 Otaku USA Magazine
Editor: Patrick Macias Format: print and digital Subjects: manga, anime, videogames and Japanese pop culture written from an American point of view Frequency: bi-monthly Publisher: Sovereign Media Website: https://otakuusamagazine.com Summary Otaku USA Magazine is a full-color glossy publication that is packed with illustrations from anime and manga. It discusses upcoming entertainment of interest including manga, anime, video games, and Japanese pop culture. Reviews, previews, and explorations of pop culture are included including Japanese fashion trends, anime adaptations like the new live-action Cowboy Bebop on Netflix, and manga/anime crossovers. Critical Evaluation Written for an American audience, it avoids any issues of potential culture shock when discussing Japanese pop culture as well as anime, manga, and video games. It is available as both an online and print publication, giving readers access to different platforms in order to appreciate its contents. The online version is a compliment to the print magazine, so the offerings are not just a carbon copy of what is available in its physical format. Instead, it expands upon the articles in the print version, giving more access to information—rather like the Director's Cut of a film. This dual format allows for richer immersion into the stories but would require a tablet or computer in the library for full access. Reader’s Annotation Are you an Otaku, passionate about all things Japanese pop culture? Then this magazine is for you! About Otaku USA is a thick, full-color magazine featuring comprehensive coverage of manga, anime, videogames and Japanese pop culture written from an American point of view. Otaku USA also publishes 32 pages of the hottest manga previews from the top publishers. Because Otaku USA is an independent US magazine, not a licensed product owned by those with an vested interest in a particular line of comics, anime, manga, games or movies, it presents the reader with objective coverage. WEB OTAKU USA is the online component of Otaku USA magazine, and is the perfect compliment to the magazine. WEB OTAKU provides in-depth coverage by expanding on stories in the magazine, along with daily updates of what’s hot in Japanese pop culture, additional manga chapters, game coverage, interviews with artists and writers too extensive to fit in print pages, writing contests, drawing contests, web-only reviews and tips, reader forums and an online community program, bringing an immediacy to the market that has never before been seen. (About from here.) Booktalking Ideas Talk about the impact Japanese pop culture has had on American teens. Interest Age (these may be two different ages – look at respected review sources). Don’t stress about this – use reputable selection tools like SLJ, Booklist, etc and indicate what they are suggesting. If they give both great if not just include the suggestion age or grade level listed. Challenge issues: sexuality Challenge Issue Resources: Nevada County Library Selection Policy Selection of materials is based upon a number of criteria that include:
The Library selects materials in accordance with the guidelines stated by the American Library Association in its Library Bill of Rights, and Freedom to Read Statement and Freedom to View Statements. The Library supports diversity of expression and views in its collection in an attempt to provide patrons with a foundation for making informed decisions and formulating personal opinions. The Library does not exclude items because of the race, nationality, social, political, or religious views of the authors. The presence of controversial materials in the collection does not represent the Library’s endorsement of the opinions expressed therein. Although some materials selected may contain language and/or illustrations that may be offensive to some patrons, the Library cannot undertake the task of pleasing all individuals by censoring such items. Active Listening Skills Staff should listen calmly to the patron’s concerns without judgement or commentary. They should acknowledge the public’s right to challenge materials and help the patron find an alternative item that will fit their needs. Nevada County Library Reconsideration form Any citizen may challenge materials. If the citizen chooses to submit a written Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials, Library staff will collect reviews and accumulate data on how the material conforms to the selection policy. An ad hoc review committee consisting of the Library Director, Branch Manager, one other librarian, and a citizen appointed at the discretion of the Library Director will review the material, judge whether it conforms to the Selection Policy and submit its report in writing to the Nevada County Board of Supervisors. Concerned parties will be notified of the final decision in writing. ALA Strategies and Tips for Dealing with Challenges to Library Materials ALA Bill of Rights on Intellectual Freedom The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services. Why Included Otaku is a term used for people who regard themselves as geeks, enthusiastic about a specific art form or genre. In America, Otaku usually refers to people who are passionate about anime and manga. Many teens love all things Japan, and the library’s teen Otaku Club always has a large group of attendees. |