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What are
Graphic Novels?

There are numerous definitions for the term graphic novel. Creators, publishers, readers or collectors of graphic novels, may define them differently.

For my research I am using the definition of U.S. librarian Steve Raiteri.

Graphic novels are trade paperback or hardcover books consisting of work in comic-book form.

Graphic novels may be book-length stories, collections of stories and works of non-fiction. This does not include collections of comic strips such as Garfield or Peanuts.

Graphic novels are a format and thus include many different genres.

My thesis is currently under examination.

Survey of libraries

I conducted a survey of Australian public libraries from January to March 2006.

I discussed some preliminary results at RAILS 3 in September 2006. The peer-reviewed paper from my presentation was published in LIBRES: Library and Information Science Research Electronic Journal.

Snowball, C. (2007) "Researching Graphic Novels and Their Teenage Readers" LIBRES, vol.17, no.1.

Focus groups with teenagers

I undertook focus groups with teenagers in local Perth high schools in October and November 2006.

I discussed some preliminary results at RAILS 4 in November 2007. The peer-reviewed paper from my presentation was published in Australian Academic and Research Libraries.

Snowball, C. (2008) "Teenagers talking about reading and libraries" Australian Academic and Research Libraries, vol.39, no.2, pp.106-118.

During the focus groups, a 14 year old was asked whether he liked graphic novels. He said, "I reckon they're really good." He hadn't read any before, but just from flicking through a number of the titles I had, he was convinced.

Interviews with librarians

I interviewed public and school librarians in 2007.