Bibliotherapy: How Public Libraries can Support their Communities‘ Mental Health

Authors

  • Keri McCaffrey Master of Library and Information Studies - Dalhousie University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5931/djim.v12i1.6452

Keywords:

bibliotherapy, public libraries, mental health

Abstract

Bibliotherapy is the act of reading a book to aid a mental illness. Although bibliotherapy is commonly practiced in a controlled study, it should be expanded and implemented into public libraries in a way that the public can take bibliotherapy into their own hands. In this paper, bibliotherapy‘s effectiveness is looked at through both psychology tests, and online public opinion. Also, its execution in public libraries is discussed, and better ways to implement bibliotherapy are suggested through articles. Overall, public libraries can take an active role in their community‘s mental health by providing them tools in the way of books to allow them to explore, understand, and potentially better their emotions or actions.

Author Biography

Keri McCaffrey, Master of Library and Information Studies - Dalhousie University

Keri McCaffrey is a first year MLIS student at Dalhousie University. Her paper “Bibliotherapy: How Public Libraries can Support their Communities‘ Mental Health,” was written for the course Information in Society. Because of her love for reading, Keri became interested in bibliotherapy and how books can effect a person‘s feelings and actions. She is interested in pursuing health science and hospital librarianship which aligns with her interest in mental health and wellness.

References

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Published

2016-04-02

Issue

Vol. 12 (2016)

Section

Articles

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