“We read to know that we are not alone.”
― William Nicholson
Bibliotherapy and Libraries
So how do libraries fit in? There are many issues still up for debate within the bibliotherapy research like: “the comparative effectiveness of individual and group work; whether a discussion element is required to ensure the treatment is bibliotherapy; if fiction or nonfiction texts are more helpful; whether it is a more appropriate technique for children or adults; and whether or not bibliotherapy actually has a measureable effect on thinking and behavior.” Research is still being conducted to find these answers, however, one of the more prominent discussions of the bibliotherapeutic field is who is the best suited professional to administer the therapy: the physician with the medical expertise or the librarian with the wide-reaching knowledge of literature? Liz Brewster, who has written a number of articles on the subject, has found that the “current UK schemes tend to synthesize, making use of both medical and bibliographic skills” (2009, 400). With budgets being cut, it only makes sense to combine resources. She argues “as libraries already have a social role in the provision of reader development activities, community information and support, it seems apt that further investigation of the roles that may be played by public library staff in the delivery of such a service is necessary” (Brewster 2008, 117). The infrastructure of a bibliotherapy model is already established in daily library service through homebound, outreach, reference, readers’ advisory services. By working with patrons and helping them find books, discussing the stories, and fostering reading groups, libraries are already “[making] a positive contribution to the mental health and wellbeing of those who utilize the library in their community.” (Brewster 2009, 13)
In the face of a disaster, “librarians are quite cognizant that they are not therapists. However, libraries can offer a safe place for children [and adults] to express their concerns, to have their experiences, thoughts, feelings, and actions validated, and to explore ways to feel better. In this process, brief bibliotherapy may have an important role” (Allen 2012, 44). With privacy and confidentiality being one of the embodied values and pillars of the institution, what better place to seek an informal cure for an ailment. Knowing that your private feelings, struggles, and information seeking behavior are protected, should encourage users to utilize the library as a community resource.
Currently, the UK utilizes a program called Books on Prescription. The way it works is the library, oftentimes a hospital library, collects and circulates recommended books, usually cognitive behavioral-based self-help books, and National Health Service (NHS) staff “prescribe a specific book to a patient they feel could benefit from the techniques in the book” (Brewster 2009, 403). Through using this model, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) have advocated the use of self-help books in the treatment of depression. One in four people in Britain suffer from mental illness—from mild depression to more serious conditions—and bibliotherapy offers a cost-effective solution (Brewster 2008, 174). NICE estimates “£5 million a year will be saved in England if exercise and guided self-help are recommended as treatment instead of antidepressant medication” (Brewster 2008, 117).
In January of 2010, librarian Jennie Bolitho attended the Get into Reading accreditation course offered by The Reader Organization in the UK. The project delivers 230 outreach-reading groups throughout various London organizations like hospitals, libraries, mental health facilities, and prisons. “It holds meetings, during which people read aloud or listen to others reading” (Walsh 2010, 20). There she learned the skills necessary to lead Get into Reading groups using their principles and practice. These groups are designed “to offer good literature in a shared reading experience, regardless of education, social, mental or emotional understanding. Texts are read aloud by the facilitator who invites others to join in or comment if they feel comfortable to do so” (Bolitho 2011, 89). Upon her return to Melbourne, Australia, she implemented a 12-week pilot reading group at a local aged-care hostel. Bolitho notes, “Initial reluctance to tackle poetry gave way when residents realized there was no academic analysis expected—simply enjoyment, emotional response or reminiscence. It was important that a therapist sat in with the group to observe any behavior that may have need follow-up after the session” (2011, 90). Psychiatrist David Fearnley says “the experience of reading in a group can help people to build confidence and feel more connected with the world around them, even if they have a severe psychiatric illness.” He goes on to say that “the entire experience requires concentration and makes people think and reflect…is a comfortable place to start and a powerful way of leaning to interact and develop communication skills…and sharing ideas about characters gets people talking about their own experience.” (Walsh 2010, 20)
In the face of a disaster, “librarians are quite cognizant that they are not therapists. However, libraries can offer a safe place for children [and adults] to express their concerns, to have their experiences, thoughts, feelings, and actions validated, and to explore ways to feel better. In this process, brief bibliotherapy may have an important role” (Allen 2012, 44). With privacy and confidentiality being one of the embodied values and pillars of the institution, what better place to seek an informal cure for an ailment. Knowing that your private feelings, struggles, and information seeking behavior are protected, should encourage users to utilize the library as a community resource.
Currently, the UK utilizes a program called Books on Prescription. The way it works is the library, oftentimes a hospital library, collects and circulates recommended books, usually cognitive behavioral-based self-help books, and National Health Service (NHS) staff “prescribe a specific book to a patient they feel could benefit from the techniques in the book” (Brewster 2009, 403). Through using this model, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) have advocated the use of self-help books in the treatment of depression. One in four people in Britain suffer from mental illness—from mild depression to more serious conditions—and bibliotherapy offers a cost-effective solution (Brewster 2008, 174). NICE estimates “£5 million a year will be saved in England if exercise and guided self-help are recommended as treatment instead of antidepressant medication” (Brewster 2008, 117).
In January of 2010, librarian Jennie Bolitho attended the Get into Reading accreditation course offered by The Reader Organization in the UK. The project delivers 230 outreach-reading groups throughout various London organizations like hospitals, libraries, mental health facilities, and prisons. “It holds meetings, during which people read aloud or listen to others reading” (Walsh 2010, 20). There she learned the skills necessary to lead Get into Reading groups using their principles and practice. These groups are designed “to offer good literature in a shared reading experience, regardless of education, social, mental or emotional understanding. Texts are read aloud by the facilitator who invites others to join in or comment if they feel comfortable to do so” (Bolitho 2011, 89). Upon her return to Melbourne, Australia, she implemented a 12-week pilot reading group at a local aged-care hostel. Bolitho notes, “Initial reluctance to tackle poetry gave way when residents realized there was no academic analysis expected—simply enjoyment, emotional response or reminiscence. It was important that a therapist sat in with the group to observe any behavior that may have need follow-up after the session” (2011, 90). Psychiatrist David Fearnley says “the experience of reading in a group can help people to build confidence and feel more connected with the world around them, even if they have a severe psychiatric illness.” He goes on to say that “the entire experience requires concentration and makes people think and reflect…is a comfortable place to start and a powerful way of leaning to interact and develop communication skills…and sharing ideas about characters gets people talking about their own experience.” (Walsh 2010, 20)