Graphic novels are not just for kids; in fact, the average graphic novel reader is 29 years old, and adults of all ages comprise a substantial portion of overall readership, according to The Public Librarians’ Guide to Graphic Novels. The Librarian’s Guide to Graphic Novels for Adults, to be published by Neal-Schuman on December 18, 2009, is an in-depth guide designed to help librarians build and manage an optimal collection of graphic novels that meet adult readers’ diverse interests and specific tastes.

Library Journal declared author David Serchay’s widely acclaimed title The Librarian’s Guide to Graphic Novels for Children and Tweens as, “…highly and enthusiastically recommended for libraries serving children and tweens.” In this new resource, Serchay divides his text into two parts to provide librarians serving adults with an equally comprehensive, start-to-finish guide. Part I begins with a brief history and definition of graphic novels. Next, readers find a discussion of the format’s many popular genres like Action, Horror, Crime, Superhero, and more, as well as foreign formats like Manga.

Part II offers guidance for building a strong collection and purchasing titles. There is helpful information on a number of large and small graphic novel vendors and publishers, along with advice for deciding what kinds of graphic novels to purchase and where to find reliable review sources and ratings. Serchay covers collection management, including guidance for cataloging, processing, and future development, and addresses the best ways to display and promote the collection. He also explores graphic novels’ important ties to academia, and discusses their growing use in university and higher education settings.

The Librarian’s Guide to Graphic Novels for Adults concludes with three comprehensive appendices. The first contains an annotated list of over 600 graphic novels Serchay recommends across all genres, authors, and publishers. The second lists a large number of graphic novel–related books, including other books on graphic novels in libraries, nonfiction works, and scholarly resources. The third provides a list of online sources including publisher Web sites, sites for news and information, and various online mailing lists.

Graphic novels are now a crucial part of library collections, and The Librarian’s Guide to Graphic Novels for Adults is an important resource to help librarians build a thriving repertoire.

The Librarian’s Guide to Graphic Novels for Adults

ISBN: 978-1-55570-662-3. 2009. 6 x 9. 250pp. $65.00.

About the Author

David S. Serchay is the acclaimed author of The Librarian’s Guide to Graphic Novels for Children and Tweens    (Neal-Schuman, 2008). He has been reading comic books all of his life and has a personal collection of over 25,000 comics and graphic novels. Serchay is a librarian for the Broward County Library System in South Florida, where he is on the graphic novel selection committee.

About Neal-Schuman Publishers
Neal-Schuman Publishers is a leading publisher of professional books for librarians, archivists and knowledge managers. Founded in 1976, Neal-Schuman Publishers is based in New York City, with offices in London, UK.

For More Information and/or Cover Art
Contact Sarah Eisenberg
sarah.eisenberg@neal-schuman.com
100 William Street, Suite 2004
New York, NY 10038
212-925-8650
www.neal-schuman.com