Discussing the use of human libraries to challenge prejudice, exclusion and stigma as well as the future techniques in education.

1. SOL E N T L I FE STOR I E S
Challenging Prejudice with a virtual
‘Human Library’ bookshelf
Ani Ritchie (Learning
and Teaching Fellow,
SMAT) and
Andrea Peoples
(Access Solent)

2. S L T I C o n f e r e n c e : S o l e n t L i f e S t o r i e s 2
Created in Denmark in 2000 as
a way of challenging prejudice
by facilitating dialogue with
people who have experienced
it.
The ‘books’ are people, and
‘reading’ is a conversation.
The aim is to create social
cohesion and break down
barriers.
HUMAN LIBRARY
C o n t e x t

3. S L T I C o n f e r e n c e : S o l e n t L i f e S t o r i e s 3
Volunteer ‘books’ and
‘librarians’ open to all.
‘Borrowers’ can check out a
book to have a conversation
with.
‘The Human Library is a place
where real people are on loan to
readers. A place where difficult
questions are expected,
appreciated and answered.’
(Humanlibrary.org)
HUMAN LIBRARY
H o w d o e s i t w o r k ?

4. S L T I C o n f e r e n c e : S o l e n t L i f e S t o r i e s 4
First physical Human Library event
held in 2015.
Wide range of ‘books’ and ‘readers’
Positive evaluation – 97% of
participants agreeing (81% strongly
agreeing) that the event was ‘a good
way to challenge prejudice,
exclusion, stigma and
discrimination’
Great follow up and press coverage.
Hopefully to be repeated in late 2017!
A t S o l e n t
HUMAN LIBRARY

5. S L T I C o n f e r e n c e : S o l e n t L i f e S t o r i e s 5
We are going to (in Sept 2017)
launch a virtual bookshelf.
This will broaden the reach of the
Human Library project at Solent.
It will be searchable and assessible
for staff, students and the wider
public.
Available as a Learning and
Teaching resource, and as a
platform for student work.
M o v i n g i t f o r w a r d …
VIRTUAL HUMAN
LIBRARY

6. S L T I C o n f e r e n c e : S o l e n t L i f e S t o r i e s 6
W h a t w i l l i t l o o k l i k e …
VIRTUAL HUMAN
LIBRARY
‘Books’ can be made using:
Video
Audio
Text
They can be named or
anonymous, linked with contact
info or not as required.

7. S L T I C o n f e r e n c e : S o l e n t L i f e S t o r i e s 7
W h a t a v i r t u a l b o o k m i g h t
l o o k l i k e …
AN EXAMPLE

8. S L T I C o n f e r e n c e : S o l e n t L i f e S t o r i e s 8
H o w c a n y o u g e t i n v o l v e d ?
VIRTUAL HUMAN
LIBRARY
Become a book! We can help you to record your story…
Become a reader!
Teaching a media / production unit? Get students to contribute to
the virtual bookshelf for assessments/live briefs!
Teaching a diversity / equality / social justice related unit? Use it as
a resource!
Use the bookshelf to talk about Solent’s Values in induction week or
level meetings.

9. S L T I C o n f e r e n c e : S o l e n t L i f e S t o r i e s 9
Sign up if you would like to record your story and become a
virtual book!
Let us know if you have students that could help us populate the
bookshelf.
Or if you’d just like to keep in touch with the project 
Ani.Ritchie@solent.ac.uk
SOLENT LIFE STORIES AND THE VIRTUAL
HUMAN LIBRARY: WHAT NEXT?