Spotlight: Intern Bria Lemon-Johnson and Graphic Medicine

Posted by Sarah Levin-Lederer on June 17th, 2024 Posted in: Communities of Interest, Graphic Medicine
Tags: Community of Interest, graphic medicine, Intern, Member Spotlight, resources

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Introducing Myself and My Graphic Medicine Project

Hello, NNLM R7 partners and friends!

My name is Bria, and I am a current graduate student at Southern Connecticut State University, where I am pursuing my degree in library science. I’m thrilled to share a bit about my exciting internship project with you all, and I hope you find it as inspiring and valuable as I do.

The Internship Project

For my internship, I embarked on a mission to gather a wealth of resources on graphic medicine and compile them into one comprehensive guide. This project was initiated to support the growing interest in graphic medicine, which is an innovative field that uses comics and graphic novels to communicate medical information, share patient and caregiver experiences, and enhance understanding of health and illness. This approach is particularly effective in improving health literacy and fostering empathy, making it a valuable tool for both healthcare professionals and the general public.

The goal of my project was to create a centralized resource that includes:

• LibGuides: These are curated online guides that provide pathways to various graphic medicine topics. They are incredibly useful for librarians and educators looking to introduce graphic medicine into their libraries or curricula. LibGuides can include book lists, articles, instructional materials, and more, all organized in an easy-to-navigate format.
• Collection Development Resources: This section of the guide offers tools and strategies for building and managing a robust graphic medicine collection. It includes 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 you are 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.
• Programming Ideas: Innovative programming is key to engaging your community with graphic medicine. This part of the guide provides 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.

What Went Well

One of the highlights of this project was the outreach process. I reached out to various groups and professionals in different fields, including public librarians, academic and health science librarians, and academics. I found it incredibly exciting to connect with so many accomplished individuals who are passionate about graphic medicine. The enthusiasm and support I received were truly inspiring, and it was amazing to see how many people love this idea and want to contribute to it.

The responses I received were overwhelmingly positive, and I was able to gather a rich array of resources and insights. Many contributors shared their own LibGuides, collection development strategies, and programming ideas, which greatly enriched the resource guide I was creating. It was also a joy to learn about the various graphic medicine initiatives already underway in different communities and institutions. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the collaborative spirit of the library and healthcare communities.

Barriers

One of the challenges I faced was deciding on the best format for the Resource Guide. As a creative person, having the freedom to design the guide was both exciting and overwhelming. I had so many ideas for how to organize and present the information, and narrowing down the options to settle on one cohesive format was definitely a bit of a struggle. However, this challenge also provided a valuable learning experience in project management and decision-making.

Additionally, the sheer volume of resources and information I gathered was sometimes daunting. Sorting through all the materials, determining what to include, and ensuring that the guide was both comprehensive and user-friendly required a lot of careful thought and organization. Despite these challenges, I’m proud of the final product and believe it will be a valuable tool for anyone interested in graphic medicine.

Tips for Future Interns

If someone else wanted to take on a similar project, here’s what they should know:

• Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: This internship requires reaching out to a wide range of people and organizations. Don’t be afraid to make those connections! The support and insights you gain from others can be incredibly valuable.
• Be Prepared for Research: There’s a lot of research involved, so be ready to spend time digging into various resources in addition to what you receive from contributors. This can be time-consuming, but it’s also an opportunity to learn a lot about the field of graphic medicine.
• Embrace the Challenge: While the freedom to be creative can be daunting, it’s also an opportunity to innovate and make the project truly your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different formats and ideas until you find what works best.

Conclusion

Thank you all for your support and for being such a welcoming community. I look forward to seeing how these resources will be used to further the amazing work being done in graphic medicine. This project has been a wonderful learning experience, and I’m excited to continue exploring the possibilities of graphic medicine in promoting health literacy and empathy.

A Note from Sarah

This project was originally proposed by the R7 Graphic Medicine COI and we appreciate them sharing their resources with Bria to help her create this document.

Bria’s resource list, combined with additional resources and information, will be turned into a full resource guide on the NNLM website coming late summer.