Putting it to the Comic Book Fans: Is Auckland Libraries’ Comic Book/Graphic Novel and Manga Collection Meeting Customer Expectations?

摘要

This study examines whether Auckland Libraries’ comic book/graphic novel and manga collection is meeting customer expectations and ascertains possible improvements that could be made.Methodology: The study predominantly used a quantitative approach to gather data through the use of self-completion questionnaires. A small degree of qualitative data was obtained from the questionnaire through open-ended questions. There was no recruiting of participants. The target population for this study included all Auckland Libraries customers, regardless of whether they frequently borrow from the comic book/graphic novel and manga collection or not.Results: The study found that participants were generally satisfied with the range of materials in the collection. However, it was commonly agreed amongst participants that Auckland Libraries could be doing more to showcase what was available. Areas identified for improvement include the organisation of the collection, its promotion and staff knowledge of the comic book/graphic novel and manga formats.Implications: This study recommends Auckland Libraries redesign cataloguing procedures for comic book/graphic novel and manga collection in order to introduce standardised organisation at each site. It also recommends Auckland Libraries take more promotional opportunities for the collection as well as the up-skilling of staff to assist with these.