Shelving

Graphic

Novels

Where do Graphic Novels Belong?

Where to shelve graphic novels can be a tough decision for librarians to make.

By Dewey

741.5?In Fiction?

By Subject?

Shelve them by Dewey # 741.5• faster cataloging

and shelving• students always

know where to find them

• helps increase circulation because they are altogether

• not organized by content

• some people may not take them as seriously because they think they are entertainment as opposed to books with literary value.

Source: Dickinson (2007)

Positives Negatives

Shelve them by Subject

Positives+ users will get used to

seeing them integrated into content just like other books

Negatives- novels could get lost in the

shelves - teachers may get mad at

students for using graphic novels in research

Source: Dickinson (2007) Image Source: http://www.titlewave.com/cover?FLR=29092B0&SID=fab9957316a195c5661391a56851ec67&type=cover

(ex. Shelf Maus with the Holocaust 940.53)

•Shelve non-fiction with the corresponding subject.•Shelve fiction by author.

Age Appropriate?If your library serves multiple age groups, the age appropriateness of graphic novels could be an issue.

Group them in separate

age appropriate

sections.

Mark them with a

sticker that

designates the

age level.

Source: Mooney (2002)Image Source:http://media.tv20detroit.com/images/tv-ratings.jpg

Sources Used:

• Dickinson, G. (2007, May/June). The question: Where should I shelve graphic novels?. Knowledge Quest, 35(5). 56-57. Retrieved on October 17, 2009 from Wilson Web database.

• Mooney, M. (2002, Nov/Dec). Graphic novels: How they can work in libraries. Book Report, 21(3). 18-19. Retrieved on October 17, 2009 from Wilson Web database.