This blog is written by COBIS Supporting Associate, Digital Content Associates

Most of us grew up reading comics, avidly reading each issue that took us on new adventures and brought the world to our doorstep each week, often with the disapproval of parents!

Comics, graphic novels and picture books have long had the power to hook children and teens into reading and remain an inviting way to lure students to the school library, giving them an accessible edge in literacy and literary skills. Here are 10 reasons to add compelling digital libraries of visual story-telling to your collections.

1 How they like to read best. The more comfortable students are, the more they will be motivated to read, including even print versions. Digital comics, graphic novels and picture books get young readers reading, improving word and visual literacy, all on their preferred and familiar digital platform and device. Importantly, readers are given a diversity of genres and titles to choose from.

2 Improved word and visual literacy. Presenting visuals alongside words enables students to interpret both visual and linguistic information, not to mention the interplay of the two (consider manga) that can engage higher order thinking skills and increase accessibility to all learners. The strong graphic elements also attract art and design- centred students to the written word. Reading comprehension becomes easier when students are engaged. Vocabulary is learned eJortlessly.

3 All levels of reading engaged. While reading visual texts like graphic novels and comics, students naturally employ skimming, scanning and close reading as they make sense of the story. They get a good idea of the big picture and the details of the story structure. What’s more, they very often re-read the story, picking up more detail and developing a deeper understanding of story forms and styles, all without realising they are doing that.

4 Learning to love learning. A collection of fictional and non-fictional digital material in the library provides input for learning of all school subjects, getting students to look forward to and have greater confidence in their lessons and can even create cross- curricular/cross-level opportunities. Students become curious, critical, creative and imaginative thinkers.

5 Global intelligence. Since comics were first published, young readers have learnt about the world from them, giving them factual and cultural information in an entertaining way while expanding their creativity and imagination. Students apply critical thinking and problem solving that can extend to solving problems in their school subjects and also to tackling tough, global issues.

6 Vocabulary builder. The visually appealing texts make learning new words and expressions easier, as well as reinforcing vocabulary learnt in core subjects. In turn, reading promotes better production skills (speaking and writing).

7 Character and socio-emotional development. Reading opens not only the world but also makes young readers more aware of and helps to make sense of their own and others’ feelings, promoting confidence and social skills.

And here are the top 3 reasons for school libraries to add digital books to their collections:

1 More titles, less cost. Digital comics, graphic novels and picture books in the collection can be simultaneously accessed, allowing class and school-wide reading projects. Digital collections save on library space, duplicates are not needed and there are no torn or damaged books to replace.

2 Growing library. New titles in all genres can be added over the year to feed hungry readers and to keep the library a living, breathing place of discovery and adventure.

3 Comics in the classroom. The digital collection in your library is designed not just for young readers to enjoy on their own but also for teachers to launch classroom activities that enhance school subjects and whole-school events. Teachers can choose the suggested activities and projects that leverage the books and motivate students to love their subjects and merge these ready-made plans with their own projects.

ComicsPlus is an unlimited, simultaneous access digital library with thousands of digital comics, graphic novels and manga from a variety of well-known and much-loved library-friendly publishers.

You can trial a demo account for your school, which will give you enough time to explore a sampling of the rich content. Go to: https://digitalcontentassociates.com/school-libraries/

DCA’s Barney Allan would love to tell you more about the digital collection. Click on the link above to request a demo account for your school. Happy reading, everyone!