About Jack Phoenix — Brodart's Graphic Novel Selector
Jack’s love affair with comics stretches back to his childhood in the early 90s. By 2008, he was working at London Public Library (London, Ohio), where he assumed responsibility for the graphic novel collection. After earning an MLIS degree from Kent State University in 2015, he launched an independent research project (which continues to this day) into in-house classification systems for graphic novels and how standard library practices affect graphic novel circulation and discovery in public libraries.
Jack has held a variety of positions with Ohio public libraries and is currently the Manager of Collection Development and Technical Services at Cuyahoga Falls Library. He also worked as a Content Specialist for OverDrive, creating selection lists for graphic novels for libraries across the Midwest.
His first book, “Maximizing the Impact of Comics in Your Library: Graphic Novels, Manga, and More,” was published in March, 2020. It has received positive reviews from Booklist, ACRL’S Choice, Tech Services Quarterly, and a starred review from School Library Journal.
Jack says, “More than just gateway reading, comics is a medium — not just deserving inclusion in our libraries, but worthy of our utmost respect and care. There is no subject that cannot be found in the form of a comic, and readers of comics and graphic novels deserve to see the medium they love elevated through library service.”
Jack is a sought-after panelist for webinars and conferences, speaking about comics programming and classification.
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