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Subject guides

Human Library Toolkit: The Human Library Organisation

This toolkit has been created by librarians at the Universities of Hull and Huddersfield with support from Academic Libraries North. Its purpose is to provide ideas and resources to help with the planning of Human Library events.

About the Human Library organisation

The Human Library is an international organisation and movement that originated in Denmark.  Their ethos is to create safe spaces for discussion between 'human books' and 'readers' in the spirit of challenging stigmas and stereotypes. They specialise in both virtual and in-person events across the world, including in university settings and in the UK. 

Registering with the Human Library organisation

The Human Library offers the opportunity to become a 'publishing partner/ community friend' and if you are interested in using their materials and support to host an event, they suggest you submit an application form for consideration.  They recommend submitting the application a minimum of six months in advance based on the licensing and preparation processes. There are costs associated with using the organisation, but they do offer scholarships to for those who might not have any or little funding.  

Applying as a publishing partner: Human Library Publishing Partner Application - The Human Library Organization 

Applying for a license to hold a sponsored event: Human Library Organizer License - The Human Library Organization

It's also useful to know: The Human Library is a registered trademark of the HLO and we allow the use of our name, logo and concept only under special conditions and as a rule the Human Library may only be used for non-commercial purposes and only with written permission from the Human Library Organization.

Contact the Human Library Organization.

Other resources

There are plenty of places to find inspiration.  We've included just a few of them here.