Human Library

Background and context: In spite of the fact that cancer is a common disease on our days, there are still a lot of myths and misconceptions concerning it. In addition, many times the strategy that community asks for is a lecture or a conference and sometimes public (if it happens in schools, specially) has no interest to be there or feels uncomfortable to speak about it with a big group of people. Human Library is a different strategy that has been applied with success and in which public may talk with different persons/books that have different perspectives about cancer. Aim: Dispelling myths and misconceptions about cancer offering an innovative approach and giving the public the possibility of actually talk about their concerns Strategy/Tactics: We have identified different perspectives about cancer and people that could impersonate them. We then had a workshop with them, presenting the “Human Library” idea, inspired in the one created in Copenhagen in the spring of 2000. What we ask them is to think about their story with cancer and to be available to answer questions about it. Afterward, as our main target was to encourage dialogue, increase knowledge about cancer and help to build positive feelings concerning fighting cancer, public is invited to talk with this volunteers/books and to ask them whatever they want/need to know. We currently have 5 types of books: survivor, volunteer, scientist, health professional and caregiver. Program/Policy process: After being publicized, the Human Library may be requested by institutions of the community (e.g., schools, associations, enterprises). We then mobilize our human books to answer this request. Once in the institution, each “book” may talk with a group of 6 people maximum. After delivering a brief description of its perspective concerning cancer, the “book” should be available for questions and the idea is that books should only talk if there are questions. After sometime, the “readers” are invited to change “books” and start all over again. Outcomes: This has been a very successful experience as far as we realized this is a strategy that engage people and allow them to really have their questions answered. In that way, we may assure that we are addressing those people myths and misconceptions, in a much more personalized approach. What was learned: Further to identifying good “books” to realize the project, engaging and empowering them, the Human Library it´s not expensive as far as the biggest resource needed is time. Otherwise, is important to stress that this kind of activity is very flexible and can be organized anywhere.