Graphic Novels: the Wigan approach
Graphic Novels at their best are a combination of powerful artwork and inspired storytelling that have a place in any library.
They have a particular appeal to groups who traditionally "don't read" for pleasure, including young men 16-25, developing readers, and others.
They can cover "difficult" subjects in a sensitive and approachable manner: Homelessness and child abuse in Bryan Talbot's "Tale of one bad rat", or genocide in "Maus".
They can be as entertaining, thought-provoking and deeply layered as any print novel.
And they are striking and colourful and look great in a face on display.
So libraries should definitely stock them and promote them.
However, Graphic Novels can cause problems.
The first problem is the misperception "Graphic Novel = Comic : Comics are for children". This can lead to GNs with scenes of sex, death and violence being shelved in the children's library. Quite justified complaints will follow.
Other titles, which may not have "adult" content like that still need knowledgeable and sophisticated readers : the depth of mythological and literary references in Neil Gaiman's "Sandman" series, or the historical and sociological critique of the post-war west in Alan Moore's "Watchmen" make them titles only suitable for adult readers.
Wigan Libraries addressed these problems in what we believe is a new way.
Graphics can be likened to films : visual medium, powerful imagery, wide range of audience.
To make sure our graphic Novels are shelved and issued appropriately, we have adopted the BBFC film classification, dividing graphics into four bands: C (suitable for children), 12 (suitable for young teenagers), 15 (suitable for older teenagers), and 18 (adult readers only).
A sticker on the front of the novel identifies the age band, and our issue system (Talis) is set up to only issue to the appropriate age or above.
Classification is carried out by two members of staff who are graphic novel fans, one working with adult readers, the other a member of the children's team. C's and 12s are shelved in children's libraries, 15s and 18s in adult.
This system has been running for almost 12 months and has proved popular with staff and readers.
- Alan Moore: League of extraordinary gentlemen
- Alan Moore: From Hell
- Alan Moore: Watchmen
- Alan Moore: V for Vendetta
- Art Spiegelman: Maus
- Brian Talbot: Tale of One Bad Rat
- Frank Miller: Sin City series
- Frank Miller: Batman : Year One
- Frank Miller: The Dark Knight Returns
- Garth Ennis: Just a pilgrim
- Garth Ennis: Preacher series
- Greg Rucka: Elektra/Wolverine : The Redeemer
- Ian Edginton: Scarlet traces
- Josh Whedon: Fray
- Mike Carey: Lucifer series
- Mike Mignola: Hellboy series
- Neil Gaiman: Sandman series
- Neil Gaiman: 1602
- P. Craig Russell: Ring of the Nibelung
- Various authors: Hellblazer series /ul>
