Presenter: Name: Theresa Christal

Title: Library Media Specialist
Organization/School: North Kansas City Schools/North Kansas City High School

Program Description
In an era where visual literacy is paramount, graphic novels and manga have exploded in popularity, captivating students across diverse reading levels and interests. However, many school libraries struggle with effectively organizing and promoting these dynamic formats beyond a simple "Graphic Novel" shelf. This session will delve into the practical strategies and pedagogical benefits of genrifying these powerful storytelling mediums, transforming your library into a vibrant hub for visual literacy and reading exploration.

Traditional library categorization often fails to capture the nuanced genres within graphic novels and manga. This results in a monolithic collection, hindering readers from discovering titles that align with their specific interests. Students seeking historical fiction, fantasy, or realistic coming-of-age stories may overlook these genres within the graphic format, simply because they are not easily discoverable. This session addresses this challenge by advocating for a more granular approach to categorization. We will explore how genrifying graphic novels and manga can:

Enhance Reader Discovery: By creating distinct genre sections, students can easily browse and identify titles that resonate with their preferred reading experiences.
Promote Genre Exploration: Genrification encourages students to explore diverse genres within the graphic format, expanding their reading horizons and challenging preconceived notions.
Support Curriculum Integration: Teachers can more readily identify graphic novels and manga that complement classroom instruction, fostering interdisciplinary connections.
Increase Circulation and Engagement: A well-organized and accessible collection encourages increased borrowing and engagement with these popular formats.
Validate Diverse Reading Interests: Recognizing the breadth of genres within graphic novels and manga validates the diverse reading preferences of students, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming library environment.

This interactive session will provide practical strategies and actionable insights, including:

Identifying Key Genres: We will explore common genres within graphic novels and manga, such as science fiction, fantasy, mystery, horror, historical fiction, realistic fiction, memoir, and more.
Developing a Genre-Based Classification System: We will discuss various approaches to creating a user-friendly classification system, including utilizing existing genre labels, creating custom categories, and incorporating visual cues.
Creating Engaging Displays and Signage: Learn how to design eye-catching displays and signage that highlight specific genres and attract student attention.
Integrating Genrification into Library Programming: Explore creative ways to incorporate genre-based activities and events into library programming, such as genre-themed book clubs, author visits, and workshops.
Addressing Common Concerns and Challenges: We will address common concerns related to genrification, such as space limitations, budget constraints, and staff training.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this 50-minute presentation, participants will be able to:

Knowledge & Comprehension: (AASL Standards: Inquire, Include, Curate, Explore)

Identify at least five common genres within graphic novels and manga.
Explain the limitations of organizing graphic novel and manga collections solely by author or a single "Graphic Novel" section.
Describe the benefits of genrifying graphic novel and manga collections for students, teachers, and the library as a whole.
Recognize various methods for classifying graphic novels and manga by genre.

Application & Analysis: (AASL Stadards: Include, Curate)

Develop a basic plan for implementing genre-based organization within their own library space.
Categorize sample graphic novel and manga titles into appropriate genres.
Analyze the impact of genrification on reader discovery and engagement.
Apply reader's advisory techniques based on genre preferences.

Evaluation & Creation: (AASL Standards: Collaborate, Include, Explore)

Evaluate the effectiveness of different genre classification systems.
Brainstorm creative ideas for incorporating genre-based programming into their library.
Identify and select relevant digital resources to support genre organization and collection development.
Formulate solutions to common challenges associated with genrifying graphic novel and manga collections.

By connecting these learning objectives to the AASL Standards, we underscore the relevance to developing well-rounded, future-ready learners and strengthening the role of the school library as a vital learning hub.

Program Outline
Introduction & Hook (Engage & Connect)

Speaker introductions, library backgrounds, and student demographics
Audience poll: Grade levels, library types, current genrification practices
Start with a compelling statistic or anecdote about the popularity of graphic novels and manga in schools.
Share a brief personal anecdote about our experiences with graphic novels/manga and why we and our students are passionate about them.
Session Overview: Briefly outline the session's goals and agenda.
Quick poll: "How do you currently organize your graphic novel/manga collection?" (Options: Alphabetical, By Author/Artist, One Section, Genrefied). Use a show of hands or a quick online poll tool.

The Challenge: Why Genrify? (Inform & Explain)

The Monolithic Collection. Show a picture of a crowded, unsorted graphic novel/manga shelf.
Problem Identification: Discuss the limitations of a single "Graphic Novel" section.
Hindered discovery.
Missed opportunities for curriculum integration.
Underrepresentation of diverse genres.

Student Impact: Emphasize how genrification benefits students:
Easier discovery of preferred genres.
Exposure to new genres.
Validation of diverse reading interests.

Curriculum Connection. Show examples of graphic novels fitting into different curriculum areas.
Teacher Impact: Highlight how genrification supports teachers:
Simplified resource identification.
Enhanced curriculum integration.
Interactive Element: "Think-Pair-Share": Ask attendees to share a specific instance where a student struggled to find a graphic novel/manga due to the current organization.

The Solution: How to Genrify (Demonstrate & Apply)

Key Genres. Display a list of common graphic novel/manga genres (fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, mystery, etc.) with visual examples.
Genre Exploration: Briefly discuss each genre, showcasing popular examples.
Classification Systems.
Discuss different approaches: Dewey Decimal, custom labels, color-coding, etc.
Show examples of clear and concise genre labels.
Emphasize the importance of consistency.

Engaging Displays & Signage.
Show examples of eye-catching genre-based displays.
Discuss the use of visual cues and clear signage.
Show examples of digital resources to create signage.

Reader's Advisory Techniques.
Demonstrate how to use genre knowledge to make personalized recommendations.
Introduce resources like genre-specific book lists and websites.
Interactive Element: "Genre Sorting Activity": Provide attendees with a list of graphic novel/manga titles and ask them to categorize them into different genres. Facilitate a group discussion about their choices.

Implementation & Overcoming Challenges (Problem-Solve & Empower)

Implementation Plan.
Discuss strategies for phasing in genrification.
Emphasize the importance of collaboration with staff and students.
Highlight the value of student input.

Addressing Challenges.
Acknowledge common concerns (space, budget, staff training).
Provide practical solutions and workarounds.
Discuss how to utilize digital resources to help with organization and collection development.

Slide 12: Digital Resources.
Show relevant databases, websites, and apps that help with genre classification, collection development and reader's advisory.
Show examples of digital signage and digital organization tools.
Interactive Element: "Q&A and Brainstorming": Open the floor for questions and encourage attendees to share their own ideas and challenges.
(45-50 Minutes) Conclusion & Call to Action (Summarize & Inspire)

Key Takeaways. Summarize the main benefits of genrifying graphic novel/manga collections.
Call to Action. Encourage attendees to take the first steps toward genrification in their own libraries.
Resources & Contact Information. Provide a list of helpful resources and contact information for follow-up questions.
Thank You & Final Thoughts
Find Your Story: Genrifying Graphic Novels & Manga for Every Reader

Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12

Session Strand: Collection Development

Presenter
Theresa Christal

Theresa is a library media specialist at North Kansas City High School in the North Kansas City School District. She has been in this position for the last three years, but has been a library media specialist for 11 years in the district. She has library experience at the K-12 levels and has been an educator for 27 years with experience in K-12 and post secondary. She is the 1st Vice President of Greater Kansas City Association of School Librarians and the department leader for the secondary level in her district. She has been involved with the Missouri Association of School Librarians through different committees and task forces as well as presenting. When she is not working, you can find her at home relaxing with her husband and spoiled dachshund. She loves to sit outside, read, and work in her yard when the weather cooperates.

Angie Groenke

Angie is the library coordinator for the North Kansas City School District and has been in that position for the last nine years. She also works as a library media specialist at Oak Park High School where she has been for 12 years, but her library career began in 2008. She has library experience at the K-12 levels and has been an educator for 27 years. She has been involved in Greater Kansas City Association of School Librarians and Missouri Association of School Librarians with leadership positions, committees, and task forces as well as presenting. When she is not working, she is spending time with her 1 amazing husband, 4 kids, 2.5 grandkids, 3 dogs and 1 very persnickety cat.


Description: Transform your library into a vibrant hub for visual literacy! This session tackles the challenge of organizing popular graphic novels and manga beyond a single shelf. Learn practical strategies to genrify your collection, enhancing reader discovery and promoting genre exploration. Discover how to create engaging displays, utilize effective reader's advisory techniques, and integrate genre-based programming. We'll explore diverse genres, develop classification systems, and address implementation challenges. Equip yourself with the tools to validate diverse reading interests, support curriculum integration, and increase circulation. Join us to unlock the full potential of your graphic novel and manga collection!