University of North Texas (University of North Texas, College of Information)

In this Early Career Research Development project, Dr. Sarah A. Evans of the University of North Texas, Department of Information Science, will study teenage leisure and informational reading habits with comics and graphic novels, focusing on graphic medicine to enhance informal literacy learning in public libraries. This study will explore how adolescents use graphic novels to meet leisure reading and information needs; how engagement in graphic medicine activities foster literacy, communication, and self-care skills; and effective library practices to support this learning. Research methods will include content analysis, interviews, and focus groups. Dr. Evans will collaborate with librarians and teens in three libraries to create graphic medicine book clubs and co-design activities, leading to a prototype graphic medicine toolkit and program curriculum for public libraries. The project aims to reveal current patterns in adolescent use of comics and graphic novels and provide practical support strategies for teen-services librarians.