A Systematic Narrative Review of Implementation, Processes, and Outcomes of Human Library

Abstract

First started in Denmark in 2000, Human Library (HL) has been adopted by different communities around the world. It is an innovative approach that engages “readers” from the general public to have collaborative conversations with “books” from minority or marginalized communities to learn about their lived experiences and reduce public stigma and stereotypes. While the HL is popularized, its research base and implementation structure remain limited. This systematic narrative review aims to review the HL literature to (1) summarize the design, implementation, processes, and outcomes of existing HL programs and (2) synthesize recommendations for future implementation of more effective, ethical, and sensible HL. A systematic search in eight electronic databases yielded 23 journal articles and book chapters about HL published from 2010 to 2022. The identified literature demonstrated variations in format, venue, scale, preparation, and recruitment. A wide range of books with different social identities and from different cultural groups were reported, while readers were mostly from university and school communities. Reduced prejudices and improved attitudes were reported in readers, while both readers and books reported various facets of personal growth. Future HL using implementation guidelines with clearly articulate ethical considerations and diverse rigorous research methodologies are recommended.

Teaching about Marginalized Groups Using a Digital Human Library: Lessons Learned

“…However, their rhetoric does not always align with actual practices, and their shared goals appear more substantial than their differences. Reviews indicate that DST is not entirely digital or online (Chan and Sage 2021;Meyerhofer-Parra et al 2024), and, with regard to HL, it has not been convincingly theorized as to how and why face-to-face contact leads to positive changes (Lam et al 2023;Wong and Lin 2023). Thus, we see these concepts as inspirations and have considered how specific, digitally enhanced storytelling activities using authentic live stories (human books) can achieve intended outcomes.…”

“…However, the study did not detail the micro-level processes involved in the HL intervention or clarify how their findings could be generalized to other HL methods. Lam et al (2023) have provided the most comprehensive current review of implementation, processes, and outcomes of human library (HL) practices. Their review covers diverse aspects, including the variations in format, venue, scale, preparation, and recruitment of HL programs.…”

“…Contact theory is a well-recognized approach to reducing prejudice, suggesting that prejudice can be diminished through equal-status contact between majority and minority groups working toward common goals (Allport et al 1954;Fibbi et al 2021). Traditionally, this theory emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions, which is also one of the theoretical foundations referenced by HL practices (Groyecka et al 2019;Kwan 2020;Lam et al 2023).…”

Designing a Library of Lived Experience for Mental Health: integrated realist synthesis and experience-based co-design study in UK mental health services

“…These events are often held in open settings, including public and university libraries and have typically aimed to challenge a range of societal prejudices by facilitating interactions between people who may not otherwise engage in conversation around topics such as personal experience of racial prejudice, experience of ill-health and gender-based discrimination. 15 The model has also been used in a mental health context to address stigma 16 and facilitate peer-support. 17 However, implementation recommendations sensitive to the specific challenges of discussing mental health experiences are limited.…”

Designing a Library of Lived Experience for Mental Health: integrated realist synthesis and experience-based co-design study

“…Events are facilitated by staff, or ‘Librarians’, who provide guidance to those involved. These events are often held in open settings, including public and university libraries, and have typically aimed to challenge a range of societal prejudices by facilitating interactions between people who may not otherwise engage in conversation [15]. The model has also been used in a mental health context to address stigma [16] and facilitate peer-support [17].…”