Out of the Basement: Partnering to Enhance the Discovery and Use of Graphic Novels

This paper presents a project designed to promote and increase the use of graphic novels, previously a seldom utilized collection, at the University at Albany Libraries. Several units in the Libraries collaborated to add additional graphic novels to the collection, augment bibliographic records with genre headings to enhance discovery, and promote this collection in the University Libraries and online. The Libraries used a variety of marketing techniques, including social media. Circulation statistics were recorded before, during, and after the promotional activities. This collaboration not only resulted in an increase in circulation activity for these titles while they were on display and after they were returned to the stacks, but generated other benefits as well