Western University Scholarship@Western Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository 5-20-2014 12:00 AM Young adults reflect on the experience of eadingr comics in contemporary society: Overcoming the commonplace and recognizing complexity Lucia Cederia Serantes The University of Western Ontario Supervisor Dr. Lynne McKechnie The University of Western Ontario Joint Supervisor Dr. Paulette Rothbauer The University of Western Ontario Graduate Program in Library & Information Science A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the equirr ements for the degree in Doctor of Philosophy © Lucia Cederia Serantes 2014 Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd Part of the Library and Information Science Commons Recommended Citation Serantes, Lucia Cederia, "Young adults reflect on the experience of eadingr comics in contemporary society: Overcoming the commonplace and recognizing complexity" (2014). 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YOUNG ADULTS REFLECT ON THE EXPERIENCE OF READING COMICS IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY: OVERCOMING THE COMMONPLACE AND RECOGNIZING COMPLEXITY (Thesis format: Monograph) by Lucía Cedeira Serantes Graduate Program in Library and Information Science Faculty of Information and Media Studies A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies The University of Western Ontario London, Ontario, Canada © Lucía Cedeira Serantes 2014 Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the role of comics as reading material for young people, emphasizing the experience of the readers themselves. The central research problem is concerned with how comics readers construct and understand their reading experience of comics as a reading material and what this says about reader identities and social contexts of reading comics. The focus on readers shifts the perspective from previous research that looked mainly at comics fans and comics as cultural products. Working in the tradition of qualitative inquiry, I adopted an approach informed by hermeneutical phenomenology because it supported the exploration of the significant and unique experiences of these readers, offering “plausible insights” that made immediate the richness and multifaceted nature of the reading experience. The primary methods of data collection were semi-structured interviews and a think-aloud protocol. The sample included seventeen participants, from sixteen to twenty-five years of age, nine female and eight male, who also represented different reading experiences: beginning readers, occasional but committed readers, and expert readers. I recruited participants and collected data in three different sites: public libraries, comics stores and at a university with a large undergraduate population. Four dimensions of the reading experience emerged from the interview data: 1) the construction of the reader-self; 2) the significant role of the materiality of comics; 3) the institutional contexts of comics reading and; 4) the unique temporal aspects of comics reading in contemporary society. With these dimensions in mind, I emphasize the situated nature of the reading experience that requires the researcher to explore both how the experience is shaped but also shapes the reader-self and how it is embedded in an influential social context. I anticipate that this work will support a change in the way comic readers are conceptualized in Library and Information Science literature and practice. The knowledge emerging from my participants’ experiences and ii understandings significantly enhances and seriously challenges commonplace understandings of the reading practices of a historically neglected group of readers. Keywords Books and reading; comics; graphic novels; hermeneutic phenomenology; interviews; material culture; readers; reading experience; young adults; teenagers. iii Acknowledgments The first group of people who I want to recognize is my participants. Without you this thesis would not be here. Thank-you for finding time for me—when time clearly is at premium—and for sharing your passions, your thoughts, and experiences with me. I would not have been able to find you without the help of this second group of people. I am truly grateful to the staff and owners of Heroes and LA Moods, the coordinator of Youth services at London Public Library as well as the Young Adult librarian at Central branch, and other branch librarians who help me advertise my research at London Public Library. Then there are all the supportive professors who opened their classes to support my recruitment. All of you continuously made this research possible, and reinforced for me the validity and relevance of my research. I also am also thankful for the financial support from the Ontario’s Ministry of Training, Colleges in the form of an Ontario Graduate Scholarships and from The University of Western Ontario and Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) for awarding me a Graduate Thesis Research Award. I came to Western to do my PhD but I ended up doing much more at a professional and at a personal level. Because of this, I feel indebted to some people who were competent and helpful but always recognized the need for a human touch. First, I want to recognize the work and kindness of the staff at Weldon Library, the Music Library, and the Graduate Research Center at FIMS. Second, the staff at FIMS— especially Cindy, Jo, Lili, Marni, Rosanne and Shelley—who always had time to find an answer, to share an adventure that brought a smile to my face, and to have an endless provision of chocolate for me. This research could only have been done at FIMS, where the combination of LIS and Media scholars makes the unique academic environment it is. I would like to recognize the impact that Tim Blackmore, Roma Harris, Gloria Leckie, Pam McKenzie iv and Catherine Ross had on my scholarship and personal development. I also feel privileged for interactions with Amanda Grzyb, Carole Farber, Heather Hill, and Sandra Smeltzer. Nor will I forget my fellow doctoral students, whether my morning encounters at the Grad Club with Michael Daubs and my conversations with Gerardo, Kerstin, and Atle. I was also fortunate to teach as a PhD, and many of my students endured conversations about comics reading and the importance of being reflexive and critical librarians. A special shutout to you, Ali, Amie, Cristina, Graham, Jen, Julianne, Kristina, Mike, Ruby, and Scott, as well as so many others who made my teaching experience a pleasure! Coming from my home in Spain to London, Ontario, it did not feel like the most hospitable city, but I have managed to eventually call it home. For this, credit goes to my friends at basketball who helped me to stay sane with beers and exercise; the Scone Lady, who made Thursdays and Saturdays great days to get f bed; the staff at the Tea Haus who always were there to give me tea and make me break from the work; and the staff at Milo’s who created a great place to finish long days of work. Anyone who tells you that doctoral inquiry is an isolated, independent experience is wrong (or maybe simply smarter than me!). The PhD does not happen just in your own brain; sometimes you cannot truly advance without the people around you. In this process I developed two new set of families, one Norwegian and one Canadian. First the Norwegians who brought a breath of Nordic fresh air to my mental and physical lives: thank to Åse, Cecilie, Jofrid, and Knut. I feel especially in debt to Kjell Ivar and his family who opened their home and life during my several scholarly visits to Oslo University. They welcomed me like their lost Spanish family member, who happened to speak English all the time! After almost seven years, I have managed to develop an extended Canadian family. As part of this family, I want to fully recognize my supervisors. They took care of me academically and personally. Your advice, expertise, support, and continuous care made me think that my project was not only worth writing, but that I myself had a place v in the crazy world of academia. The trust and faith that you both put on my success kept me going. Lynne, that kale kept me alive! Paulette, your open door was a lifesaver! I also need to mention those who started a PhD before me and showed me how it is done. Tami and Natasha, our breakfasts at the Prince Albert were a treasure. Even though you are not in London anymore I still have access to your inquisitive and compassionate selves. Alex, thank-you for always finding time for London adventures and for your amazing cooking. Meighan, all of our conversations were precious to me. Jill, I have to thank you especially because without you I would not have lasted through my first year in London. You have been an unconditional friend and supporter. Nicole, you came last but with a bang! The final stretch would have been unbearable without your love. Last, but not least, my gang: Ahmad, Patrick, and Rachel. Thank you for adopting me in your cohort. The three of you have influenced me in ways that probably you do not know and I cannot completely comprehend yet. You were always there to help me untangle not just work, but life. Finally, my Spanish family, who have been enduring me for the longest! First, a big thank you to the adventurous ones who came and witnessed first-hand the exciting and thrilling life of the PhD student! Olalla, Laura, and Lucía, your visits and your continuous care, patience, and support—both during your visits and from the distance—were invaluable.