Strike up a Conversation to Foster DiversityKaty Kavanagh Webb, Joyner Library

What You Will Learn• What is the Human Library? • How is it done at Joyner Library?• What is the history of the Human Library?• How do you put on a Human Library? • How can I do a Human Library with no funds?• Active learning: Let’s do a Human Library!

The Human Library• Definition of the Human Library• How I found out about the

Human Library• The Human Library at Joyner

Library• Funding for the Human Library

1st YearFirst shift, 10 AM- 12 PM14 Human Books33 CheckoutsSecond Shift, 1-3 PM 18 Human Books 42 Checkouts

2nd Year

First shift, 2-4 PM26 Human Books80 CheckoutsSecond Shift, 5-7 PM

11 Human Books 26 Checkouts

Examples of Human Books

Dyslexia, Student in Israel (Skype),

Depression/Losing a Loved One, Rape,

Poverty, Heart Disease, Native

American, LGBT Female/Feminist,

Deaf, Genderfluid, Rabbi, Breast

Cancer Survivor, Fibromyalgia,

Internet Innovator, Jamaican, MS,

Body Advocate, PTSD, Foster Child.

FundingFirst Year: Co-curricular

Collaboration Grant from Student Affairs

Second Year: Friends of Joyner Library

History of the Human Library• Not my invention!• First put on in Denmark in 2000• Events are put on worldwide• Video from Films on Demand

Putting on the Human Library• It takes time.• It takes making

relationships.• It takes

organization.• It does not take

money!

How to Put on a Human LibraryThe basics include:• People• Paper (Signs)• Promotion

And a space to have it in!

Extras--With a BudgetIf you can get some funds, extras include:• T-Shirts• Take-homes (i.e. buttons)• Treats

Funds are not necessary, but look for sponsors who may also be a source of marketing and human books!

Handouts• Calendar • To-Do List• Examples of Human Books• Icebreaker Questions• Participation Sheet• Assessment

Feedback from Assessments• “This was great! From the publicity to the

organizing to the experience itself. Thank you for facilitating communication and understanding between and among diverse individuals!”

• “A great exercise in conversing with transparency.”• “The coolest thing was how the person’s story

shown comes to life.”

Questions?

Activity: Human Library• Take a card• Brainstorm your story• Write a title• Write a description• Write your name• Turn it in

Overcoming DeafnessI have been deaf since I was born. I received cochlear implants at age 30 and I had never heard my mother’s voice until after the surgery!

Not an AlcoholicMy family has a long history of alcoholism, but I have decided that I will be the one that breaks the mold.

Foster ChildI grew up in the foster system because my mother had mental health issues.

HungarianI emigrated to the United States with my family at the age of 14 from Hungary in eastern Europe.

Roger

Susie