Human Library - Take out a prejudice

Human Library at the Ontario Library Association Super Conference, CanadaLink to the Ontario Library Association

“The Human Library in its initial form is a mobile library set up as a space for dialogue and interaction. Visitors to the 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.”

With these principles in mind, OLA is featuring a career focus for conference delegates who wish to borrow a Living Book. The purpose is to encourage open discussion about interesting, unusual, or leadership career positions with a view to:

-       exploring and expanding the scope of career opportunities for people to consider

-       debunking stereotypes associated with career paths.

Delegates, or ‘readers’ may be students developing their career ambitions, or seasoned professionals who are intrigued by the career path their ‘book’ has taken.

Delegates are encouraged to ask questions and share their own point of view, but always with respect for the person who has volunteered. Approximately 20 Living Books will be available for loan.

About the Ontario Library Association

The Ontario Library Association is a centre of excellence for the library and information sectors. More than five-thousand OLA members who work in or with Ontario’s libraries participate in networking and professional development opportunities, in addition to advancing initiatives that make Ontario’s libraries the best. 

Event details:

Date: Friday, February 26th, 2010.

Open: 9 am - 4 pm

Duration of loans: 30 minutes

Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Address: 255 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Organizers: Ontario Library Association

Contact person: Shelagh Paterson, Executive Director

Weblink: http://www.accessola.com/ola/bins/index.asp