The Human Library Project: Courageous Conversations at the University of Westminster

The Human Library Project at Westminster                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The Human Library Project enabled staff and students to take part in debates tackling prejudice as part of Black History Month.

The Human Library Team                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

The 2000 Roskilde Festival in Denmark                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Copyright - Orange-Simon-Frøsig-Christensen

Process Organiser: Acts as librarian, time- keeper and briefs participants: Promoting equality & diversity Challenging prejudice and discrimination ‘Rights of the Book and Borrower’

Process Book: Creates a ‘self-titled’ book Volunteers to share life experiences Engages in ‘conversation’ not storytelling Borrower/Reader: Chooses a self-titled ‘book’ Is free to ask ‘difficult’ questions respectfully: ‘courageous’ conversation

‘Self-titles’ from our ‘Books’                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

‘Self-titles’ from our ‘Books’                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

‘Self-titles’ from our ‘Books’                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Human Library Project Old promotional material                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Feedback from organisations

Feedback from Human Libraries Books: “It was an excellent experience. Met a member of staff who has been at the university for 26 years – we had a lot in common.” “My teacher told me about this event. Maybe all teachers on every course should mention it as people walk past posters.” “Positive and comforting. Talking to someone who wanted to speak to you and hear about your life from the view of a [book] title of a few words shows the impact you can have on someone.”

Books: “It was great to express my beliefs and explain how different aspects of modern society have an impact on my religious beliefs” “Honestly, the best thing I’ve ever taken part in at this university. I can’t believe how much I had in common with someone who I never expected to be having a conversation with. This is definitely something that needs to be done again!!” “...it was brilliant to have an opportunity to sit down with a student for more than a few minutes and be able to ask lots of questions, listen to what he said and to understand a little of who he is, how he feels, how he’s got to this point in his life (and degree), his background, family, friendships, hopes and dreams...a rare privilege”

Borrowers: “The half hour conversation flowed. It was easy to have insightful and deep conversations triggered by the book title” “It’s nice to speak to a stranger about something that you might not be able to open up [to].” “My initial perception of the book seen on the shelf was just a fraction of her actual book in person. ” “It was so heartening to have a space created for genuine conversation- deep connections between people… I leave feeling inspired, and wanting to talk to more people in depth!”

Improvements Most volunteers: more time Some volunteers: environment too noisy

Impact on library services Working interdepartmentally Promotion of the library space (aligned with the Human Library ‘Library Space’ More students and staff in the library! Heightens visibility within the University through the project

Construction of the ‘Library’ Space         Photos by Deborah Husbands                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

University of Westminster Library Strategy                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Benefits & forward planning A positive and well-known part of the University’s calendar. Requires an inclusive steering group, publicity, facilities, a committed team of organisers. Cross-departmental, public-facing events, students and staff Challenges myths and prejudices Provides reflective opportunities to explore the boundaries of human experience across ALL protected characteristics

For more information visit: www.humanlibraryuk.org and www.humanlibrary.org Contact myself: A.Andersenw@westminster.ac.uk Credits/References: Andersen, A. (Information Assistant, Libraries & Curriculum Services) Husbands, D. (Senior Lecturer, Psychology) Kwan, I. (Senior Academic Liaison Librarian, Libraries & Curriculum Services) Waddington, K (Dr.) (Reader, Psychology) PUBLICATIONS: Waddington, K. & Husbands, D. (2016). Human Library opens window into hidden lives. The Psychologist (November, 2016). Waddington, K., Kwan, I., Husbands, D. & Maguire, S. (2016). The Human Library Project: Giving ‘voice’ to student and staff experiences. Learning and Teaching Symposium, University of Westminster (June, 2016).