Concern #1: "Parents and Community Members Will Object to Comics in the Library."

Wolff & Byrd; © Batton Lash

• To an overwhelming degree, library literature indicates this fear is unfounded. School and Public librarians who initiate a comic book collection are pleasantly surprised by the absence of negative feedback from parents, teachers, administrators, or board members.

• In fact, the complete opposite is true. Parents and community members often express delight and enthusiasm when they learn about the comic book collection.

• Comic book collections in libraries can (and do) generate favorable publicity for the library.

• Librarians with comic book collections notice that word-of-mouth about the new service brings new patrons to the library.

• A comic book collection can serve as a focal point for young-adult programming, including guest speakers, discussion groups, and swap meets.

• Nevertheless, librarians must exercise care in selecting comic books and graphic novels which are age-appropriate and suitable for their user community, and they must be prepared to address any censorship challenges which might arise.
  
  

back to: main page

compiled and maintained by: Michael R. Lavin, Lockwood Memorial Library
send comments to: Michael R. Lavin, mrlavin@acsu.buffalo.edu
design by: Catherine Collins
additional design work by: Don Gramlich
with the assistance of the: Educational Technology Center
last updated on: December 20, 2000