Manwha (Korean graphic novel)

Hi class 777.  Thanks for reminding me of my love to graphic novels when I felt so lost about what to do with this blog.

Here's a quick list of Korean graphic noves in English at Wiki. Hope it would do until I can come up with some numbers of graphic novels of Korean Americans.  Those on Wiki are Manwhas, Korean equivalent of Japanese Mangas, being translated in English as a response to the popularity of graphic novels here in US. Considering the humongous size of Manwha reservoir, it is safe to assume that Korean Manwhas are just beginning to tap in US.

In general, Manwhas have been written in Korean and published in Korea for Koreans. Meanwhile, there are other graphic novels written by Korean Americans. I also bumped into a graphic novel with Korean American characters. These were published in US for American readers in English. While good readers would not mind some cultural backgrounds of Manwhas, new readers might prefer books originally published for them in their language.

Graphic novels "by" and "about" Korean Americans are what I am intrigued and want to post in this blog. Manwhas are great!  Being a new immigrant trying to root down here in new country, I feel  they belong to my "past" that I left behind in my old country.  Meanwhile books related to my Korean American life seem more current and relevent to me; those are stake now and here. That's why I believe that it is critical to differentiate those two kinds from Korean Manwhas as well as all the other graphic novels.

Being a Korean American and prospective librarian, I am looking forward to discovering graphic novels that have great stories and illustrations, and most of all fair representations of Korean Americans.

H1N1 and libraries

While parents and educators are deeply concerned about the epidemics, ALA seems to be quiet on the subject.   Libraries and librarians encourage people to share library materials when CDC has confirmed that "people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose." I am wondering  if it has been an intentional choice that ALA keeps silence on issues related to the safety of borrowing library materials that have been widely circulated among general public.  I believe that the success of my new career as a librarian depends on how "well and good" I will be in helping people with making informed decisions.     Here is some information on 2009 H1N1 Flu:

• CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) offers well updated and organized information. 

• NYC Health (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene) send off letters to parents and educators about their "Open School Policy," "Free H1N1 vaccination plan" and basic health information for school aged children on 09/15/2009.

• ALA lists some resource links in its Wiki on Pandemic Planning.