The first impact study of the Human Library online format shows that Human Library events help Readers understand a broader scope of diversity and recognize that inclusion is more than acceptance – it requires action. 

Danish research consultancy, Analyse & Tal, was commissioned by Z Zurich Foundation to conduct a qualitative study to investigate the impact of the Human Library. The study was based on three virtual events the HLO hosted for 200 Zurich Insurance Group employees from different regions of the world. A group of participants who took part as Readers in September 2020 were interviewed before the events and again three months later. 

Jakob Kristensen, Analyst at Analyse & Tal says the findings indicate high satisfaction and significant short-term impact among the participants, “We focused on the intensity of people’s experiences. I was surprised to see that so many participants were able to recall vivid details of the event, as well as the recurring thoughts they had about their experiences in the months that followed. The level of detail and excitement they could recount was impressive. Based on our experience, we would label this as a significant impact.” 

Readers began reflecting on own biases

Readers found the format of the event to be both surprising and refreshing. It was frequently mentioned that being faced with another human being inspired them to reflect on their own biases and resulted in an increased sensitivity towards the diversity that exists beyond physical appearance. 

After the event, most Readers learned to identify stigmatized groups that are typically less visible and not included in their previous DEI experiences in the workplace. They also articulated a realization that inclusion goes further than acceptance or non-discrimination – it requires conscious action. Some mentioned they had changed their behavior based on their experiences at the event. This result is exciting, as it demonstrates medium-term impact which spreads further than the individual.  

“There are definitely proven impacts that were supported by a whole host of verbal comments and a clear desire to repeat the experiment.”  says Mark Heasman,  Head of Activism at Z Zurich Foundation.

Diversity Partners Inspired to Continue the Dialogue 

On Wednesday 24 March, Diversity Partners from all over the world came together to learn about the outcome of the impact study. After Jakob presented the results, there was an animated discussion between our Partners about how they can embed the Human Library into their organizations existing DEI efforts. There was even talk of collaboration between different friends of the Human Library and so we are helping create new networks and forums to share learnings and outcomes.

“Social equity is an important pillar for Z Zurich Foundation and if we’re going to change things within that space, we need to break down stereotypes,” says Mark Heasman, “The Human Library fits in really well with what we’re trying to achieve, and we see a lot of value in the platform as a tool to engage our employees.” 

Nadia Younes, Global Head of Employee Experience, Diversity and Wellbeing at Zurich Insurance Group, says, “We want to implement the Human Library into broader development programs and make it a more systemic approach to learning, particularly among our leaders. We want to weave this into how we operate as an organization in the long term rather than just a one-time event.” 

This small impact study has provided some exciting evidence that the Human Library has a lasting positive impact on those who attend our events, and we are thrilled to see it inspire our Partners to strengthen their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. To aid them in this process, we plan to build upon Analyse & Tal’s research to determine the extent of our impact in the long-term. 

From staff to reader to book

One very concrete outcome from the sessions is the case of Ray Chaaya, Employee Experience & Culture Lead for Zurich in Canada. Ray shared his journey from becoming a reader through the Zurich sessions to signing up as a book for the library.

“When Z Zurich Foundation sent out the invitation, I was on vacation and quickly skimmed the invite, thought it sounded intriguing and hit okay. What I didn’t realise at the time was that the event was actually taking place at 1:00 a.m. my time so when the day came I was pretty bummed out that I had to wake up at 1:00 a.m. to do this, but I set up my alarm, I sat in front of my computer and the next 2hrs flew by. It was 3am and I couldn’t go back to bed. My mind was buzzing from the impact I had just experienced from talking to these Books.  

The next morning I went online and signed up to become a Book.  

I thought this was an interesting way of doing what I already do in an organized, structured, virtual and now global format where I can reach more people and hopefully make a bigger impact”. 

To learn more about the impact study contact the Human Library secretariat or Z Zurich Foundation.

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We all know it can be difficult to find the time to pop by the local library for an event. So from the 30th of March until the beginning of May you can take even more home with you, when you visit Rødovre Centrum to do your weekend shopping.

The Human Library has accepted and invitation to publish our books for the many shoppers that come through Denmark’s first and friendliest shopping center for families.

Free and open to everyone

It is free to borrow books from the Human Library and the events are open to everyone. Once you have found your topic at the desk, you and your book can sit in the designated reading area or you may bring the book with you on your rounds and chat on the go.

Readers under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult (18). Loans can have a duration of up to 30 minutes, but you may return your book before, if you feel that you have gotten the information or answers to what you were looking for.

Rules for lending

In many ways the Human Library is just like the classic library. Here you also have to bring the books back on time and in the same condition as it was given to you. However our books cannot be taken home and they are not allowed to help you carry the goods you may purchase. But if you bring your curiosity and questions, then we can promise that you will not leave empty-handed.

Link to more information about the upcoming events (in Danish): https://www.facebook.com/events/2026710380956580/

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Human Library in partnership with Heineken® UK

The Human Library has entered into an exciting new partnership with Heineken®. A partnership that involves becoming part of the Heineken® Open Your World campaign in the United Kingdom and staging a series of Human Library events offering opportunities for finding common ground through dialogue.

Shared values

For more than 150 years Heineken® has stood for openness, believing that the simple act of sitting down and having a conversation over a beer, helps bring people together. Now Heineken® is putting it to the test with a new campaign and partnership which aims to explore if the benefit of finding common ground with one another, can ultimately lead people to be more open. The Human Library share values with Heineken® and appreciate the opportunity to reach millions of potential new readers of the Human Library.

Historic partnership

Cindy Tervoort, Head of Marketing, Heineken® says: “Open Your World is the first-time Heineken® has launched a campaign of this nature in the UK. Joining forces with The Human Library is a way for us to inspire more people to focus on the things that unite us rather than divide us. We don’t all support the same football team, listen to the same music or share the same taste in clothes. We know we’re never going to agree on everything. But that’s the point. Whether it’s 1950, 2017 or 2027, being open lets us get more out of life. It makes the world a more interesting place. And it makes every story worth listening to.”

More events in the UK

The partnership will include Human Library events around the United Kingdom and a flagship event at Wilderness Festival 2017. Readers are encouraged to take advantage and come down and meet one of our many bestsellers.

Worlds Apart film

The campaign launched on Thursday 20th April and sets out to prove that when you see past the labels, even the most divided groups can come together to find common ground.

Watch the campaign film “Worlds Apart” here and join the social experiment.

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