Bibliotherapy

The basic premise of bibliotherapy is that information, guidance, wellbeing and solace can be found through reading. This book draws on the latest international practical and theoretical developments in bibliotherapy to explore how librarians, healthcare providers and arts organizations can best support the health and wellbeing of their communities.

There is no standard approach to bibliotherapy. This book considers how different theories apply to different types of bibliotherapy, using case studies to illustrate how particular approaches can be used across a broad range of settings and with a variety of user groups. By focusing on the theoretical basis and history of bibliotherapy, as well as current practice, it helps to identify areas in which bibliotherapy could grow as a field of study and of practice.

Bibliotherapy programmes using books to support good mental health are found around the world. The editors and their contributors present examples from public libraries, academic libraries and healthcare settings internationally – including the UK, North and South America, and Australasia. Collaboration and diversity are key themes: engaging in bibliotherapy offers librarians key opportunities to collaborate with partners outside the profession, while engaging with more diverse audiences.

The book will be of interest not only to researchers and theorists, but equally to those managing bibliotherapy programmes in health, public and academic libraries. It will also be very useful for healthcare providers and those with an interest in wellbeing more generally.

“Sarah McNicol and Liz Brewster clearly appreciate and articulate the importance of theory, the significance of research and the value of books and reading. They, and international contributors, demonstrate compassion, creativity and illustrate how research can be translated into policy and practice. This life-affirming text is essential reading not only for those concerned with bibliotherapy but for all who believe in the value and potential of library services in the modern world. Library Task Force members please note! 010”

'The book is well referenced and appears on reading to be an authoritative text on the topic. It accomplishes its aim of educating the reader about bibliotherapy as a concept and provides useful examples of how it can be used in a practical context. Given the current interest in mental health and wellbeing amongst the public and healthcare community this is a timely book.'- Sarah Rudd, Clinical Librarian North Bristol NHS Trust

'Bibliotherapy is a deep dive into the theoretical framework of reading as a mental health alternative therapy. Readers will hear from experts in the field expanding on the theory of bibliotherapy within the context of both clinical and non-clinical settings. What librarians will find most useful about this book is the case studies. Some ideas for implementation include reading to combat loneliness and promote resilience, long-term impacts of bibliotherapy groups, engaging young people in bibliotherapy, reading for well-being, and bibliotherapy read-aloud groups with native and non-native speakers. Particularly interesting about these case studies is that the implementation methods can be considered for all types of libraries. Studies took place in public, special, and academic libraries. The challenge for librarians is to develop and pilot these programs. Luckily this text provides examples of partnering with outside organizations such as the Department of Health, local hospitals and outpatient facilities, and other nonprofits. The book highlights free resources libraries can use to get bibliotherapy programs off the ground. Libraries could use this book as a way to transform a love of reading into a therapy that can make a meaningful difference in a reader's life. Summing Up: Recommended. Library science graduate students, researchers, and professionals.'- B. Ghilardi, Fairfield University, CHOICE

Sarah McNicol is a Research Associate at the Education and Social Research Institute, Manchester Metropolitan University. She has worked as an Information Studies researcher since 2000 and she previously worked as a school librarian. At present, much of her research is focused around the use of graphic comics and novels to explore a range of issues, in particular health and wellbeing.
Liz Brewster is a Lecturer at Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University. Her research focuses on experiences of mental health and wellbeing, particularly how creative activities such as reading may affect mental health. She has previously worked in academic and public libraries.

Bibliotherapy programs can now be found in libraries all over the world, from public libraries, through to health/hospital libraries and academic libraries. This book draws on the latest international practical and theoretical developments in bibliotherapy to explore how libraries can best support the health and wellbeing of their communities. This book encompasses all aspects of "bibliotherapy" in its widest sense, starting with a critical historical overview of bibliotherapy, followed by an explanation of theories or approaches to bibliotherapy. The book explains how various bibliotherapy models work by drawing on practical examples to demonstrate how the theories behind bibliotherapy can be applied in practice. Case studies include a range of settings (public library, academic library, outpatient, inpatient); populations (including young people, ESOL speakers, psychiatric patients, homeless people, people with dementia/carers); and countries (UK, North America, South America, Australia).

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