The Attraction and Promotion of Graphic Novels

For young readers, I think the draw to graphic novels stems from their struggles to stay focused on topics as well as their struggles to read text-based books.  To elaborate further, young readers who have learning disabilities and attention-deficit disorders would more than likely be drawn to this type of book.  Some children are very visual and tactile, and benefit with a picture that is tied to minimal text.  Additionally, this format is a quick read, and reluctant young readers achieve a sense of accomplishment when they finish a graphic novel.  As more graphic novels are read, this could possibly launch the young reader into text-based novels.  On another note, many teens these days require instant gratification.  This is recognized with the popularity of video games and obtaining information within seconds on their laptops.  It seems logical that a teen would want a read that is more visual in nature and one that they could finish quickly.  In addition, many graphic novels correlate directly to video games making this book format even more popular among teens.  So what about the appeal of this format for adults?  As mentioned previously, the graphic novel is just a format and not a genre.  Therefore, the same genres exist as there are for text-based books.  I could say that this format might be preferred by adults who have carried learning disabilities into adulthood or the graphic novel format could be used for adults with literacy problems.  However, I think this is selling the format short.  It may be used for these purposes, but many adults appreciate this format for its art work, while others may like the art work but also the fact that it is laid out much like a film.  Many adults do not like to read in their leisure time, but they are movie buffs.  They love cinematography.  Therefore, graphic novels would fit into the scope of this preference.  Personally I would like to know more about history or government, but I detest reading non-fiction text-based books about these topics.  I would prefer to be able to pick up a graphic novel that I could get this information quickly in a fun manner with an artistic layout. 

     During an RA interview, I don’t think the graphic novel should be segregated out from the genre in which it belongs.  This format can be promoted along with other text-based novels that are geared towards the reader’s book appeal preferences.  If the reader is an avid graphic novel reader, then the RA can steer the interviewee toward this format along with the reader’s other appeal preferences for a good read (e.g. fast-paced, deep character development).  If an interviewee is required to read about a certain topic of which that reader does not care for the topic, the RA could recommend a graphic novel on the topic.  This way the reader can gain the needed knowledge in an expedited and possibly enjoyable manner.  Whatever the reader’s advisory interview entails, graphic novels should be incorporated with their appropriate genres. 

     By integrating graphic novels into an RA interview, this is an inconspicuous way of promoting graphic novels to readers.  This is especially important with adult readers since many times the stigma attached to graphic novels makes them hesitant to what to ask about this format.  Additionally for adult readers it would be beneficial to have some of the latest graphic novels on display in the library, so the fans of graphic novels will not feel intimidated to ask about them.  In the past several years, it seems that this format has been more accepted in school libraries; however, the format could always use a boost by having a colorful and inviting display to promote graphic novels in the library.  Whatever promotional method used, the main purpose is to encourage reluctant readers or graphic novel fans to feel comfortable about continuing to read books in this format.