Graphic novels emerged as highly visible additions to many academic library collections over the last few years. Much has been written about the pedagogical value of graphic novels in K-12 settings, but their potential applications in relation to information literacy in higher education have not been seriously addressed. Graphic novels provide an ideal backdrop for teaching students a variety of skills, especially with regard to the ACRL’s Information Literacy Competency Standard Three and visual literacy. In addition, graphic novels are excellent source material for projects that require students to conduct research, evaluate source quality, engage in reflective writing, compare versions of a single work across multiple media, and investigate the relationship between historical events or people and their depictions in artistic representations.

Attendees will engage in a discussion, with the presenter and in groups, to explore the role that graphic novels can play in library instruction. After a brief introduction and an overview of the state of graphic novels in academia and academic libraries, the session will focus attention on information literacy skills and issues that are relevant to, and can be addressed by, the medium. Finally, the presenter will work with the audience to generate strategies for integrating graphic novels into their instruction efforts and collaborations with other faculty members.