It may seem hard... but it's easier than it used to be

I wanted to post about a great graphic novel that I recently came across. Bookhunter, by Jason Shiga was a random find in the book store. I opened it up and knew immediately that I was going to love it. It tells the story of Special Agent Bay with the Library Police as they track down a rare bible stolen from the Oakland Public Library. Using circulation records and library security technology they track down the book thief just before the library of congress shows up to reclaim its traveling rare book display. The story is a hilarious and engaging combination of police procedural and library culture.

I find this comic particularly interesting as LIS 2600 begins because the story takes place in 1973, and Shiga painstakingly reconstructs library technology of the period. The agents use card catalogs, circulation cards, record drums and other old tech items I couldn't even begin to name to solve the crime. Not only does this provide a fascinating look at the old way of doing things in a library, it is also reassuring to me. Sometimes the technology aspect of libraries seems daunting, but the old style technologies in this novel are even more obscure and incomprehensible to anyone outside of the IT or tech services department.


The interactive web, as well as other recent information innovations allow public service oriented librarians to be closer to the more technical aspects of library service. They make things easier, they really do. And Shiga's exacting recreation of a bygone library era in this book is a good reminder of that. Not to mention, who can help but smile and secretly rejoice as the library police flash their badges, conduct a high octane chase in the bookmobile, and keep the world and library materials safe from vigilante censors, thieves and vandals.

The book is available to read online or buy at Shiga's website. Its worth a look.