Defining, Understanding and Promoting Cultural Diversity Through the Human Library Program

Abstract

The paper is intended to present the role of libraries in promoting dialogue to reduce discrimination; share how libraries document human library sessions as a form of oral history and provide information on the effect of human library sessions to readers. The paper documents the human library program as an alternative source of information which promotes cultural diversity to improve many facets of literacies, which include media and information literacy. Human library aims to lessen our prejudices and makes us more tolerant individuals. In order to achieve cultural equality and social inclusivity, De La Salle University (DLSU) Libraries continues to offer human library sessions to form critical thinkers, lifelong learners and catalysts for social transformation. Most readers thought that the most important learning experience they gained while reading the books was to accept and understand each one of us as unique individuals. The human library program encourages people to be more tolerant and embolden acceptance.

Keywords

• human library
• media and information literacy
• cultural diversity
• equality
• prejudice
• philippines