Graphic Medicine Resources

Introduction

About this Guide
This guide serves as an online collection of resources and tools that are relevant to graphic medicine including LibGuides, collection development resources, and programming resources. Together, these elements will offer a robust foundation for exploring and utilizing graphic medicine in libraries, healthcare and more.

Overview of Graphic Medicine
Graphic medicine is an innovative and interdisciplinary field that explores the intersection of comics and healthcare. The term was coined by Dr. Ian Williams, a physician and artist, in 2007 to describe the use of graphic novels and comics as a medium to convey medical information, share patient and caregiver experiences, and enhance understanding of health and illness. By utilizing the visual and narrative power of comics, graphic medicine aims to improve health literacy, foster empathy, and provide an engaging, accessible way to discuss complex medical issues. This approach not only aids in patient education but also serves as a valuable tool for healthcare professionals to gain deeper insights into the patient experience and address the emotional and psychological aspects of healthcare.

Getting Started

Initial outline and resource sourcing for this guide by Bria Lemon-Johnson, SCSU intern, as part of the NNLM Region 7 Graphic Medicine Initiative. Thank you to Bria and our partners who shared their resources.

LibGuides

Curated online guides that provide pathways to various graphic medicine topics. Useful for librarians and educators looking to introduce graphic medicine into their libraries or curricula. LibGuides include book lists, articles, instructional materials, and more, all organized in an easy-to-navigate format.

Arizona Health Sciences Library Graphic Medicine LibGuide

Boston University Graphic Medicine LibGuide

Bradley University Graphic Medicine LibGuide

Butler University Graphic Medicine LibGuide

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Graphic Medicine LibGuide

River Valley Community College LibGuide

Tufts University Graphic Medicine LibGuide

University of California San Francisco Graphic Medicine LibGuide

University of Connecticut Health Graphic Medicine LibGuide

University of Michigan Graphic Medicine LibGuide

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Graphic Medicine LibGuide

University of Southern California Graphic Medicine LibGuide

University of Vermont Graphic Medicine LibGuide

Université de Montréal Graphic Medicine LibGuide (in French)

Programming Ideas

Ideas for educational activities and events centered around graphic medicine, such as book clubs, workshops, speaker events, and interactive exhibits. These programs can help raise awareness about graphic medicine, promote health literacy, and create spaces for meaningful discussions about health and wellness using graphic medicine.

Graphic Medicine: Ill-Conceived and Well-Drawn NLM traveling exhibit

Exhibit Education Resources

Nevins Library Graphic Library Programming Ideas

UCONN Graphic Medicine Syllabus

Graphic Medicine International Conferences-Graphic Medicine International Collective

BU Graphic Medicine Conversation

[Re]Framing Graphic Medicine Exhibit-University of Chicago

Comics is a Medium, Not a Genre Exhibit-Boston University

New England Graphic Medicine Conference 2020

Graphic Medicine Resources from NNLM Reading Club

A Fire Story by Brian Fies (Disasters and Emergencies)

Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka (Addiction and Recovery)

Impending Blindness of Billie Scott by Zoe Thorogood (Eyes and Vision)

Kimiko Does Cancer by Kimiko Tabimatsu (LGBTIA+ Health)

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki (Teen Dating Violence)

Menopause by MK Czerwiec, editor (Menopause)

Rx by Rachel Lindsay (Mental Health)

Sensory: Life on the Spectrum by Bex Ollerton, editor (Neurodiversity)

Taking Turns by MK Czerwiec (HIV-AIDS)

Collection Development

Tools and strategies for building and managing a robust graphic medicine collection including recommendations for must-have graphic novels and comics, tips for sourcing new materials, and guidance on how to integrate these resources into existing collections. Whether starting from scratch or looking to expand an existing collection, these resources can help ensure that your library offers a diverse and comprehensive selection of graphic medicine titles.