Consortial Comic Purchasing Program

Comic books and graphic novels are an important part of collection development for libraries in Alberta. However, selecting and purchasing comics and graphic novels is not always a simple process for library staff. By leveraging the strength of TAL’s consortial membership, a program has been developed to help simply the acquisition of comic books and graphic novels.

Local comic shops in North America primarily purchase their comics and graphic novels through a single distributor with steep discounts. Because of this unique distribution method, this provides The Alberta Library (TAL) with an opportunity to set up a consortial comic book purchasing program for its members.

TAL has cooperated with a comic book retailer, to provide graphic novels and comic books to its members at competitive prices.

Interested members can be engaged in the process through TAL’s creation of a Comic Book working group, where members will use their expertise to assist with collection development as it relates to comic books and graphic novels.

After contacting several retailers across Alberta, TAL has selected Edmonton comic shop Variant Edition as a partner. Variant Edition is committed to inclusive service and offer competitive pricing for TAL’s members. 

For more information on the Consortial Comic Purchasing program please download the info sheet here.

For additional questions about the TAL Consortial Comic purchasing program please contact Brian Lin here: blin@thealbertalibrary.ab.ca

TAL Consortial Comic Purchasing Program Links

• Conortial Comic Purchasing Program Info Sheet for Libraries
• Consortial Comic Purchasing Program FAQ
• Consortial Comic Program Processing Form