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The living library. A participatory approach to societal research impact

par Vanhoutte, Bram ;Dymond-Green, Neil
Editeur scientifique Urbaniak, Anna;Wanka, Anna
Référence International Handbook of Participatory Approaches in Ageing Research, Routledge, London, Ed. 1, page (273-286)
Publication Publié, 2023-10-15

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Résumé :

A living library is an event targeting interpersonal dialogue between the public and people with a certain (prejudiced) characteristic. In our version of the event, a team of colourful volunteers challenged people’s preconceptions on ageing, against the background of quantitative research which proposes seeing ageing not as a number, but as experiencing transitions. The goal was to create conversations, both between quantitative research and actual people’s narratives, and between the volunteers and the public, sharing experiences about life transitions. This chapter will highlight firstly what a living library event is, its methodology and practical organisation. Second, we analyse what happened during the event, structured around three talking points: People are intrigued by individual ageing stories, and try to draw comparisons to their own lives. Living libraries as a methodology work and are an attractive way to set up intergenerational and intercultural dialogue with a low threshold for participation. Third, we are conditioned to think about research impact in certain ways, emphasizing efficiency, targeting policy change, and being useful. Finally, we situate living library events at different points of the research life cycle. While its original intent was as a presentation of results to the public, a follow-up with the volunteers, as well as potential inclusion as informants and interview participants, followed naturally.