Anonymous Patron writes “From PW Comics Week:…Graphic Novel Suggestions for Librarians, a informational booklet…provides guidelines for building a graphic novel collection and shelving strategies. However, the most important guidelines deal with challenges to graphic novels because of certain kinds of pictorial depictions.
Theoretically, dealing with graphic novels in the library should be no different than any other print material. However, Don Wood, a representative of the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom, explains, “Many people consider an image to be far more powerful in its impact than any written description of that image. So there are different considerations when dealing with challenges to images.”
Snap!
From the ALA challenged section:
“Can a child check out graphic novels, even those intended for adults?
The conviction that young persons are entitled to enjoy the same freedom to read as adults is not a belief that children should be given adult-themed materials. We believe in freedom of choice for all people but we also believe in common sense, and common sense will tell you that it is extremely unusual for a young child to check out adult material.”
That answer would almost be considered conservative.
Graphic Sshmathic
I agree with one comic book guy whose book I read: graphic novels is a stupid phrase. I like “comic book novel” better. Or, “illustrated novel”.
Re:Graphic Sshmathic
Actually the vast majority of what’s out there are ‘trades’ or trade paperbacks, collections of an ongoing comic series.