“Who are We Protecting Them From?” Revisiting ‘Graphic Account’.

Dr. Mel Gibson, Northumbria University, UK

In 1993 the Youth Libraries publication ‘Graphic Account’ sought to encourage the development and promotion of graphic novels collections in libraries. The key arguments were that this medium included works of genuine value and that collections might also encourage new library users, especially young people. Alongside this lay an awareness of the need to counter the negative perceptions of the medium. Today, the same arguments and need continue to exist. Despite some growth in collections, comic-strip materials remain a flashpoint for many library services when thinking through perceptions of both medium and the young adult (thus linking with cultural constructions of childhood). This paper will, therefore, explore the reasons for the continuing perception of the medium as problematic. In particular, it will focus on what is seen as the challenge of manga for library staff. In addition, putting collections and the selection of comic-strip materials into a wider cultural context, this paper will look several key examples. It will consider the way that manga have been seen as potentially ‘corrupting’ influences on young people in Britain, thus showing the continued importance of media effects discourses. It will also focus on media reports on the use of comics in the classroom. Barker, K (ed) (1993) Graphic Account. Youth Libraries Group James, A. and Prout, A (1990) Constructing and Reconstructing Childhood: Contemporary Issues in the Sociological Study of Childhood. Falmer Press.