Cosplay in Libraries

Ellyssa Kroski is the Director of Information Technology at the New York Law Institute as well as an award-winning editor and author of 34 books including Law Librarianship in the Digital Age for which she won the AALL's 2014 Joseph L. Andrews Legal Literature Award. Her ten-book technology series, The Tech Set won the ALA's Best Book in Library Literature Award in 2011. She is a librarian, an adjunct faculty member at Pratt Institute, and an international conference speaker. She blogs at Cosplay, Comics, and Geek Culture in Libraries. Her professional portfolio is located at: http://www.ellyssakroski.comEllyssa is also an avid cosplayer and has appeared on TLC's Cake Boss TV show as well as in the official music video for New York Comic Con and many other events. Her cosplay portfolio can be found at http://giallogirl.com. Contact her at ellyssakroski@yahoo.com.

• Preface Chapter One: What is Cosplay? Chapter Two: Getting Started: Tools of the TradeChapter Three: Places to Go, People to See Chapter Four: CosfamousChapter Five: Libraries Embracing CosplayChapter Six: Cosplay Programming for LibrariesProject 1: Host a Comic or Anime Con in your Library!?Project 2: How to Host a Cosplay ContestProject 3: How to Form a Cosplay Club in Your Library Project 4: How to Host a Cosplay Props 3D Printing Event Project 5: How to Host a Create Your Own Armor with Worbla EventProject 6: How to Host an Armor Painting Event Project 7: Budget Cosplay Event: How to Create an Infinity Gauntlet with Craft FoamProject 8: Budget Cosplay Event: How to Create Cardboard Superhero HelmetsProject 9: Budget Cosplay Event: How to Create Papier Mache MinionsProject 10: How to Host a Cosplay Cards WorkshopProject 11: Host a Cosplay Web Presence WorkshopProject 12: Plan a Themed Cosplay Lock-InChapter Seven: Cosplay Issues, Tips, and TricksChapter Eight: Must-Have Cosplay ResourcesAppendix A: Cosplay Event ActivitiesAppendix B: Suppliers DirectoryAppendix C: Cosplayers DirectoryAppendix D: Photographers DirectoryAppendix E: Cosplay Websites & Blogs DirectoryIndexAbout the Author

In this volume, Kroski demonstrates her love of cosplay and argues for the inclusion of fandoms in the library space. Beginning with defining cosplay and the many different types of fandoms that participate, the author delves into the various ways that libraries can integrate cosplay into their collections and programming, citing several examples of institutions that are doing it successfully. Kroski’s direct address of the relevance of cosplay for fostering learning also serves to educate those who do not see its role in the library. While there are many books on cosplay and the culture surrounding it, this work includes a plethora of resources and ideas for a variety of budgets and locations, as well as helpful advice on the challenges planners may face. Verdict: Kroski provides an essential reference for librarians and library staff interested in bringing cosplay into their setting. This work will be invaluable for those who are unsure of how to get started and are looking for a guide to walk them through the process. The chapter on programming ideas will be particularly useful as the author clearly presents the key elements involved in putting an event together successfully.