Shedding New Light on Graphic Novel Collections: A Circulation and Collection Analysis Study in Six Middle School Libraries

Abstract

Although there have been studies examining the circulation and use of graphic novels in public and academic libraries, there has yet to be a scientific study examining these variables in multiple school libraries. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of middle school graphic novel collections, through the analysis of circulation data and interviews with librarians. Quantitative results reveal that graphic novel circulation represents a larger proportion of total circulation for the libraries examined, than their percentage of the collection would suggest. Analysis of the survey results reveals commonalities and differences between these graphic novel collections.