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

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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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Gary Yu Hin Lam & Hei Ting Wong & Mengge Zhang, 2023. "A Systematic Narrative Review of Implementation, Processes, and Outcomes of Human Library," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-19, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2485-:d:1051777
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paluck, Elizabeth Levy & Green, Seth A. & Green, Donald P., 2019. "The contact hypothesis re-evaluated," Behavioural Public Policy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 3(2), pages 129-158, November.
    2. Chi Kin Kwan, 2020. "A Qualitative Inquiry into the Human Library Approach: Facilitating Social Inclusion and Promoting Recovery," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-10, April.
    3. Corey Jackson & Yun Huang & Abby S. Kasowitz-Scheer, 2015. "Face-to-Face Matters: Inspirations from the Human Library," International Journal of Mobile Human Computer Interaction (IJMHCI), IGI Global, vol. 7(3), pages 42-54, July.
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