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    Graphic novels: enticing teenagers into the library

    157104_Snowball2011.pdf (2.198Mb)
    Access Status
    Open access
    Authors
    Snowball, Clare
    Date
    2011
    Supervisor
    Dr Maggie Exon
    Dr Helen Merrick
    Type
    Thesis
    Award
    PhD
    
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    School
    School of Media, Culture and Creative Arts, Department of Information Studies
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/791
    Collection
    • Curtin Theses
    Abstract

    This thesis investigates the inclusion of graphic novels in library collections and whether the format encourages teenagers to use libraries and read in their free time. Graphic novels are bound paperback or hardcover works in comic-book form and cover the full range of fiction genres, manga (Japanese comics), and also nonfiction. Teenagers are believed to read less in their free time than their younger counterparts. The importance of recreational reading necessitates methods to encourage teenagers to enjoy reading and undertake the pastime. Graphic novels have been discussed as a popular format among teenagers. As with reading, library use among teenagers declines as they age from childhood. The combination of graphic novel collections in school and public libraries may be a solution to both these dilemmas.Teenagers’ views were explored through focus groups to determine their attitudes toward reading, libraries and their use of libraries; their opinions on reading for school, including reading for English classes and gathering information for school assignments; and their liking for different reading materials, including graphic novels. Opinions on school reading can impact feelings on reading in general and thus influence views and amount of recreational reading.A survey of public libraries determined the incidence of graphic novel collections throughout Australia and how collections are managed, with the intention of comparing libraries from different states and territories and metropolitan or rural areas. Interviews with selected librarians who collected graphic novels provided insight into their attitudes to the place of graphic novels in public and high school libraries and a more detailed picture of how the format is managed. This included use of graphic novel by the libraries’ teenage users or students and problems encountered, such as complaints about specific titles.Graphic novel collections are widespread among surveyed Australian libraries, although a metropolitan location led to a greater likelihood of collection of graphic novels, and librarians were passionate about the format and its popularity among teenagers. The teenagers investigated were not as universally positive about graphic novels or libraries. The necessity of inclusion of all formats of reading matter in library collections will enable teenagers to discover for themselves what provides enjoyable reading experiences, so these become the norm, and lead to a greater enthusiasm for reading and more undertaken in their free time.

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    • Researching Graphic Novels and Their Teenage Readers
      Snowball, Clare (2007)
      Graphic novels are becoming more prevalent and popular among teenagers and are thus being collected by public and school libraries. This situation contributed to the doctoral researcher's desire to investigate graphic ...
    • Teenagers talking about reading and libraries.
      Snowball, Clare (2008)
      Past research has shown teenagers to be reluctant to read and less likely to visit libraries than younger children. These conclusions are debated and further investigation is needed. Difficulties abound in researching ...
    • Enticing teenagers into the library
      Snowball, Clare (2008)
      Purpose: Children and teenagers are the future adult users of libraries, and how they are treated in our libraries, particularly school and public libraries, can cement lifelong memories and habits in these young people. ...
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