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

Gary Yu Hin Lam (), Hei Ting Wong and Mengge Zhang
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Gary Yu Hin Lam: Department of Educational Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin NT, Hong Kong, China
Hei Ting Wong: Cultural Studies in Asia Programme, Department of Communications and New Media, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117416, Singapore
Mengge Zhang: Department of Educational Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin NT, Hong Kong, China

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-19

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.

Keywords: human library; living library; diversity; stigma; community-based intervention (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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