The IU East Campus Library is expanding its graphic novel collection! Although graphic novels have been around for some time, the past decade has seen a surge in the variety of stories, ideas, and subjects conveyed through visual illustrations. Even classic novels are getting the graphic novel treatment, inspiring a new generation of readers, or reengaging long-time fans.
Graphic novels are an exciting and engaging medium that combines visual art with narrative text, offering a unique reading experience that can enhance literacy. They present stories through a sequence of illustrations and text, often leading to a more immersive and interactive form of storytelling. This visual aspect can be particularly beneficial for reluctant readers or those struggling with traditional texts or language barriers, as the images provide contextual clues to the text, aiding comprehension, and retention. Moreover, graphic novels encompass a wide range of genres and themes, catering to diverse interests and reading levels. They encourage exploration of complex ideas and cultural narratives, fostering critical thinking and empathy.
Assistant Librarian of Access and Technical Services has been working on improving the representation and information presented in our library collections by running diversity audits on our library displays and purchasing procedures. A library diversity audit is a methodical examination of a library’s collection to assess the representation and inclusiveness of various cultures, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and other diverse groups. The goal is to ensure that the library’s offerings reflect the diversity of the community it serves and the wider world. As a college campus library, we want to make sure we provide our students with a variety of resource options that reflect the world they live in and will help them succeed in their research. We also want students to enjoy reading for the fun of it and be able to find interesting stories at our library. This is why we are concentrating on adding new titles to our graphic novels section. We have a strong selection of the “classics” like Maus, Watchmen, V for Vendetta, and The Sandman, but we are currently purchasing titles that are memoirs, biographical, historical, or centered on mental health, wellness, and safety.
Graphic novels inherently embrace diversity, and our commitment is to expand our collection with works from authors and illustrators representing many backgrounds and life experiences. We also would love to hear your suggestions on how we can make this collection better. You can see what titles we have in IUCat or if you want to see what’s been recently added, you can search for newly added titles. We also hope you can stop by the library and see what we have on display and on the shelves. If you have a title to recommend, contact us at liblearn@iu.edu. If you have any questions about this collection or need assistance in researching graphic novels, Just Ask Us! at iueref@iu.edu.