ComicPlus Library Edition Database, powered by Iversemedia

Database Image:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: ComicsPlus (Library Edition)

Author: Various

Vendor: RB Digital/ Recorded Books

Reader’s Annotation:

Unlimited access to 16,000 comic titles, in your hands, at all times.

Summary:

This paid database allows teens to access comic books on any web capable device, for free as a part of their library membership.  The database currently includes over 16,000 titles by 93 different authors.  As a function of the website, teens are able to browse the database by target age, so they can find titles that are written specifically for a YA audience, which is about half of the titles in the database.  Titles include traditional comic titles, nonfiction titles,graphic novels, and manga.

Critical Evaluation:

The setup of the database is very patron focused.  There is no checkout limit, and items check out for 7 days.  Additionally, there is no limit to the number of patrons that can have the same title checked out at the same time, which means no wait time or hold lists for a title.  Patrons literally have unlimited access to the entire database.  This will appeal to teens, giving them more control over their access than many other databases give them.

Any internet capable device can access this database.  This means that teens with their own computers can access the database at home using their library card.  There are also apps available in both the iTunes and Google Play stores, which means teens can put the app on their smartphones or tablets, and access the database using wifi or data packages.  Again, this speaks to the patron centric nature of the database.

One negative aspects of the database are the limited titles.  Some of the most popular publishers, such as DC Comic, or Marvel, have no titles included in this database.  This means that teens who have specific favorite titles may not find them in this database.

Author Biography:

Not applicable

Genre(s): 
Database, Comics, Manga, Graphic Novels

Curriculum Ties:

Pennsylvania State Standard CC.1.3.9-10.K

Read and comprehend literary fiction on grade level, reading independently and proficiently.

Booktalk Ideas:

If you wanted to do a general discussion on comics, you could ask teens to talk about who their favorite comic characters are, and why

You could do booktalks on specific titles included in the database.  For example, you could do a booktalk on the My Little Pony titles, discussing friendship and the qualities of a good friend.

          

Reading Level:

Not applicable

Interest Age: 

13 and up

Challenge Issues: Because teens would also have access to "mature" titles in this database, there could be challenges based on adult language, sexuality or nudity in drawings, violence, and substance use represented.

  If this database, or any titles it contained, were challenged I would:

·         Listen to the concerns of the person raising the challenge

·         Consult the library’s collection development policy

·         Explain how this work meets a library need based on the collection development policy 

·         Consult YALSA’s Dealing with Challenges to Young Adult Materials

·         Consult reviews on VOYA, Amazon, Common Sense Media, and Kirkus

·         Discuss any awards or notable commendations the book received

·         Explain the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom as discussed in the ALA Library Bill of Rights

·         Give the patron the procedure for a formal challenge should they seek to pursue it

Why was this database selected:

I included this database because it is a relatively new addition to my library's collection, and I find it to be a valuable materials that more libraries may want to consider.  Comics/manga/graphic novels are increasing in popularity among our teen patrons.  This database is a cost effective way for a library to provide unlimited access to these selected titles.  Often, comics can appeal to reluctant readers, and get new teens engaged in library activities.