Poster presented at WILU 2012 with Sona Macnaughton at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta on May 24, 2012. Abstract: Human Libraries are taking place all over the world as a means of bringing communities together to share diverse experiences and encourage understanding. At Red Deer College, librarians have discovered that using this event concept specifically as a professional development tool encourages dialogue and fosters growth and innovation in teaching and learning practices. This presentation will address the process librarians went through to organize and host this event, and the resulting benefits shared among teaching staff and student participants. Learn about how your own institution can encourage both instructors and students to take on the role of “living books” reflecting upon and sharing their teaching and learning strategies and inspiring their peers.

1. Unshelving the Human
Learning Library at Your Institution
Robyn Hall & Sona Macnaughton | Red Deer College
Introduction
Planning
The Event
Recommendations
At Red Deer College, librarians have discovered that
using a “Human Library” event concept as a
professional development tool encourages dialogue and
fosters growth and innovation in teaching and learning
practices.
Used Google Docs to collaborate on event timeline and
assigned tasks.
Date: April 5, 2012 12-6 pm.
Plan ahead: Start planning 4-6 months in advance.
Recruitment & promotion take time.
This poster addresses the
process librarians went
through to organize and host
a “Human Learning Library”
event, and the resulting
benefits shared among
teacher and student
participants.
Arranged for EUS to provide Education students with
professional development certificates for participation.
Collaborated with Education department and Education
Undergraduate Society (EUS) to assess event feasibility
and potential dates.
Place: RDC Teaching Common, a space that integrates
the Centre for Teaching and Learning and the Centre for
Professional Development.
Highlights:


Surveyed Education students and RDC faculty for
interest, “Book” volunteers, and topic suggestions.

Human Learning Library event logo
Learn about how your own institution can encourage
both local teachers and students to take on the role of
“living books” reflecting upon and sharing their
teaching and learning strategies and inspiring their
peers.
Background
Human Libraries began in Denmark in 2000 and have
since spread worldwide.
Human Libraries foster a broader understanding and
appreciation of diversity and others’ lived realities.
Events feature volunteer “Human Books” that anyone
(“Readers”) can sign out to discuss the “Books” life
experience.
Created event website using LibGuides to provide a
“one stop shop” for event information.
Promotion

Event tagline:
Real Educators | Real Conversations | Real Learning
13 “Human Books”
“What’s in it for me?”: Ensure attendance by making the
event part of a course requirement (for student) or
professional development activity (for educators).
21 “Readers” (including 12 Education
students)
Participants’ diverse backgrounds
included: Trades, Philosophy, Education,
Librarianship, Physical Education, Drama,
English, Social Work, and more…
30 minute “Readings” organically evolved
into semi-structured one-on-one and small
group discussions throughout the day.
Timing is everything: Consult possible attendees when
deciding on an event date.
Bookmarks with
icebreaker questions
provided to help
facilitate conversation
Location, location, location: Use a flexible space where
“Books” and “Readers” can gather for one-on-one and
group discussions without interruption.
Provide refreshments: Nothing brings people together
like cookies and coffee.
Promoted event through:

Library Twitter & Facebook

Library blog biblioTECH

faculty email list

posters on campus

Participants “reading” Get Real: Authentic Assessment by Geoff Parker (left) and Teaching in a Land Down Under by Bill Jacobsen (right)
EUS Facebook page

Human Library (official website)
human-library.org
education class visits

References
Red Deer Catholic and
Public School email lists
Feedback
Feedback was gathered post-event from 15 respondents
using SurveyMonkey.
Poster placed around RDC campus to promote the event
In 2010 and 2011, Red Deer College Librarians held two
small events among teaching faculty and librarians
respectively that used the Human Library concept as a
teaching and learning professional development tool.
“A Human what…?”: When promoting the event, be
clear about what it entails and what is expected of
participants. Having a website providing detailed
information helps.
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The Bookshelf
On April 5, 2012 these initiatives culminated into the
organization of a Human Learning Library that brought
together nearly 3 dozen educators and students from
the Red Deer area.
I feel there
needed to be a
little more room
for everybody.
Image of whiteboard “bookshelf” used to indicate book availability to participants as they arrive
I wish I had
more time to
take out all the
books!
I spent much more
time at the event
than I originally
anticipated, because
it was so interesting.
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Grant MacEwan University Human Library
Pilot Project Report
humanlibrary.org/assets/files/HL%20Report%
20MacEwan%20University.pdf
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Red Deer College’s Library, Centre for
Teaching & Learning, Education Department, and the
Education Undergraduate Society, as well as all
attending “human books” and “readers” for making
this event possible!
Learn More
RDC Human Library Guide
rdc.libguides.com/humanlibrary