NCompass Live - June 3, 2015. http://nlc.nebraska.gov/ncompasslive/ This session will provide information on how the Mortola Library at Pace University (Pleasantville, NY) used the Human Library program to build community through the sharing of unique experiences from university community members through the borrowing of human books. Steven Feyl and Phil Poggiali will provide lessons learned from the conceptualization, planning, implementation, and reflection on the program experience.

1. "CONNECTING TO YOUR
COMMUNITY THROUGH THE
"HUMAN LIBRARY" PROGRAM: THE
PACE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
EXPERIENCE"
Steven Feyl, Associate University Librarian, Mortola
Library
Phil Poggiali, Instructional Services Librarian, Mortola
Library

2. What is the “Human Library?”
The Human Library is an innovative method designed to promote
dialogue, reduce prejudices and encourage understanding. The main
characteristics of the project are to be found in its simplicity and
positive approach.
In its initial form the Human Library is a mobile library set up as a space
for dialogue and interaction. Visitors to a 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.
It is a “keep it simple”, “no-nonsense” contribution to social cohesion in
multicultural societies.
http://humanlibrary.org/

3. Why we planned a “Human Library” event
Strength: Diversity of the Pace campuses
Weakness: Fragmentation, identity issues

4. Human/Living Library sources we drew inspiration
from
Calgary Public Library
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5BCWxGGFIo
University of Rochester Library and the Rochester Public Library:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/human-library-project-turns-people-talking-
books-article-1.1593705
Toronto Public Library:
http://www.yongestreetmedia.ca/features/humanbooks1208.aspx

5. • “Book” characteristics
LGBTQ community, religious leaders, military
veterans, survivors of cancer/other diseases,
refugees of war-torn countries, recent immigrants
• Looking at other events (research)
• Outreach – student organizations, colleagues, email,
student center survey
• Actual “books” – 8 participants (6 faculty, 2 students)

6. Considerations for planning a “Human Library” event:
Size of event Food/snacks
Location PR materials
Time/date “Book” content
Length Checkout process

8. Preparing the “books” for the event
Obtaining book descriptions
Circulating the event parameters/expectations

9. Human Library Event – April 16, 2015

10. Human Library Event – April 16, 2015

11. Human Library Event – April 16, 2015

12. Human Library Event – April 16, 2015

13. Human Library Event – April 16, 2015

14. Human Library Event – April 16, 2015

15. Reaction / Reflection
• Numbers – 34 total checkouts, mostly staff & faculty
• Lessons – More break time for “books,” staffing at table
• Reaction – great feedback from borrowers, “book”
participants want to get colleagues involved
• Engaging students better (as books and readers)

16. Questions/conversation
Steven Feyl – sfeyl@pace.edu
Phil Poggiali – ppoggiali@pace.edu