Graphic Novel and Comics Member Initiative Group becomes Round Table

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) Governing Council has approved the conversion of the Graphic Novel and Comics Member Initiative Group into a Round Table – the first approved Round Table in five years. Round Table status will allow for organization-wide engagement with professional and collection development, public outreach and advocacy, and internal mentorship, as well as furthering the cultivation of industry partnerships relating to the sequential art format in schools and libraries.

A member-led initiative started eight years ago, the Graphic Novel and Comics Group has been promoting the collection and support of graphic novels through a diverse range of events and sponsorships such as pop-up libraries and educator/librarian-focused panels at regional comic conventions like New York Comic-Con and Comic-Con International: San Diego, facilitating the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries, and coordinating the GraphiCon slate of programming at the ALA annual conventions.

Monday morning of the 2018 ALA Annual Conference, the ALA Council, with enthusiastic member support, passed a petition to convert the existing Member Initiative Group into the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table.

“The Graphic Novel Member Initiative Group has been one of the most active groups of its kind over the past eight years,” said Robin Brenner, Co-Convener and Organizing Committee member of the Graphic Novel MIG. “With the establishment of this Round Table, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our outreach and tap into grassroots member support across all libraries and institutions.”

More details will be forthcoming concerning membership dues, opportunities and discussion forums at ALA Connect http://bit.ly/GNCRT.

The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.