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Human Library – inviting marginalised voices into libraries Olena Waśkiewicz MA
Human Library – inviting marginalised voices into libraries
OlenaWaśkiewiczMA
• One-to-one conversations
• Volunteers - “Human Books” can be
“borrowed” for half an hour
• Titles refer to an aspect of identity which
carries with it prejudice or stigma.
• Titles can refer to nationality and race,
social status, profession, religion and belief,
health and disability, sex and gender
identity, sexual orientation, and life
experience.
Can you guess his title?
Main principles
• Direct experience
Each conversation is unique and shaped by the two
participants.
• One-to-one conversation
Not a lecture, but a two-way communication. Books
ask questions too!
• Real person beyond the label
The Human Book is not expected to be an ‘expert’ on
the topic. They speak from their own lived
experience.
• Gives voice to marginalised
communities
• Can be tailored specifically to the
target audience / campus
demographics / local community
• Increases student engagement
• Learning experience both for visitors
and the participants/volunteers
• Can be organised on a relatively small
budget
Benefits
Learning outcomes
• “I didn’t realise [this group] would still
experience prejudice”
• “Opened my eyes to hardships faced by
people entering this country as refugees”
• “I think society would work better with more
questions and fewer assumptions”
• “You learn so much about yourself”
Planning your Human Library
• Where are you going to hold it
• Who will fund it
• Curating your Human Book collection
• Help with promoting the event
• Measuring impact
• Recording the event and feedback
• Organizers’ toolkit:
www.humanlibrary.org
• For inspiration look at other HL events
– FB, twitter, youtube
Promoting:
Flyers
Pop-up banners
Social media
Recording:
Feedback forms
Photo
Video
