Graphic Novels   Tags: childrens_literature, education, graphic_novel, juvenile_books  

This guide is a starting place for information on Graphic Novels. It currently includes information pertaining to locating juvenile and circulating collection graphic novels, reference, book review and database resources, and a growing list of internet resources. There are many definitions of graphic novels available and arguments have been be made for calling them comic books, art forms, genre, format, and llustrative storytelling forms.  Below are a few definitions from IRC reference books:

• "The term 'graphic novel signifies a movement rather than a form'" (p.6)
  
  Gravett, P. (2005x). Graphic novels: Stories to change your lfe, NY: HarperCollins.
  
  
• Graphic novels may also include "a collection of comic strips about a common set of characters; a colleciton of comic book-length stories (that is, thirty-two-page-stories) brought together in a longer narrative; and single sustained storytilling effort." (p.xv)
  
  Pendergast, S. & Pendergast, T. (2007). U-X-L graphic novelists. (S. Hermsen, Ed.). Detroit: U-X-L/Thompson Gale.
  
  
• Graphic Novel is a term originated by Will Eisner to describe his book to a publisher. "Eisner's term was meant to distinguish serious works told in the comic book format from collections of humorous comic strips." (p.1)
  
  Crawford, P.C. (2003). Graphic novels 101 : selecting and using graphic novels to promote literacy for children and young adults : a resouce guide for school librarians and educators. Salt Lake City, UT: Hi Willow Research & Publication.

One way to locate books on a specific subject area is to utilize Library of Congress subject headings. Listed below are eleven LC subject headings and samples of pertinent subject headings used for Graphic Novels and a sampling of subject headings offered for Comic Books, Strips, etc.

Browsing in the stacks? 

Graphic novels, also known as comic books, strips, etc., are located with the numerical LC classification PN Literature (General).  You will find juvenile graphic novels on the second floor and AU circulating graphic novels on the fifth floor.

Graphic novel has also been added to catalog records as a Genre/Form.  Selecting this link within any book catalog record will take you to a graphic novel subject search.  One more way to browse for the book you want. 

Diane L. Schrecker, MLIS
Curriculum Librarian
LibGuide Profile

IRC: 419-289-5406
Office: 419-207-6404
dschreck@ashland.edu 


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