Managing a Graphic Novel Collection

In an elementary school students have a limited amount of time to have a lesson and checkout independent reading materials especially if their library is a prep time. I find it easier for students and myself if I have a completely separate graphic novel section. It is faster to shelve the books and keep an eye on the collection. The turnover rate is high. Most of the books are cataloged for 741 but some are B or picture books. I put all the graphic novels in one section somewhat separated from the rest of the collection that is easy to observe. Students tend to congregate there to discuss and choose books. Sometimes students will even argue or fight over a certain book. As a general rule as long as you can see students well and they know you can see them less problems occur.

Some of the easier books such as Robot Rampage for the very young readers( grades 1 & 2) are pulled and put in their easy reader section. I try to keep Bone and most of the manga books for grades 3, 4, and 5. Although I could find no evidence to prove back to front reading is a problem for very young students, it may be a challenge to read from right to left. Some teachers are not happy about back to front reading for students in grades 1-3.