Comics/Graphic Novels & Libraries

Excerpts from Going 'Graphic': Educators Tiptoe Into Realm of Comics -- Education Week -- Free Registration Required

Comic books have come of age. No longer filled solely with simple drawings and fluffy stories about goofy teenagers or violent superheroes—though those publications still exist—these are "graphic novels" that some educators say would benefit classroom curricula. These artistically illustrated books that take on mature themes appropriate for adolescents and young adults engage students in reading, help English- language learners put colloquial phrases into context, and introduce complex ideas in a format that is easy to understand, proponents say.
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School librarians are catching on to the phenomenon, and comic book publishers have begun marketing to educators. Even as the novels fly off library and bookstore shelves, though, teachers appear to be reluctant to use them in lessons, or even allow the books in their classrooms.
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Carrie Edwards, a 7th grade literature teacher at Clyde Boyd Middle School in Sand Springs, Okla., is an exception to the skepticism in the teaching profession. She taught an elective course to 8th graders last year that incorporated many manga books.
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Another article from Comic Book Resources, called Revisting Libraries talks about libraries from the comic book artist/writer's viewpoint and how libraries, in general, are an untapped market. It also gives a good list of the various awards that Comic Books could/have received from library organizations.
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OH! and don't forget to register to attend OLA's workshop Not Just The Funnies Anymore that's being held March 5 in Stillwater.