This unique guide offers fresh insights on how graphic novels and comics differ from traditional books and require different treatment in the library―from purchasing, shelving, and cataloging to readers' advisory services, programs, and curriculum. Challenging librarians to rethink some of their traditional practices, Maximizing the Impact of Comics in Your Library provides creative and proven solutions for libraries of all types that want to get comics into the hands of fans and promote readership. The author describes how libraries would benefit from an in-house classification system and organization that accounts for both publishers and series. In addition, acquiring comics can often be tricky due to renumbering of series, reboots, shifting creative teams, and more―this book shows you how to work around those obstacles. Shelving and displays that reflect comic readers' browsing habits, creative programs that boost circulation of comics and graphic novels, and how comics can play a vital role in educational institutions are also covered. Those eager to incorporate graphic novels into their collections will find Phoenix's (Willowick P.L.) text a godsend. The author succinctly walks librarians through the basics of comics and their history, skillfully covering the commonalities and differences in types of comics while keeping readers' needs at the forefront. His discussion of how patrons look for comics and how librarians can catalog comics to best serve readers is invaluable, and he offers practical steps toward making comic collections more accessible. He also explores partnerships with local comic shops and how graphic novels correlate with curricula. Phoenix's suggestions about ways to promote comics are tiered, so libraries can start small and work their way up to a comic convention. He also covers professional development, such as attending webinars or comic conventions. Fascinating interviews with comic writers and librarians are interspersed throughout. While the contents are applicable to both public and school librarians, the author acknowledges that institutions will have to take their missions and stakeholders into account when developing a collection. He advises school librarians to be familiar with a graphic novel's contents and its connection to the curriculum before selecting it. Three appendixes, including recommended titles, add to the work's utility. VERDICT Marrying in-depth knowledge of comics and libraries, Phoenix has produced a practical, user-friendly read that's essential book for school and public librarians.-Laura Fields Eason, Danville H.S., KYα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. “Marrying in-depth knowledge of comics and libraries, Phoenix has produced a practical, user-friendly read that's an essential book for school and public librarians.” ― School Library Journal Starred Review “Highly recommended.” ― Choice “Most libraries will appreciate the author's positive and practical approach to incorporating and promoting comics in public and school libraries.” ― Booklist Online “There are many lessons to be found here for academic libraries and other libraries that collect, or may collect, comics. This is an excellent resource for all libraries that are interested in creating or expanding their comics collections.” ― Technical Services Quarterly Jack Phoenix is a librarian and writer in the Greater Cleveland, USA, area. He has worked in or with public libraries for more than a decade in various capacities. An active member of the American Library Association, the Ohio Library Council, and the Comics Studies Society, he has presented at professional conferences on topics such as comics organization and self-published works in libraries.