A GRAPHIC UNDERSTANDING Using Comics to Address Information Literacy among Children and Tweens
INFORMATION LITERACY IN THE TODAYS WORLD
HOW TO BE A 21 ST -CENTURY LEARNER Information Literacy is defined as the ability to recognize when information is needed and have the ability locate, evaluate and use effectively the needed information (ACRL Information Literacy Standards for Higher Education) Print Digital Visual Critical Literacy (reading & thinking) Research Skills Information Ethics 21 st -Century Skills for K-12 students: Information literacy has progressed from the simple definition of using reference resources to find information. Multiple literacies, including digital, visual, textual, and technological, have now joined information literacy as crucial skills for this century. (AASL Standards for the 21 st -Century Learner)
HOW DOES CAPTAIN AMERICA FIT INTO THE 21 ST CENTURY? Graphic novels deliver information in many ways Tell a story in sequential drawings Use dialogue, description, sound, and space to enhance visual storyline Uniquely engaging and participatory as a format Requires advanced and critical literacy skills to fully comprehend/enjoy Seconds by Bryan Lee O Malley
COMIC BOOKS? REALLY? ALA Center for the Future of Libraries has identified Fandom as a trend relevant to libraries and librarianship Fandom refers to a community of people who are passionate about something, whether it s a film, a band, a television show, a book, or a sports team. Other relevant trends: Emerging Adulthood, Short Reading, Unplugged, Connected Learning Geek & Nerd Culture is huge - pop culture is popular! Particularly popular among reluctant readers and ESL/ELL students Everybody s two-strapping now it s cool, just go with it!!
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
BUILDING AN INTERACTIVE COLLECTION: THE BASICS Breakout Collection This format is unique highlight it as such Consider what belongs in breakout collection (non-fiction, biography, easy readers, etc.) Use signage and labelling to visually separate collections and encourage browsing Displays Used to enhance or in place of breakout collection Consider a permanent rotating display if collection changes are not possible Highlight authors & artists, genres, subjects, art styles, etc. Keep fresh and update often Use the space you have Opportunity to utilize volunteer help and/or engage teens in library
BUILDING AN INTERACTIVE COLLECTION: GET CREATIVE Booklists Consider current events and pop culture Diamond Bookshelf Pop List Early Word Blog Create a simple template to quickly create lists Source from professional lists & sources Staff Recommendations Allows patrons to follow like-minded readers Deepens relationship and interest between patron & staff members Engages staff members of all levels How To: Staff Bookmarks, Shelf Talkers, Hand Written Reviews, Shelfie Sticker Read Alikes Patron Participation Patron recommendation card Mystery Selection (Blind Date with a Book) In Three Words Vote for your Favorite Digital Displays
PROGRAMMING INSPIRATION Passive Programming Comic Creation Challenge Design Your Own Superhero Superhero Name Generator Adult Coloring Manga Drawing Station IDEA: Pair passive programming with interactive collection displays! Don t Forget: Superhero Storytime! Great for preschool & family storytimes Very active - Good for large groups Encourage costumes & active participation Capitalize on fandom from a young age Example Song: I m a Superhero Big and Strong (Tune: I m a Little Teapot) I m a Superhero Big and strong My clothes are tight and my cape is long When someone needs help they call my name And I fly there faster than a jet airplane!
PROGRAMMING INSPIRATION Active Programming Crafts DIY Comic Book Buttons Perler Bead Art Games Superhero Bingo Video Games (competition or open play) Tabletop Gaming Other Fun Stuff! Movie Screening Crunchyroll Anime Club and/or Manga Club DIY Photo Booth Cookie Decorating Idea To Try: Build-Your-Own Secret Identity Experience 1. Design your Identity 2. Create Your Look 3. Name Your Alter Ego 4. Take a Picture! Consider a Convention Partner with a local convention Outreach information table Programming Space Host your own Library Con Highlight collection, programming, and community partners Position the library in the middle of the pop culture fandom Unique Partners to Consider 501 st Garrison Heroes Alliance Local Hobbyist Groups & Businesses» Local Cosplayers» Gamer Cafes or Clubs» Local Artists & Creators» Arts & Crafts Stores Local Comic Shop or Book Store
HELPFUL TIPS Take advantage of these high-traffic programs to promote other library services Save weeded graphic novels and other themed books to use in crafts Rely on volunteers to help staff these popular events - volunteers will love to help with this too!! Use social media to promote events - take advantage of popular topic by using equally popular platforms Brand Yourself: #SJPLkapow, SJPL Fan Girls Unleashed Gather supplies throughout the year Discounted supplies found after holidays and movie releases Ask your Friends group for extra money to fund crafts & activities - $100 can get amazing things! Free Comic Book Day 2015, Redwood City Public Library
PROGRAMMING IN ACTION: FREE COMIC BOOK DAY FCBD @ SJPL When?: May 6, 2017 FCBD is always celebrated on 1st Saturday of May Who?: 18 branches + King Library School & Library Partner: Illusive Comics PURPOSE Engage new and/or reluctant readers Introduce new readers and families to the graphic novel medium Introduce fans of superheroes to other genres within the graphic medium Promote library collections & services Excite patrons and staff with popular subjects and fun programs and activities Make libraries a relevant, central aspect of community engagement
PROGRAMMING IN ACTION: SILICON VALLEY COMIC CON SILICON VALLEY COMIC CON 2 nd year in partnership with new convention in San Jose, CA Reached 5000+ community members in 2017 SJPL Library Programming Godzilla Town Cosplay Photo Booth Cosplay Repair Station DIY Button Making Coloring & Manga Art (in partnership with Sakura of America) SJPL Informational Booth Library card signup Fine Forgiveness Information Program information Fun giveaways Large, eye-catching plasma globe
PROGRAMMING IN ACTION: GRAPHIC NOVEL MAKING CONTEST GRAPHIC NOVEL MAKING CONTEST System-Wide contest in conjunction with Summer Reading Challenge Program in 9 th year; now receiving over 100 original contest entries yearly Prizes awarded in all age categories (0-8, 9-12, teen, and adult) Winning entries are collected and printed in graphic novel format Each participant receives a copy Copies are added to all branch library collections Judging and Awards Process Entries are judged by staff and community members Winners announced at end-of-summer awards ceremony Prizes awarded to winners and drawing prizes awarded to random participants Local creators present and/or hold class at annual awards ceremony
QUESTIONS Diana Learned San Jose Public Library diana.learned@sjlibrary.org