Content uploaded by Meghann Kuhlmann
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Meghann Kuhlmann on Jun 04, 2019
Content may be subject to copyright.
SUPERHEROES IN THE STACKS 1
Abstract
Academic libraries’ graphic novel and comic book collections hold a wide appeal for both
scholarly study and personal reading. Programming around these materials can attract diverse
audiences to promote library services and resources in a distinctive way. Wichita State University
Libraries hosted their first Halloween ComicFest in 2017 and it has grown into an annual event
from the success of this initial endeavor. In this article, the authors discuss the challenges of
planning and hosting a comic convention in an academic library as well as the potential benefits
such events hold for both libraries and their patrons.
Keywords: academic library; graphic novels; comic books, strips, etc.; comic
conventions; programming; outreach
Author Note
Meghann Kuhlmann
Assistant Professor and Instruction and Research Services Librarian
Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount Street, Wichita KS 67260
meghann.kuhlmann@wichita.edu
Lizzy Walker
Assistant Professor and Metadata and Digital Initiatives Librarian
Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount Street, Wichita KS 67260
lizzy.walker@wichita.edu
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 2
Superheroes in the Stacks: Halloween ComicFest at Wichita State University Libraries
Comic conventions have become a regular staple at many public libraries across the
United States. These events build on the libraries’ often extensive comic book, graphic novel,
and manga collections to create programming that supports their institutions’ literacy mission
while engaging patrons around their mutual love for comic characters, costuming, and popular
culture. Academic libraries, on the other hand, have not yet embraced the comic convention trend
although graphic narratives are an area of growing scholarly study and many academic libraries
are actively building their collections to support this area of research. For these libraries, comic
conventions can take advantage of an intersection between patrons’ enthusiasm for popular
culture, the growing interest in comic and graphic novels studies within academia, and the
fundamental mission of academic libraries to serve the research and reading needs of students
and faculty. In doing so, they have an opportunity to showcase their collections, services, and
spaces with events that hold broad appeal across diverse demographic groups and engage patrons
in fun, often unexpected ways. This paper presents a case study of one academic library’s efforts
to offer a comic convention and its growth into a successful annual event over 2017 and 2018.
The authors will discuss the potential benefits for libraries and their patrons, the challenges of
holding such an event, elements that were well-received and future steps for moving forward
with an annual patron-focused comic event.
Literature review
Comic books and graphic novels have received increased attention from academic
libraries over the last fifteen years as these formats have steadily gained the interest of scholars
across a range of humanities and social science disciplines. In the mid-2000s several articles
made a case for the need to systematically build comic and graphic novel collections and address
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 3
emergent collection development and cataloging issues inherent to the format (Matz, 2004;
O’English, Matthews, & Lindsay, 2006; Gluibizzi, 2007). Since that time scholarly and
professional literature has documented the efforts of academic libraries across the country to
expand their holdings in these areas (Golomb, 2010; Graham, 2010; Slator & Kardos, 2017).
Nonetheless, accounts of successful promotion or programming involving these materials remain
relatively scarce. Within the scope of the present study, this literature review examines how
academic libraries justify their support for graphic novel collections and identifies common
recommendations for promotion and outreach activities. Examples of successful comic
convention-style events at public libraries are also considered for expertise relevant to academic
programming.
Across the literature there is widespread acknowledgement of lingering stereotypes held
against sequential art as low quality or juvenile level reading material. To counter these concerns
traditional arguments for academic collection building emphasize the need to support popular
culture studies research and course curricula within the institution (Cubbage, 2010; Wagner,
2010). Another recurrent argument is the responsibility of academic libraries to provide reading
materials that appeal to student interests, both in and out of the classroom (O’English, Matthews,
& Lindsay, 2006; Slator & Kardos, 2017). Toren (2010) maintains that graphic novel collections
“promote the library as a third place where we serve and respect all [students’] reading interests”
(p. 66). As graphic narrative formats have gained recognition for their value in engaging multiple
learning styles and visual literacy skills, some libraries have even developed their own comic-
style materials for library orientations and classroom instruction (Evans, 2010; Hoover, 2011;
Upson & Hall, 2011).
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 4
Another recurrent theme across many of these articles is the need for targeted outreach
and promotion activities to increase awareness about these collections and attract new audiences.
O’English, Matthews, and Lindsey recommend going beyond communications with faculty to
engage in direct student outreach that “can increase general student awareness of graphic novels
as scholarly resources, artistic vehicles, and pleasure reading opportunities beyond the classroom
presence” (p.179). Their article, along with several of those discussed above, goes on to list
specific recommendations for potential outreach opportunities. Most common among them is the
creation of book displays, handouts and pathfinding guides, aimed at both leisure reading and
scholarly interests. Examples of effective displays can be found in Toren (2010) and Nargis and
Joseph (2012). Other avenues for potential partnerships may arise from targeted outreach to
student clubs in related areas such as anime, gaming, and literature (Cubbage, 2010; Slater &
Kardos, 2017). Ideas for more active programming include hosting speakers, workshops, or
competitions based on sequential art themes (O’English, Matthews, & Lindsay, 2006; Toren,
2010). Davis (2010) noted that events like Free Comic Book Day “can be invitations to patrons
to be re-introduced to the library and can contribute to attendance and circulation statistics” (p.
118). Despite the stated need for comic and graphic novel programming, relatively few
publications document successful implementation of large-scale or ongoing graphic novel
marketing and outreach efforts.
Public libraries, in contrast, have a longer history of hosting comic and anime convention
programming (Delaughter, 2011; Denwiddie & Hamdan, 2013). Although they typically cater to
young adult audiences, their experiences reveal valuable insights for academic contexts. For
instance, they share a strong emphasis on the need to clearly define the event’s purpose, whether
it be to encourage literacy, promote a specific collection, or appeal to new users, and to establish
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 5
an intended audience in terms of age groups and interests, i.e. anime, science fiction, or popular
culture more broadly (Denwiddie & Hamdan, 2013; Chant, 2016; Rogers-Whitehead, 2015). In
addition, they unanimously recommend building on existing local connections and networks to
create a unique and patron-focused experience. These articles convey a general sense of
enthusiasm from libraries that have undertaken these programs and provide encouragement for
others who wish to follow their example.
Two examples of academic library comic programming do stand out in the literature.
Harrison and Kaufman (2013) describe a library sponsored speaker event devoted to Superman
which drew in over a hundred participants at Seminole State College. In a more complex
endeavor, St. Petersburg College partnered with Palm Harbor Public Library to offer a two-day
anime and comic convention with activities at both locations (Knipp, Walker, Durney, & Perez,
2015). This event was open to the public and drew over 100 participants each day. Both articles
count their events as successful in terms of relationship building with external partners and
visibility for their libraries as places for engagement and community. These examples show an
interest in comic-related events among academic library patrons and the opportunity they present
for increased campus collaboration and positive publicity for their institutions. The present
article contributes to the literature documenting academic library efforts to support both scholars
of popular culture and campus communities through a sustainable annual comic convention.
Graphic Novels and Comics at Wichita State University
The graphic novel collection at Wichita State University (WSU) Libraries has actively
grown to support increased faculty and student interest over the last several years. Intentional
collection building activities began in 2007 with an initial purchase of 48 core titles, spurred by
the interest of a former Humanities Librarian who contacted select faculty members to discuss
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 6
their interest in incorporating graphic novels in the classroom and became an advocate for the
format on campus (Golomb, 2010). Today that collection has grown to 268 titles catalogued with
the subject heading “Graphic novels” and faculty members from several departments including
English, sociology, Spanish literature, and women’s studies engage in graphic narrative and
popular culture research supported by the library’s collection. One class in particular, ENGL 377:
Graphic Novels, exclusively addresses the literary value of this format. From 2015-2017 the
library hosted annual displays of students’ final projects from this class featuring posters that
analyzed comics and graphic novels in visual ways. These displays consistently drew
appreciation from a wide range of patrons, indicating interest in this format from the campus
community.
The popularity of WSU Libraries’ graphic novel collections prompted the authors to
consider strategies for increased promotion and outreach including the possibility of hosting a
small convention or cosplay event. Through these discussions a number of potential benefits
were identified for the library, its patrons, and the university. For the library, such an event
presented an opportunity to showcase not only the comic and graphic novel holdings but also a
number of newer technology services the library provides. WSU Libraries opened C-Space, a
maker-space and collaboration area prominently located on the first floor, in 2015 and was still
seeking an opportunity for large-scale promotion of the services available there. Hosting an event
in C-Space allowed the library to take full advantage of those technologies by offering unique
activities including a green screen, 3D printer, and virtual reality station that raised awareness
about these services in an engaging way.
Another advantage of hosting a comic convention-style event is the broad appeal they
hold for both traditional-age college students and returning adult students with children. The
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 7
flexibility of comic conventions, in terms of programming and content, allows for activities
aimed at different age groups and interests to create a single event that serves a wide range of
diverse patrons. It creates an opportunity for new and regular patrons alike to experience the
library as an inviting space for collaboration and community building. This type of event also
supports the larger mission of the Wichita State University, including a number of stated strategic
plan goals. Notably, comic conventions have the potential to “empower students to create a
campus culture and experience that meets their changing needs” and “capitalize systemically on
relevant existing and emerging societal and economic trends that increase quality educational
opportunities” (Wichita State University, 2013). Further, the decision to make the event open to
the public supports the university's outreach mission and has the potential to impact new student
recruitment efforts. Designing the event in clear alignment with wider university and library
goals helped it gain the approval of campus administrators.
With these benefits in mind, the authors began looking for an opportunity to hold a comic
themed event and discovered Halloween ComicFest, a national event similar to Free Comic
Book Day, that celebrates the holiday with comics retailers distributing free Halloween themed
comic books on the Saturday before or on Halloween. While the focus remains retailers, libraries
are invited to participate and partner with local comic shops to purchase mini-comic bundles and
full-sized titles at highly discounted rates. Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. released their
librarian and educator newsletter, Diamond BookShelf, in July of 2017 with information
regarding how libraries could participate in Halloween ComicFest 2017 (Diamond Distributors,
2017). To that end, WSU Libraries established their own Halloween ComicFest event in
conjunction with Diamond Comic Distributors in order to take advantage of discounted bulk
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 8
ordering for comic books to distribute freely to attendees. An initial plan for a four-hour event
was drafted and accepted by the libraries Executive Council team.
Planning WSU Libraries Halloween ComicFest
The 2017 WSU Libraries Halloween ComicFest held the potential to attract a much larger
crowd than typical campus library events and required a significant investment in staff time to
ensure its success. An event planning committee comprised an interdepartmental team including
three faculty librarians, two from Technical Services and one from Research Services, and staff
members from the Dean’s Office, Library Technologies, and Access Services. With the number
of unknown variables involved with such an event, having a diverse group of members for the
planning committee was crucial to the success of the 2017 Halloween ComicFest. Each person
provided a unique perspective to develop the event. The group was better equipped to identify
important aspects of planning a large-scale event, such as budget issues, various WSU Libraries’
policies, technology issues, how the event could impact public services. Tasks involved
establishing a scheduled program and activities, allocating the budget, organizing event
volunteers, reaching out to potential partners, and creating marketing materials. With such a
diverse committee makeup, policies for the 2017 University Libraries Halloween ComicFest
were simple to draft. One of the staff members also worked at a local chain bookstore and the
WSU Libraries consulted her concerning a statement regarding the possibility of filming and
photography statements so that attendees knew there was a possibility of their image appearing
on the WSU Libraries social media pages, as well as on future marketing materials. They also
implemented a no weapons policy for the first year to help limit liability.
Since the interdepartmental structure of the initial planning committee worked well for
the 2017 event, the concept was carried over into the second year with the committee consisting
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 9
of librarians from Technical Services and Research Services, the curator of Special Collections,
and staff members from the Dean’s Office and Technical Services. Two major policy change
opportunities presented themselves for the 2018 event. First, the committee elected to film the
keynote and breakout sessions which brought up the question of presenter permissions. To that
end, a committee member drafted a permissions statement for the presenter to read and
acknowledge prior to their sessions. Second, the 2018 committee also decided to permit
attendees to carry costume weaponry. After researching how public libraries established their
events, it was clear to the committee that weapons policies are an important aspect for cosplayers
in light of the fact that, in some cases, weaponry is central to a character’s persona.
For the first year’s event, a minimal budget was designated for the purchase of comics,
craft table supplies, prizes, and giveaways. The committee ordered comics directly from an
online retailer rather than reaching out to a comics shop for the first year. The reason for this was
twofold. First, the event was essentially a trial to measure the extent of interest from the campus
community. Second, information on ordering comics was readily available in the newsletter from
Diamond Comics Distributing, Inc. For the second year’s event, the Technical Services librarian
devoted time to researching comic shops in the area by communicating with colleagues familiar
with the local stores and using the store locator through the Comic Shop Locator website linked
on the official Halloween ComicFest site. This site uses badges, such as a Free Comic Book Day
Participant or School and Library Partner badge, to let searchers know more about the shop.
WSU Libraries partnered specifically with a local comic book store with the School and Library
Partner badge. The shop also donated gift certificates for costume contest first prize winners.
When the committee chair arrived to pick up the comics, the owner of the store took time to have
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 10
a conversation regarding the event, asked questions about the WSU Libraries, and expressed
interest at working with the library if they continue to hold another Halloween ComicFest.
Campus partners were invaluable in helping the planning committee make the most of
their budget, such as the University Bookstore, Shocker Grill and Lanes, and several campus
departments and colleges that donated items such as meal vouchers, university-branded apparel,
buttons, stationery, sling bags, and more. Library faculty and staff also donated items and money
to help with prizes, candy, and giveaways. WSU Libraries experienced an increase in campus
departments that donated items for the 2018 ComicFest. New sponsors to the event included
Academic Affairs, Cohen Honors College, University Foundation, and W. Frank Barton School
of Business. WSU branded items proved to be popular in both 2017 and 2018, so having such
materials available on hand for the event was valuable. The committee also made sure to include
a mix of university-branded and comics-themed items for the costume contest prize winners.
One of the first external sponsors of the 2017 WSU Libraries Halloween ComicFest was
Image Comics. Provisional to receiving materials the WSU Libraries agreed to submit a short
article on their event to the Image Comics newsletter editor. The comics publisher sent a variety
of single-issue comics, as well as a small selection of graphic novels and an art print from one of
their titles. These proved to be popular among attendees and the single issues were the first to run
out at the registration desk. One of the committee members also had connections to a comic shop
which donated a selection of posters for the event. The partnership between Image and WSU
Libraries continued for the 2018 event. The librarian who had been in contact with Image
Comics for the 2017 event approached them again in 2018 and they graciously donated single-
issue comics, canvas bags, pins, and other items. The only caveat that should be taken into
consideration with regard to Image titles is that they are more appropriate for teen and adult
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 11
audiences. WSU Libraries decided to make the Image Comics titles available with the
understanding that most of them were not appropriate for children.
Another way the committee was able to garner more external partners occurred at the
2018 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in New Orleans. Two members
of the planning committee attended the conference and communicated with comics publishers
and game distributors, as well as returned to the WSU Libraries with materials donated by them,
including single-issue comics, graphic novels, bookmarks, and other items for the WSU Libraries
Halloween ComicFest. They also had contact information for marketing representatives who
graciously donated materials shortly after the conference. This effort helped establish new
relationships between the library and small and large comics publishers.
Marketing efforts between the two years illustrates a marked difference between what is
capable regarding limited time versus having a year to market an event. While the advertising
methods were similar, the timing, release, and amount of content were vastly different. For 2017,
although ComicFest was open to the public, the planning committee concentrated promotion
efforts to the campus community to mitigate the uncertainty of participant numbers. Several
announcements were sent to university-wide email lists for students and staff and posters that
included a list of activities were hung around campus in major gathering areas. All advertising
materials were developed and printed in-house and included a link to the event webpage housed
in the WSU Libraries Libguides. The site included such information as the full schedule,
program, policies, and parking information. A Facebook event page drove social media
engagement, especially in the weeks leading up to the event, with interactive elements such as
polls for followers about their costume choices and favorite comic heroes in addition to event
updates. In 2018, as a result of taking more time to develop programming and marketing
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 12
materials, as well as budgeting for outsourced poster printing, the planning committee found
more opportunities to advertise the event. Methods for advertising the 2018 ComicFest were
similar to the previous year in that posters were distributed across campus, the event LibGuide
and Facebook event pages were developed, and smaller posters were printed in-house. The latter
were left in public areas in the library and WSU Libraries’ executive council distributed them
during various meetings and events they attended. Additionally, rather than focus solely on
campus marketing, the committee approached a selection of local gaming and comics stores to
hang posters.
Staff participation was key in holding a successful event. A total of 17 staff members and
graduate students answered two calls for volunteers that were distributed in library-wide emails.
While most stations and activities went smoothly the day of the event, the feedback from
volunteers mentioned a few topics that needed to be addressed by the next committee. This
included congestion at stations that were too close to each other, establishing break times for
volunteers, and making sure all volunteers arrived at the time the committee established.
The call for 2018 event volunteers in a library-wide email received a greater response
than expected. The number of library staff who wanted to be involved almost doubled in the
second year with an increase to 36 staff and graduate students. Since there were more activities
and stations arranged for the year, more volunteers were essential to the success of the event.
More volunteers also meant more questions about aspects of the event, especially for those who
had not participated in the previous year. A volunteer orientation session provided a space to
assign people to stations, introduce the volunteers to the various activities, and answer questions.
The orientation allowed for an informal conversation where volunteers and the planning
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 13
committee could discuss roles, expectations, and any unforeseen concerns in advance of the
event.
Hosting the event
The national Halloween ComicFest event takes place on Saturday, a day when WSU
Libraries is open for regular activity. The majority of activities were held in the WSU Libraries
C-Space area on the first floor which provided the flexibility to accommodate multiple activities
while keeping the commotion separate from studying patrons. Volunteers at the registration desk
greeted attendees at the entrance to C-Space, where they signed in, selected their free comics,
and received prize wheel tickets. Throughout the day attendees could take part in technology
demonstrations, discussions sessions, a film screening, a craft table, and the all-ages costume
contest that concluded the events.
Hosting the event in C-Space provided access to the most advanced technology services
available to students which the WSU Libraries showcased through activities involving the green
screen, 3D printer, and virtual reality headset. The green screen was set up as a photo booth with
inexpensive props and a choice of superhero and Halloween themed backgrounds. A graduate
student employee took portraits for attendees which were made available on the WSU Libraries
Facebook page the following Monday. Another student employee provided demonstrations of 3D
printing, which is a technique of growing interest to cosplayers for its ability to create affordable
and detailed costume pieces. The 3D printer ran throughout the event alongside completed
examples to show the printing process from beginning to end. During the summer of 2018, the
WSU Libraries added virtual reality capabilities to the resources in C-Space which allowed the
event to build on the popularity of technology demonstrations with five-minute tours through
virtual reality environments, also led by graduate student employees.
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 14
In addition to the technology demonstrations, several ongoing activities kept participants
entertained throughout the day. In 2017, a film screening of Nosferatu was set up in the Leisure
Reading Room, a recessed area of C-Space, which provided patrons a space to relax and take
breaks during the event. Books from the WSU Libraries’ juvenile collection were available for
reading and check out in the Reading Room as well. This space was separated from the main
area by dry erase whiteboards that acted as both a sound screen and a way for participants to
interact by writing down or drawing their answers to the question “Who is your favorite
superhero?” For the 2018 event, a film screening of Plan 9 from Outer Space was moved to an
open area downstairs and the Leisure Reading space was dedicated entirely to showcasing items
from the collection. Prior to the event, the main display case was devoted to advertising the WSU
Libraries Halloween ComicFest along with a large selection of comics and graphic novels. The
day of the event, all of these books were pulled out of the case and arranged in the Leisure
Reading Room. A selection of children’s Halloween themed picture books were also left out in
the area, and refreshments were provided to participants in this space as well. The addition of
this reading space helped promote the literacy value of the event and encourage the circulation of
the graphic novel and juvenile collections.
To further recognize the valuable impact comics and graphic novels have on literacy and
education in colleges and universities, the planning committee included activities that
highlighted the academic importance of these resources. The first year, roundtable discussions
were scheduled for 30-minute periods, staggered throughout the afternoon. The committee issued
a call for presenters across campus early in the planning process and it was answered by
students, faculty, and staff working in popular culture studies from a wide variety of disciplines.
Six speakers were selected to present on topics ranging from cosplay techniques to the history of
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 15
comics in Latin America. The speaker programming expanded in 2018 with a keynote address to
kick off the event followed by concurrent breakout sessions scheduled in meeting spaces
throughout the library. For the keynote, the library rented a stage and set up a microphone and
sound system in C-space. Jay Price, a WSU faculty member, led a panel discussion along with
students who recently worked together to create and publish a graphic novel.
Two members of the local chapter of the 501st Legion, an international Star Wars non-
profit organization comprised of cosplayers, made a scheduled appearance. In 2017 members of
the organization, attired in stormtrooper costumes, playfully engaged with attendees and
participated in green screen photographs. Afterward, members of the group approached the
library about not only presenting at the 2018 event, but also about having an information table in
the C-Space. The committee quickly agreed that this would be a welcome addition to the 2018
event. Attendees visited the information table consistently throughout the event.
The craft area featured materials to decorate superhero gauntlets, masks, and lightsabers
as well as coloring pages. Prior to the event, staff members and graduate student assistants
prepared craft materials for the creation of the aforementioned items. Though the craft activities
were primarily intended for children, several adults participated as well. In 2018, the craft table
was relocated to a dedicated Kids Zone in a separate room so children could be entertained
during the keynote address and throughout the event. A film, The Lego Movie, was also set up in
the room for entertainment. Volunteers monitored the area for neatness but activities were all
self-guided.
A suggestion the committee considered from the 2017 exit surveys indicated a desire for
more games at the event. As the committee was approved to extend the time of the event, they
had more opportunities for hosting activities where attendees could engage with each other. In
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 16
addition to the prize wheel, two added games were Bingo and ‘Find Someone Who…’, both
printed in-house and distributed at the registration table. Bingo turned out to be an
underestimated game that was well-attended. The Bingo caller ran out of prizes halfway through
the time allotted, which left the committee scrambling for prizes. The prize wheel was well
stocked with items, so shifting materials from one station to another was a simple process. ‘Find
Someone Who…’ was also a popular game which gave participants a way to engage with each
other and library staff.
Several attendees also enjoyed the Learn to Play Magic: The Gathering station. The
distributor of the game, Wizards of the Coast, released a program for libraries to receive free
Learn to Play kits that includes 25 Welcome decks, instructional material, gaming mats, and
more. Each player who registered received a free Welcome deck, which included two 30-card
decks, and a free life counter in the form of a 20-sided die. Two volunteers assigned to teach the
game found it to be fairly hands off as the 17 gamers who participated were a mix of new and
seasoned players. Those with more experience were enthusiastic about teaching their fellow
players the rules of the game. Overall, the inclusion of more games resulted in more interaction
between the attendees and people stayed at the event longer.
A costume contest for both children and adults marked the final activity of the afternoon.
The inclusion of cosplay elements provides a fun way for patrons to engage and the timing with
Halloween provides an extra incentive for attendees to wear costumes. However, the committee
found that costume contest logistics require considerable forethought. Volunteers staffed a table
dedicated to registration until 30 minutes before the contest. The first year judging started 30
minutes before the ceremony and each participant had the opportunity to answer questions about
their costumes for the panel of volunteer judges before the parade and award ceremony. The
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 17
second year the planning committee approached a library staff member with ties to the local
cosplay community about best practices for judging criteria and contest organization. While the
committee retained responsibility over the organization and registration process, members of the
local cosplay community participated as judges which provided a more cohesive and
professional feel to the contest. The parade and ceremony also benefited greatly from the
addition of a stage and sound system.
Evaluating feedback
A few days after each event, the planning committee held debriefing meetings to review
the registration numbers and exit surveys to determine areas of success of the events and address
challenges. Based on registration desk data for 2017, there were 114 total attendees, 38 of whom
filled out exit surveys. Attendee feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with all of the attendees
responding that they would be likely to return if the WSU Libraries held a Halloween ComicFest
in 2018. Challenges the committee addressed to improve the 2018 event included allocating
more time for planning, reviewing event spacing and layout, addressing complications with the
activities, investigating ways to increase partnering opportunities, organizing prizes, and
establishing clearer instructions for volunteer training. The 2017 report submitted to library
administration that resulted from the debriefing meeting helped drive administration decision
making efforts and determining whether it would be worth the time and effort spent to host a
2018 Halloween ComicFest event.
In 2018, the number of attendees increased to 143 from the previous year. While only 26
attendees filled out the exit survey, the comments again were positive. One comment from an
attendee indicated that the 2018 event was more organized. Other comments related to games,
the costume contest, and prizes. A consistent negative that came up in the exit surveys once again
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 18
regarded space. Since there was an increase in attendees, but not in the amount of real estate in
C-Space, some congestion still occurred. In a positive unexpected outcome, Halloween
ComicFest 2018 was featured on the front page of WSU’s student newspaper, The Sunflower, in
a favorable article that generated high-profile publicity for the library’s services (Korte, 2018).
Lessons Learned
Most of the activities took place in C-Space both years due the flexibility and centrality
of the area, but an expanded use of space helped address congestion that occurred around activity
areas allowing for the potential of a greater number of participants. As discussed above, breakout
sessions were held in meeting spaces throughout the library, the film screening was held
downstairs and the Kids Zone moved to a separate enclosed area. Despite the expansion of
usable space, the volunteers running the prize wheel still experienced crowding and congestion
due to the number of people with tickets who wanted to participate. This has led to discussion of
how to restructure that activity. Further, the expansion across two additional floors created new
challenges for wayfinding, signage, and communication with participants. Each attendee
received a program upon registration with a schedule of events and a map of the library that
marked activity locations. However, even with clear signs and directions a majority of attendees
stayed in the main C-Space area rather than exploring activities in other areas.
The speaker sessions also attracted fewer participants than expected. The planning
committee originally envisioned the roundtable discussions as a way to engage partnerships with
campus scholars working in areas supported by the library’s graphic novel collection and add an
academic focus to the event. Several steps were taken in an effort to encourage greater
engagement with speakers in 2018 including featuring the presentations on marketing materials
and the program. Despite increased publicity and organization in 2018, the presentations still
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 19
attracted relatively small audiences, possibly because attendees were reluctant to leave the main
event area or preferred less structured activities. The committee discussed incorporating faculty
and student work in less formal ways in the future, such as tables and demonstrations people can
visit at their leisure rather than scheduled events.
The committee also encountered a challenge due to policies prohibiting sales in the WSU Library
building which limits the inclusion of local vendors and artists, a familiar feature of commercial
comic conventions and often a large draw at public library conventions as well. Without a
financial incentive for artists and vendors, the committee looked for ways to leverage other
partnerships creatively to provide the convention atmosphere. Another important aspect to be
aware of is the timing of activities. Timing proved to be a challenge both years, especially for the
costume contest as many people who registered to participate, particularly those with children,
left before the contest started. Although more people stayed the second year, likely because
additional activities and refreshments provided more entertainment, an earlier contest will likely
appeal to a larger audience.
Next Steps
Since the WSU Libraries Halloween ComicFest event has been approved for 2019, the
planning committee has been charged with a new task to make a plan for sustainability. This
includes developing event documentation, maintaining and updating policies and procedures, and
establishing an ongoing list of event sponsors. The committee will also need to explore ways to
establish new and maintain existing campus and external partnerships. Ideas for increasing
campus partnerships include approaching various departments and student groups in the arts and
in game development and reaching out to new publishers and game distributors for possible
sponsorships.
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 20
One unexpected outcome from the WSU Libraries Halloween ComicFest is the creation
of a dedicated collection within the library’s institutional repository, Shocker Open Access
Repository (SOAR) for persistent archiving. The committee will need to ensure all pertinent
documentation is ready for processing early on 2019. The next WSU Libraries Halloween
ComicFest planning committee will be investigating ways to improve the event based on
feedback and observations made regarding the previous two years. The committee will have
access to the raw data and reports generated from previous years to address the challenges from
2018 and continue to grow Halloween ComicFest in new and exciting directions.
Conclusion
The rising popularity of comics and graphic novels in academia presents an opportunity
for college and university libraries to showcase these formats through programming initiatives.
Such an event has the potential to uphold the strategic plan of the institution, get new users into
the library, and help grow the academic library’s comics and graphic novels collection through
increased publicity. To that end, WSU Libraries has held two successful Halloween ComicFest
events and plans to continue building on the momentum they have generated in the coming year.
Feedback from attendees and library staff who either attended or volunteered has led to
significant improvements in planning protocols and logistics. Despite time and budgetary
limitations the first year, library administration has acknowledged the advantages of this event
and invested in its subsequent growth. Comic conventions provide an inherently flexible format
that can easily be adapted to accommodate local budget and planning limitations. Engagement
with campus and community partners can help create a unique patron-focused experience that
highlights the library as a responsive institution that supports students’ educational endeavors,
both inside the classroom and out.
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 21
References
Chant, I. (2016). The Pros of cons. Library Journal, 141(12), 26-29.
Cubbage, C. (2010). Selection and popular culture in large academic libraries: Taking the
temperature of your research community. In R. Weiner (Ed.), Graphic novels and comics
in libraries and archives: Essays on readers, research, history, and cataloging (pp. 72-
80). Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company.
Davis, A. (2010). Maus goes to college: Graphic novels on reserve at an academic library. In R.
Weiner (Ed.), Graphic novels and comics in libraries and archives: Essays on readers,
research, history, and cataloging (pp. 81-86). Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company.
Delaughter, M. (2011). Host your own anime convention. Voice of Youth Advocates, 34(4), 338-
339.
Denwiddie, K. & Hamdan, K. (2013, July-September). We put on a comic-con (And so can
you!). Virginia Libraries, 21-27.
Diamond Distributors. (2017, July14). Participate in Halloween ComicFest 2017!. Retrieved
from http://archive.aweber.com/bookshelf/Je4UK/h/Participate_in_Halloween.htm
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 22
Evans, G. (2010). The library after dark: The promotion of collections and services. In R. Weiner
(Ed.), Graphic novels and comics in libraries and archives: Essays on readers, research,
history, and cataloging (pp. 87-100). Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company.
Gluibizzi, A. (2007). The aesthetics and academics of graphic novels and comics. Art
Documentation: Journal of the Art Libraries Society of North America, 26(1), 28-30.
Golomb, L. (2010). So many options, so little money: Building a selective collection for the
academic library. In R. Weiner (Ed.), Graphic novels and comics in libraries and
archives: Essays on readers, research, history, and cataloging (pp. 87-100). Jefferson,
NC: McFarland & Company.
Graham, R. (2010). The spinner rack in the Big Red and ivory tower: Establishing a comics and
graphic novels collection at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In R. Weiner (Ed.),
Graphic novels and comics in libraries and archives: Essays on readers, research,
history, and cataloging (pp. 111-126). Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company.
Harrison, T. & Kaufman, K. (2013). New possibilities and partnerships: How Superman
partnered academics and comics at Seminole State College Library. Florida Libraries,
56(2), 18-20.
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 23
Hoover, S. (2011). The case for graphic novels. Communications in Information Literacy, 5(2),
174-186.
Korte, A. (2018, October 28). Halloween ComicFest: Graphic novels, cosplay, and spookiness.
The Sunflower. Retrieved from https://thesunflower.com/30609/lifestyle/halloween-
comicfest-graphic-novels-cosplay-and-spookiness/
Knipp, P.J., Walker, K.R., Durney, K. & Perez, J.E. (2015) Public and academic library
collaboration through an anime and comics enthusiasts convention (ACEcon). Journal Of
Library Innovation, 6(2), 73-88.
Matz, C. (2004). Collecting comic books for an academic library. Collection Building, 23(4), 96-
99.
Nargis, J. & Joseph, B. (2012). “From the heroic to the depraved”: Mainstream and underground
comic books at Northwestern University Library. College & Research Library News,
73(5).
O’English, L., Matthews, J.G., & Lindsay, E.B. (2006). Graphic novels in academic libraries:
From Maus to manga and beyond. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 32(2), 173–182.
Rogers-Whitehead, C. (2015). Making geeks. American Libraries, 46(6), 60-63.
STORTROOPERS IN THE STACKS 24
Slator, A. & Kardos, A. (2017). Graphic novels: Collecting, cataloging and outreach in an
academic library. The Journal of Academic Librarianship 43(2), 116-120.
Toren, J. (2010). BAM! POW! Graphic novels fights stereotypes in academic libraries:
Supporting, collecting, promoting. Technical Services Quarterly, 28(1), 55-69.
Wagner, C. (2010). Graphic novel collections in academic ARL libraries. College and Research
Libraries, 71(1), 42-48.
Wichita State University. (2013). Wichita State University Strategic Planning Initiative.
Retrieved from
https://www.wichita.edu/about/strategic_plan/documents/Strategic_Plan_Final.pdf
Upson, M. & Hall, C.M. (2011). Zombie attacks: How they can contribute to the success of your
library. College & Research Library News, 72(7), 390.