The Science Behind the Human Library’s Methodology: The Case of the University of Glasgow
At the Human Library, we are continuously searching for ways to adjust our methodology. To better understand the impacts of our work, we are also happy to be the subject of scientific research. In the past years, the Human Library has been part of the curriculum in one of the courses at the University of Glasgow, where a team of researchers investigated the possible impacts of social interaction with stigmatized people in the learning space provided by the Human Library. In this article, we have summarized some of the key takeaways from the study.
Supporting Dialogue That Reduces Stigma
The study called “Reducing stigma and discrimination: A case study of a ‘Human Library’ Reading event” includes extensive literature review where three types of strategies to dismantle stereotypes are introduced. Generally, researchers distinguish between educational, interpersonal and activism strategies.
By employing the educational strategy, one attempts to reduce stigma by presenting facts. However, such an approach appeals mainly to the intellect and appears to be efficient when applied on adolescents.
When working with adults, a more efficient strategy to dismantle stigma seems to be direct interpersonal contact with representatives of the stigmatized groups. This approach is at the center of the methodology we use in the Human Library. Organizing events to provide safe space for open discussions, we are able to create learning exercises that can be remembered for the rest of one’s life.
Although we focus mainly on providing learning experiences, talking to the Human Books also offers different ways to gain access to knowledge. For example, facts about a mental illness become more tangible and contextualized when borrowing a Book titled Depression from the Human Library’s Bookshelf. At the Human Library, it is the combination of experience and new knowledge that help make our approach impactful.
Reducing Stigma through Reciprocity
The reason why most of our Books join the Bookshelf is the opportunity to share their story. For many, the Human Library experience is a space to practice empathy, where Readers can experience what it feels like to be heard and seen for one’s authenticity.
The authors of the article reveal the potential of this process to reduce stigma not only for the Readers. They also argue for possible decrease in self-stigma experienced by the Books. This unique aspect of reciprocal influence is present specifically when using the interpersonal strategy, as opposed to educational strategies or activism.
Human Library in Educational Institutions
The on-campus Global Mental Health Master’ Programme included the Human Library as a part of its curriculum in order to prepare future medical professionals for working with diverse groups of society, whether it is patients or colleagues. We delivered two sessions to the students of the University of Glasgow. After each of them, the team of researchers attempted to gain insights into the Readers’ reflections on their experience and their attitude towards stigmatized groups.
A common response mentioned by the students was a wish to have more time to ask more questions to the Books as well as get to read more Books from the Human Library’s Bookshelf. One of the respondents underlines the importance of communicating about the relevance of the Human Library as a part of the educational curriculum.
Engagement as a Part of the Methodology
It is common for people to think that they do not have any prejudice. This presents a challenge for our library to get more Readers to try our concept. Based on the positive feedback, the University of Glasgow decided to continue the collaboration with the Human Library Organisation, also exploring ways to engage more people. Specifically, a way to encourage students to participate in our events is a clear communication. It seems crucial to emphasize the links between the event and the wider learning objectives of their academic courses.
Although the immediate feedback from students was positive, the authors of the article were not able to evaluate the long-term impact of the Human Library experience. Nevertheless, immediately after the session, the students seem more inclined to get curious about others’ stories rather than assigning them stereotypes.
We are happy to continue our collaboration with the University of Glasgow. You can find the case study here: Reducing stigma and discrimination: A case study of a ‘Human Library’ Reading event
