"CONNECTING TO YOUR COMMUNITY THROUGH THE "HUMAN LIBRARY" PROGRAM: THE PACE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY EXPERIENCE"

Steven Feyl, Associate University Librarian, Mortola Library

Phil Poggiali, Instructional Services Librarian, Mortola Library

What is the “Human Library?”

The Human Library is an innovative method designed to promote dialogue, reduce prejudices and encourage understanding. The main characteristics of the project are to be found in its simplicity and positive approach.

In its initial form the Human Library is a mobile library set up as a space for dialogue and interaction. Visitors to a Human Library are given the opportunity to speak informally with “people on loan”; this latter group being extremely varied in age, sex and cultural background.

The Human Library enables groups to break stereotypes by challenging the most common prejudices in a positive and humorous manner. It is a concrete, easily transferable and affordable way of promoting tolerance and understanding.

It is a “keep it simple”, “no-nonsense” contribution to social cohesion in multicultural societies.

http://humanlibrary.org/

Why we planned a “Human Library” event

Strength: Diversity of the Pace campuses

Weakness: Fragmentation, identity issues

Human/Living Library sources we drew inspiration from

Calgary Public Library

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5BCWxGGFIo

University of Rochester Library and the Rochester Public Library:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/human-library-project-turns-people-talking-books-article-1.1593705

Toronto Public Library:

http://www.yongestreetmedia.ca/features/humanbooks1208.aspx

• “Book” characteristicsLGBTQ community, religious leaders, military

veterans, survivors of cancer/other diseases, refugees of war-torn countries, recent immigrants

• Looking at other events (research)

• Outreach – student organizations, colleagues, email, student center survey

• Actual “books” – 8 participants (6 faculty, 2 students)

Considerations for planning a “Human Library” event:

Size of event Food/snacks

Location PR materials

Time/date “Book” content

Length Checkout process

Preparing the “books” for the event

Obtaining book descriptions

Circulating the event parameters/expectations

Human Library Event – April 16, 2015

Human Library Event – April 16, 2015

Human Library Event – April 16, 2015

Human Library Event – April 16, 2015

Human Library Event – April 16, 2015

Human Library Event – April 16, 2015

Reaction / Reflection

• Numbers – 34 total checkouts, mostly staff & faculty

• Lessons – More break time for “books,” staffing at table

• Reaction – great feedback from borrowers, “book” participants want to get colleagues involved

• Engaging students better (as books and readers)

Questions/conversation

Steven Feyl – sfeyl@pace.edu

Phil Poggiali – ppoggiali@pace.edu