Dimensions of Quality and Diversity in Graphic Novel Collections

by Roberson, Casey A.

Graphic novels have been enjoying higher levels of publication and popularity among readers, businesses, and libraries. Librarians are willing to include graphic novels in library collections, but are generally unfamiliar with the comics medium and must look primarily to reviews or “best of” lists for selection. There are a number of indicators of quality and demand, as well as dimensions of diversity, which librarians can use to assess whether a particular graphic novel is worthy of inclusion in a collection; these factors can increase quality at both the item and collection levels, attract diverse audiences to graphic novels, and assist in defusing censorship or patron complaints. It is also recommended that graphic novels be integrated into written collection development policies.