Human Library: An Anti-oppressive tool : Implementation guidelines for a Human Library

Pardasani, Rahul; Rivera, William. Human Library: An Anti-Oppressive tool; Implementation Guidelines of Human Library. Helsinki, Autumn 2017. 45 pages plus 8 appendixes. Language: English. Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, Degree Programme in Social Services, focus in Community Development. Degree: Bachelor of Social Services. The Human Library (HL) method is used globally as an anti-oppressive tool to bring together representatives of different minorities in society, who volunteer to share their life stories and experiences in order to help others overcome prejudice using active dialogue based on respect. The approach can also be used as a tool for social work students to identify their own unconscious biases, reflect on individual blind spots and for competence development to become better professionals working with people from different social and cultural backgrounds. A Human Library event was organized at DIAK’s (Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki) headquarters in May 2017. The event brought together more than 120 participants and a very diverse group of representatives of different minorities (Living Books) who were engaged through a non-violent dialogue. About 85,42% of participants responded that were very impressed with the event and 93.75% would recommend the Human Library to others. Based on qualitative data, the Human Library managed to challenge many of the stereotypes about minority groups, served as a platform to introspection regarding marginalization, and helped students to practice many of the professional competences needed in social services. This thesis aims to serve as guidebook for future events at DIAK or other social work institutions and as an academic material to support the learning process of students in social services, as well as a trigger to produce actions aimed at creating long lasting empathy among different groups