblographic graphic novel literature, as previous guides were produced in 1995. This was the most useful monographic tool because of its currency, comprehensiveness and rating guide. Released in 2007, this edition reviews 2,500 graphic novels and individual comic issues rating them as A (all ages), Y(youth ages ten and older), T(teens thirteen to fifteen), O (older teens, ages sixteen and seventeen and M (mature readers ages eighteen and older). Materials are divided into general genres (such as super-heroes, science fiction, horror, etc.) and then sub-genres (such as contemporary crime fighters, super hero teams, space fantasy, etc.). A plot synopsis is given for each title or series. Author, illustrator and publihser are identified as well as awards won. Additional formats in the form of movies, television programs, video games, anime or manga titles are also acknowledged. The title is recognized as either a general or core collection recommendation.

Booklist Online-Produced by the ALA, Booklist Online was used to identify recent titles (2007-2008). In addition to idetnify core lists, reviews specified age appropriateness, keyword and author. Special issus relating to key graphic novel topics were sent via electronic mail. Booklist is comprehensive including serious non-fiction adult grpahic novel titles such as Mom's Cancer by Brian Flies to btter known popular titles such as Swamp Thing by Alan Moore.

Artbomb.org-A fan based review site, found based on a recommendation in an article on the ALA website. While this site does not distinguish between age and ratings it does provide detailed reviews by individuals with a passion for graphic novels. These reviews are searchable by title or genre and are significantly longer and more detailed than librarian resources.

Helpful Tools for Web Selection

Online tools for web selection, outside of internet searches for adult graphic novels were unhelpful. The selection tools provided through the university focus on sleection for youth or teen services and were therefore irrelevant to this collection. One service that would have helped was www.Brodart.com but was currently unavailable due to a site upgrade. A free service of this site (in order to sell you a McNaughton plan), is a selection of a core collection of graphic novels at various age ratings. Brodart also offers a selection of 100 Graphic Novels in Spanish- an excellent literacy tool for the new immigrant education programs offfered at the library (Brodart, 2005.

Monographs/Clientele

Graphic novels are a part of hte popular culture of America. Any doubts of this are erased by the article "Take That Batman" featured in a 2005 issues of Newsweek. The article comments that prior to graduation; cadets of the United States Military Academy at west Point are required to read Persepolis, a coming to ange story of life in Iran, written by Marjane Strapi (Faroohar,2005).

Adult graphic novels became main stream by addressing contemporary life, current events, religion, gay/lesbian interest and mainstream popular fiction (Cornog, 2007), (Weiner, 2002). A fact noticed by a growing number of public libraries. Examples of adult collections, found through online searches, are: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Skokie Public Library and Olathe Public Library (Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 2008)(Skokie Public Library, 2008) (Olathe Public Library, 2005). In addition a major convention, New York Comic-Con, is sponsoring the ICV2 Graphic Novel Conference on April 18, 2008. Suggested attendees include librarians, who also appear on the panel lists (New YOrk Comic-Con, 2008).

Because graphic novels are a curriculum tool in school libraries, by adulthood, they are already familar with this genre. Therefore, having a selection of adult graphic novels supports the library's overall mission of lifelong learning. A second use is an educational tool. The library is firmly commited to the edcucation of new immigrants who haved moved into the area. Graphic novels are frequently used in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Because of this, a podcast with an accompanying transcription is listed under web resources found at an ESL site (Center for Educational Development, 2008). Students majoring in sequential art at the Minneapolis School of Design (campus located about two blocks from teh library), will find many of the materials of this collection supplementary to their studies.

Fianlly the Web/Library 2.0 serivces available through this library demonstrate familarity with visual literacy. Because graphic novels are also visual they are a contemporary form of literature for a sophisticated patron base. This is also why DVD selections of moveis that began as graphic novels were included in the collection. Hving botyh formats is a marketing tool. The library has the opportunity to turn viewers into readers by promoting the graphic novels in conjunction with the DVD's.

An interesting trend in the young adult graphic novel market the library may waish to consider for fugture collecting needs is the cross over of graphic novels to computer software and play station games.PlayStation currently as a Mature rated game based on a graphic novel series Full Metal Gear While the library does not currently collect in either of these areas there are several computer programs that allow users to design their own graphic novels.

Periodical Subscriptions

Because materials are for a public library, periodicals were selected in a print format

The Comics JournalFocuses on materials librarians, professionals, fans, scholars, general public and retailers will find interesting. Subscription price includes web access- very useful for the librarians to use as a bibliographic/collection development tool. Includes a web blog for discussion of comic related issues. Magazine focuses on all aspects of the comic medium-cartoons, graphic novels, etc.

Graphic Novel Scene- This periodical covers only graphic novels. This is marketed to comic book owner and librarie to how upcoming publication. Fanarizing themselves with graphic novels as well as getting a feel for appropriateness for various ages.

Sketch Magazine-An industry publication produced by the comic book supplier Blue Line Pro. Published six tiems a year the magazine is for individuals wanting to breakinto the comic book/graphic novel industry. Because of the proximinity of the design school and general interest in the topic of graphic design this magazine is full of insider information and how to tips. The magazine includes interviews with successful and current writers/illustrators and is not available at the campus library.

Non Print Items

A totlal of 75 comic book/graphic novel adaptations have hit the sivler screen, wit ha total gross amount of $6,620,357,280.00. Therefore the following graphic novels that led to the productions below are included as botoh a DVD and book format.

In addition to these graphic novels based DVD's, Comic Book Superheores Unmasked, a nonfiction look at the comic book industry produced by the History Channel, was found and selected for the collection. This DVD would appeal to a general interest groups as well as students from the Design school.

Web Sites to Visit

Because of the patron base is technologically savy, both web sites and web documents emphasizing interactive media were selected wherever possible.

Artbomb-http://www.artbomb.net/home.jsp

This website contains a welath of information for anyone interested in graphic novels. Like many other sites it includes reviews; however it cross references this with information about the authors/creators. The site offers links to ongoing webcomic series and special information for teachers.

Comic Book Resource Database-http://www.comics-db.com

An informal, free database that allows patrons to search by titles, characters, weriters, artists or series. Contains links to some of the most popular comic book publishers. The site tracks popular comics through a voting system.

English as a Second Language Podcast-http://www.clpgh.org/books/booklists//nosuperheroes.html

This site has a transcript and podcast introducing ESL students to graphic novels. Graphic novels may then be used in classes in the New American center.

Free Comic Book Day-http://www.freecomicbookday.com/

Visit this website for free comoics! May 3, 2008 i8s free comic day at selected locations. This is a perfect opportunity to unveil or maket the collection. Ideally the library would work in conjunction with a local bookshop by either setting up a table and giving away comics or at the least displaying flyers at both locations about hte new graphic novel collection.

Minneapolis College of Art and Design-http://www.mcad.edu/showPage.php?pageID=1610

Want to try your hand at designing comic books and graphic novels? Visit this link to learn about a local workshop at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design at a superhero workshop

New York Tims-http://www.nytimes.com/packages/khtml/2007/07/11/magazine/20040711_GRAPHICNOVELS_FEATURE.html

Interactive feature of the New York Times, readers may click o the site and listen to interviews with some of the top graphic novelists. Featured speakers include: Seth, Art Spiegelman, Chris Ware, Joe Sacco and Chester Brown. As you listen to each speaker, examples from their grpahic novls appear on the screen.

Web Documents

Image TexT.(2006). Interdisciplinary Comics Study. Retreived March 13, 2008 from Image TexT: http://www.english.ufl.edu/imagetext/

A journal published by the Department of English at the University of Florida, three times a year, available to anyone via the World Wide Web. The current issue: Comics and Childhood features articles such as Learning from the Sequence: The Use of Comics in INstruction and History, Pornography and Lost Girls. While the journal discusss academic issues relating to comics and graphic novels, its tone is user friendly and understandable.

Rudiger, H. (2008). Reading Lessons: Graphics 101. Retreived March 13, 2008 from the Horn Book Magzine: http://www.hbook.com/pdf/articles/mar06_rudiger.pdf

While many of the patrons are already familar with graphic novels, this article is included for patrons reading graphic novels for the first time. Article is easy to comprehend and includes examples.

Niderhausen, M. (1999). Signifying in Comic Books: Neil Gaiman's The Sandman. Retreived March 14, 2008, from HolyCow.com: http://www.holycow.com/dreaming/academia/signifying-in-comic-books-neil-gaimans-the-sandman

A master's thesis from Xavier University about Neil Gaiman's Sandman series. This thesis was selected because the Sandman series is the quintssential graphic novel series. The series is popular enough to spawn comparisons to Joseph Campbell's work i.e. Neil Gaiman's The Sandman and Joseph Campbell: in search of the modern mythby Stephen Rauch. This thesis also includes a person interview with Neil Gaiman.

Weiner, S. (2002, February 1). LJ Collection Development- Beyond Superheroes: Comics Get Serious. Retrieved March 3, 2008 from Library journal.com: http://www.libraryjounal.com/article/CA191649.html?q=LJ+Collection+development%2D+Beyond+Superheoes%3A+Comics+Get+Serious

Although this article discusses the concept of graphic novels for an adult audience. Introduces the many types of graphic novels and why adults would enjoy them.

NBC Universal, Inc. (2008). Heroes TV Show on NBC: NBC Official Site. Retrieved March 12, 2008, from NBC.com: http://www.nbc.com/Heroes/novels/

Capitalizing on the entry of graphic novels into mainstream culture, NBC has created graphic novels based on the hit television show Heroes. By going to this website, readers/patrsons can download video graphic novels, view the unpublished graphic novel online or print out a hard copy for themselves.

Daily Bits Word Press Powered. (2007). Sensational, Free and Downloadable Graphic Novels.Retrieved March 11, 2008, from Daily Bits: http:www.dailybits.com/17-sensational-free-and-downloadable-graphic-novels/

17 free public novels available via the World Wide Web. These selectins include some that are available as part of our burgeoning collection of adult graphic novels.

Expenditures

Print vs. Web

In order to complet this project both formats of resources were needed. Print resources contributed expert reviews from librarians and experts in the field of sequential art. At the same time, the usefulness of print resources for a popular culture collection is dependent on the publication date. The bibliographies from 1995 had a completely different focus from the extremely recent Graphic Novels A Genre Guide to Comic Books, Manga, and More. There were fewer print than online resources because of this limitation.

Online resources provided a definition of "mainstream" acceptability needed for a public library. A Surprise in owrking with this collectin was the number of articles and reviews in popular magazines about graphic novels for adults. Example is Time Magazine, which maintained a graphic novel review section for two years. Reviws were found in a number of mainstream popular magazines and newspapers, including the New York Book Reivew Online. ONe troubling aspect with either type of resource is the de-emphasis on age appropriateness in reviews. Frequently thi sinformation is tacked on at the end of a review and in terms of the web tools only Booklist ONline allowed you to specifically request Adult reviews only. Library jounal.com did offer a similar function, but you had to search for it and it was only after I had completed selection that I found this function.

An intersting trend with graphic novel and comic book authors is their use of technology to stay connected with their fan base. Many authors have individual sites with interactive blogs and will respond to questions from the general public. It was indivicative of clever maekting to note how this industry, which is visual in nautre, uses Web 2.0 technology to pormote their work.

Selection Process

One of the topics addressed in selecting materials was adult graphic novels and censorship issues. According to the American Library Association around fourteen graphic novels were challenged over the past two years including Blankets by Craig Thompson and Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel (Twiddy, 2006), (The Associated Press,2006). Purchased for the Marshall Public Library in Missouri, these books were pulled from the shelves in 2006 based on concern over the homosexual subject matter of the semi-autobiographical novels (Twiddy, 2006), (The Associated Press, 2006). According to a local newspaper there was more concern over the availability of adult material to children than the subject matter itself (Sims, 2006). The library resolved the situation by pulling the books until a policy to address graphic novels was decided on. The National Coalition Against Censhrship provides shelving recommendations, one of whihc is to shelve graphic novels with adult content with adult books (NCAC, 2006). This was interesting to read because it clearly illustrates the importance of libraries to prepare collection development policies. Censorship groups will have new fuel for the fire with the current marketing trend known as yaoi. Yaoi, marketed to teens, has sexually explicit gay themesd story lines (Grabois A., 2008).

There is also concern regarding internal censorship as expressed in "Graphic NOvels: Suggestions for Librarians" (The National Coalition AGainst Censorship, The Maerican Library Association & The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, 2006). This article comments on situations where librarians deliberately delay or lose adult graphic novels because they disapprove of spending funds on thse resources, or the subject matter of the material itself.

A parallel concern frequently cited by censorship groups in the way women are portrayed in graphic ovels. PUblishers have addressed this problem headlong by marketing novels to female teens and publishing female authors. Booklist Online released a core collection list on March 15, 2008 of key graphic novels for libraries written by female authors (American Library Association, 2008). To address this concern in this project, one of the online resources used to select materials was the website for Friends of Lulu. The Friends of Lulu is an organization dedicated to prooting comis and graphic novels to a female audience as well as supporting emerging female writers. Teh groups has its own annual awards and a detailed recommended reading or review site (Comicsworthreading, 2008).

In closing there was one particular trend in adult graphic novels I found particularly intruiging. Even as adults the appeal of fairy tales and fantasy enver die. Many of the best-selling titles for adult colelctions relate to fairy tales, fabls, superhoes and mythology. The main example of this is the popularity of The Sandman series. Not only was it recommended or reviewed in every type of literature, but has also spawned a number of sequels. This series has generated academic studies with the publication Neil Gaiman's The Sandman and Joseph Campbell: in Search of the modern Myth and Sandman: King of Dreams by Alisa Kwitney.

Exhibit A

Monographs

Magazine

Movies

Exhibit B-Selection Tools

American Library Association. (2008). Home Page. Retrieved March 3, 2008, from Booklist Online: http://www.booklistonline.com

Arnold, A. (2005). All-Time Graphic Novels. Retrieved March 6, 2008, from Time: http://www.time.com/time/2005/100books/0,24459,graphic_novels,00.html

Brian8, LLC. (2003). Home Pag. Retreived March 7, 2008, from http://www.artbomb.net/home.jsp

Brenner, R. (2004). Home Page Retreived March 4, 2008, from No Flying No Tights Graphic Novel Reviws: http://www.noflyingnotights.com

Comics Worth Reading. (2008). Home Page. Retreived March 4, 2008, from Comics Worth Reading: http://comicsworthreading.com

Gavett, P. (2005). Graphic Novels: Everything You Need To Know. New York: Collins Design.

Haroff, W. (2006). Top 10 Graphic Novels. Retreived March 2, 2008, from McKendree's College (R)evolutionary (E)Books http://faculty.mckendree.edu/william_harroff/ebe/Calgary%202004/eScholars_FINAL_Part1.pdf

Ninth Art. (2008). Home Page Retrieved March 5, 2008, from Ninth Art http://www.ninthart.com

OCLC. (2008). Home PageRetrieved March 7, 2008 from WorldCat http://www.worldcat.org

Pawuk, M. (2007). Graphic Novels A Genre Guide to Comic Books, Manga and More. Westport: Libraries Unlimited.

Preiss, B. (2005). Year's Best Graphic Novels, Comics & Manga. New York: St Martins Griffin.

Reed Business Information. (2008). Home page retreived March 2, 2008, from Publishers Weekly http://www.publishersweekly.com

Reed Business Information. (2008). Home Page Retrieved March 3, 2008, from Libraryjournal.com http://www.libraryjounral.com

Rothschild, D. (1995). Graphics Novels: A Bibliographic Guide to Book Length Comics Englewood: Libraries Unlimited.

The New York Times Company. (2008). Books Retrieved March 16, 2008, from The New York Times.

The Source for Graphic Novels. (2008). Retrieved March 5, 2008 from Grovel.org uk http://www.grovel.org.uk.

Time Magazine. (2008). Comixs Retreived March 14, 2008, from Time Magazine http://www.time.com/time/comixs.

Weiner, S. (195). The 101 Best Graphic Novels. New York: Publishing Inc.

Exhibit C

Monographs

Magazines

Movies

Additional Bibliographic Reource

AEGIS. (2005). AEGIS Law Library Retrieved March 20, 2008, from Aegis AIDS Education Information System: http://www.aegis.com/law/SCt/Decisions/1964/378US184.html

Amazon.com, Inc. (2008). Home Page. Retreived March 2, 2008 from Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com

Bookcan Sales Numbers for 2007 Graphic Novels Reported (Updated). (2008). Retreived March 2, 2008 from Anime News Network: http://www.animnewsnetwork.com/news/2008-02-19/bookscan-sales-numbers-for-2007-graphic-novels-reported

Box Office Mojo, LLC (2008). Home Page. Retreived March 8, 2008, from Box Office Mojo: http://www.graphicnovels.brodart.com/core_lists.htm

Brodart Co. (2005). Graphic Novels Core Collection. Retreived March 9, 2008, from Brodart Books: Ma http://www.graphicnovels.brodart.com/core_lists.htm

Bussart, L. (2005, February). Comic books and graphic novels: Digital resources for an evolving form of art and literature. Retreived March 21, 2008, from Association of College and Research Libraries: http://www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlpubs/crinews/backissues2005/february05/comicbooks.cfm

Carnegie Library of Pittburg. (2008). No Superheroes Graphic Novels for Adults and Young Adults. Retreived March 20, 2008, from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: http://www.clpgh.org/books/booklists//nosuperheroes.html

Cornog, M. (2007, March 15). Graphic Novels. Retrieved 20 March, 2008, from Libraryjournal.com: http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6423128.html

Diamond Comic Ditributors. (2008). Free Comic Book Day May 3, 2008. Retreived March 18, 2008, from Free Comic Book Day: http://www.freecomicbookday.com/

Faroohar, R. (2005, August 22). Comic ReliefRetreived March 21, 2008, from Newseek: http://www.newsweek.com/id/56466

Goldsmith, F. (2005). Graphic Novels Now: Building, Managing and Marketing a Dynamic Collection. Chicgo: American Library Association

Grabois, A. (2008). Graphic Novels Retreived March 11, 2008, from Beneath the Cover: Inside the Book Industry: http://www.beneaththecover.com/2007/08/20/graphic-novels/

Henneprin County Library. 92008). Minneapolis Retreived March 18, 2008, from Henneprin County Library: http://www.mplib.org

MacDonald, H. (2006). The Beat: The News Blog of Comics Culture. Retrieved March 11, 2008, from PublisherWeekly.com:http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2006/10/06/removing-fun-home-and-blankets/

NCAC. (2006). Graphic Novel: Suggestions for Librarians. Retreived March 21, 2008, from National Coalation Against Censorship: http://www.ncac.org/graphicnovels.cfm

New York Comic Con. (2008). ICV2 Graphic Novel Conference.>/i> Retreived March 21, 2008, from new York Comic Con:http://www.nycomiccon.com/app/homepage.cfm?appname=100453&moduleid=2517&linkid=29620&campaignid=61379065&iusercampaignid=37419454

Olathe Public Library (2005). New at OPL! Adult Graphic Novels. Retreived March 20, 2008, from Olathe Public Library:http://www.olathe.lib.ks.us/blog/?p=84

Sims, Z. (2006, October 5). Library board hears complaints about books/Decision scheduled for October 11 meeting. Retrieved March 11, 2008, from The Marshall Democrat News:http://www.marshallnews.com/story/1171432.html

Skokie Public Library. (2008). New Adult Graphic Novels at the Library. Retreived March 20, 2008, from Skokie Public Library: http://www.skokie.lib.il.us/s_read/rd_feeds/Graphic_Novels_90.asp

The Associated Press. (2006, November 14). As more graphic novels appear in libraries, so do challenges. Retreived March 21, 2008 from International Herald Tribune:http://www.iht.com/articlescore.htm

The HW Wilson Company. (2008). Graphic Novels core Collection. Retreived March 7, 2008, from H.W. Wilson: "http://www.hwwilson.com/Databases/graphicnovels_core.htm">http://www.hwwilson.com/Databases/graphicnovels_core.htm

Twiddy, D. (2006, November 15). Graphic novels pose challenge for libraries. Retrieved March 11, 2008, from http://www.hwwilson.com/Databases/graphicnovels_core.htm