Library buildings are closed. Schools are closed. Conventions and book launches have been cancelled.
As everyone scrambles to move their services online and attempts to figure out what to do during social isolation, we thought this was an opportunity to try something new.
The American Library Association's Graphic Novels and Comics Roundtable(GNCRT) has announced an online initiative that "will spotlight online comic reading and recommendations, resources and toolkits, and other #libcomix content virtually through #LibComixOnline. These series of events and spotlighted resources will feature live streamed webinars, recorded interviews and discussions with some of our favourite creators, stores, and libraries plus virtual brainstorming sessions, and maybe even a few live draws or virtual art drops."
We are very proud to announce that ALIA Graphic Novels and Comics is joining the GNCRT on this project. We will, of course, share the content they create and publish but we will also create some content of our own and, even better, some content in collaboration with them.
These are some of the planned events that we will roll out in the coming weeks:
- Compile and share comics related resources for everyone who's staying at home (printables, learning activities, etc)
- Recorded interviews and creator meet ups with some of our favourite Australian creators
- Webinars for librarians on different aspects of comics librarianship
- Live drawing parties online
Best of all, there will be some crossover ALIA Graphic & GNCRT events with Australian comics creators speaking with creators from the US and Canada.
We already have three Australian creators confirmed and it's fair to say that we're very excited!
The #LibComixOnline tab on our page will be updated regularly and we'll keep you posted as soon as we have more details.
The first event has already been announced and should not be missed:
April 1: Collection Development and Readers' Advisory with GNCRT President Amie Wright and special guest. The discussion will cover new and upcoming titles, recommended back issues and best practices. Attendees can weigh in with their faves or ask for advice.
The first event has already been announced and should not be missed:
April 1: Collection Development and Readers' Advisory with GNCRT President Amie Wright and special guest. The discussion will cover new and upcoming titles, recommended back issues and best practices. Attendees can weigh in with their faves or ask for advice.