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

2. 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.

3. The Human Library Team
       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

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

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

6. 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

7. ‘Self-titles’ from our ‘Books’
       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

8. ‘Self-titles’ from our ‘Books’
       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

9. ‘Self-titles’ from our ‘Books’
       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

10. Human Library Project Old promotional material
       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

11. Feedback from organisations

12. 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.”

13. 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”

14. 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!”

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

16. 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

17. Construction of the ‘Library’ Space
       
Photos by Deborah Husbands
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

19. University of Westminster Library Strategy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

20. 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

21. For more information
visit: and
Contact myself:
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).