MALA - The Metro-Atlanta Library Association
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MALA - The Metro-Atlanta Library Association |
Summer Meeting - 2004: The Graphic Novel
Smyrna Public Library - July 15, 2004
Several librarians and professionals spoke at the Summer MALA meeting. The main topic of this meeting was the Graphic Novel. In addition, the audience received an update on the status of library education at Clark Atlanta University. And, Director Michael Siegler gave a tour of the library.
The Graphic Novel (GN) program began with a short Powerpoint presentation from MALA member Tim Wojcik. The presentation gathered in various aspects of graphic literature. Roots of the graphic novel, its relationship to Japanese manga, and how it is defined in today's language were noted.
Teri Vogel, a Georgia State University liaison librarian, presented on collection development considerations of graphic novels . Ms. Vogel pointed out that the term graphic novel doesn't include the substantial content that is published in graphic format which is non-fiction, historical fiction, or fiction classics which have been published in graphic form or adapted to a graphic form. While GNs are available across all age groups, care was emphasized regarding the adult themed aspects of the GN genre. Ms. Vogel's handout for this presentation is at http://www.library.gsu.edu/files/research/8/Graphic_Novels.pdf . Her librarian's webpage at Georgia State University is http://www.library.gsu.edu/people/tvogel/ .
Chuck Armbrust-Kohler, a Georgia State University access services associate, is a lifelong comic books and GN collector and fan. He spoke about many of his favorite titles, and included mention of some that relate well to reading aloud to very young children.
Also, Tom Key from Oxford Comics and Games in Atlanta spoke about the GN as it has grown in popularity and has established its own identity apart from its relative, the comic book. Mr. Key talked a bit about the relationship of GN's to manga and animated manga, known as anime. As representative of Oxford Comics and Games, he offered a comprehensive handout of GN offerings that Oxford supports, and noted that librarians (purchase orders accepted) in need of a local source of GNs and related literature are welcomed. Oxford Comics and Games is located at 2855 Piedmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305.
Several attendees had their State of Georgia Continuing Education Verification Form signed. The Graphic Novels program earned one credit hour, although the program itself ran about an hour and a half.
Before the Graphic Novel program began, Dr. Ismail Abdullahi spoke briefly about the continuing uncertain future of the Clark Atlanta University School of Library Studies (SLIS). Dr. Abdullahi is on the faulty at the Clark Atlanta SLIS. Dr. Abdullahi reminded the audience that a Town Meeting on the Future of Library Education in Georgia was scheduled for Tuesday, July 27th.
He was accompanied by Kathleen Bethel, an American Library Association councillor from Chicago. Ms. Bethel was in town to deliver a letter of support for the Clark SLIS from the ALA. (The Clark Atlanta University board of trustees was scheduled to meet on July 15th and Ms. Bethel along with Dr. Abdullahi planned to hand deliver the ALA letter to the board.) Ms. Bethel reminded the audience that the alumni has a role in the Clark Atlanta SLIS future, and that the outcome of the Clark Atlanta library school is not yet a foregone conclusion.
After these two presentations, the meeting resolved into some lively networking. Then Michael Seigler took the remaining librarians on a tour of his library. Mr. Seigler explained that the many curves and circles within his library result from the colonial Williamsburg, VA design of the building. The Smyrna GA Public Library's website is http://www.smyrna-library.com/ .
