JMU Libraries' Vintage Collection a Rarity in Higher Education

Contact Information

Brian Flota

Contact Details

flotabc@jmu.edu

Description

In 2015 and 2016, JMU humanities librarian Brian Flota donated over 10,000 comic books to the university. These books are housed in Special Collections—the arm of JMU Libraries that restores and handles the most rare, fragile and valuable items.

Since then, Flota has worked with Kate Morris in Special Collections and Mollie Godfrey, associate professor of English, to develop the Libraries’ collection of vintage Black comic books, including those featuring Black superheroes and those created by Black authors and publishers. These are now being used in several different JMU classes to learn about Black representation in comics.

Web Presence

https://www.jmu.edu/news/2021/05/26-vintange-black-comic-book-collection.shtml

Involvement

Involves Faculty, Involves Staff, Involves Students

Scope

JMU Campus Scope

Date

2021

Existing Center/Institute/Program

yes

Primary Focus of Program

Arts and Culture

Zip Code/Location

22807

Areas of Engagement

Engaged Learning

Format

Research

On/Off campus

On campus