Alive Library
The Alive Library is an oral storytelling program giving voice to those who have experienced health disparities or discrimination.
According to the University of Sidney Living Library Project, Alive Libraries provide “an opportunity for individuals to connect with people they may not normally have the occasion to speak to within their community, to better understand the life experiences of others, and to challenge their own assumptions, prejudices and stereotypes. It provides a safe environment and encourages active and engaging conversations in order for people to develop a greater understanding of each other’s stories.”
Goal
The primary goal for a UND SMHS version of the Alive Library is to address health disparities and marginalized populations in North Dakota through educating students of medicine and health sciences to practice cognitive empathy in clinical encounters with patients.
Why is this important
Students enrolled at UND’s School of Medicine & Health Sciences (SMHS) and College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines (CNPD) have limited opportunities to interact with diverse populations. An Alive Library provides the potential for exposure to and understanding of differences of culture, religious beliefs, gender identity, and more.
The project addresses health disparities through:
- Generating awareness and empathy – developing cognitive empathy (the ability to perceive and understand the emotions of another) and withholding judgment.
- Introducing diversity – the Alive Library provides the opportunity to have uncomfortable conversations, ask questions, uncover implicit biases, and challenge explicit biases.
- Providing a brave space – a space for vulnerability, listening to understand, leaning into fear, thinking critically and expanding our ways of thinking, examining intentions, and mindfulness – a space to encourage all questions, allow awkward phrasing, and accept outdated language in the context of building understanding.
What are the parts of an Alive Library?
Books - Books are people who have experienced prejudice, discrimination, and/or stereotyping. The books tell stories about their experience and answer question in a conversational and relaxed setting.
Readers - Readers are people who “check out” the books. Readers schedule a time to hear the books’ stories. Readers are also encouraged to ask questions which may be considered not appropriate in everyday conversation with a stranger. The questions should be made in a thoughtful, polite way, not a potentially judgmental way.
Librarians / Moderators - Librarians and volunteer moderators sustain a safe environment, facilitate conversations, and assist with surveys / questionnaires.