STARTING A GRAPHIC NOVEL COLLECTION
Deciding to include comic books and graphic novels in your collection is the first step into a larger
world . Now , you must decide what to do once you ’ re there . Here are some basic steps on your path to using graphic novels in your collection :
1 . Determine Needs
First , you need to ascertain what books you would like to incorporate into your collection . Perhaps you have one or two graphic novels already , or you may be deciding to carry these books for the first time . You ’ ll need to decide which books would be appropriate for your community of readers , which books they ’ re hankering for , and which books would delight and surprise them .
2 . Find An Expert
You don ’ t have to possess an encyclopedic knowledge of comics and graphic novels to successfully integrate them into your library ’ s offerings . There are people out there who can advise you on what books are valuable . Reach out to your library community or local comic book retailers who are armed with detailed information about this area of reading they have a vested interest in supporting . ( See “ A Great Resource : Your Local Comics Shop “ on page 46 for information ) And , of course , you can also feel free to contact those of us at the Diamond Bookshelf !
3 . Purchase The Books
Once you have consulted with your readers , experts in the field , and any others who can offer insight , you ’ ll be ready with a list of titles of graphic novels to acquire for your library .
4 . Decide How To Catalog / Where To Shelve
Now you need to decide where to put them ! For information on cataloging to make integrating graphic novels into your collection easier and shelving , visit the BookShelf website for a comprehensive look at options and resources .
5 . Promote Your Graphic Novels
You could have the finest graphic novel collection in history , but if no one knows about , it won ’ t matter . The success of your collection relies on a certain level of promotion . If you don ’ t get the word out , no one will know the books are there . Start including the news about your graphic novels into your existing newsletters , pamphlets , and other promotional materials . Put up easy-to-read signs at the entrances to your library so that nobody who enters will fail to know about the new additions . Add the news to your e-mail correspondence . Contact your local media and encourage them to do a story about your library ’ s efforts to expand and enhance readership through this vital art form . Stage contests , offer giveaways , and plan fun events . Coordinate promotions with your local comic book retailer .
6 . Evaluate Success / Circulation Data
After a certain period of time , you ’ re going to want to crunch the numbers . Measuring the graphic novel circulation at your library indicates the extent to which your readers are using this new library resource and will help you evaluate the success of the program . It will also point you in the right direction as to which titles and series to snap up in the future !
GRAPHIC NOVEL SELECTION IS KEY
There is no national standard when it comes to appropriateness of graphic novels , so it is vital — once you ’ ve decided on a particular book — to read through the book yourself . What might pass muster in some communities may not pass muster in yours . This website and the various resources listed throughout are your best starting points if you are approaching comics from a starter ’ s perspective .
6 diamondbookshelf . com