Reaching out - public libraries against exclusion with art based methods

Abstract

The main goal of the project Invisible Youth is to develop a service model for public libraries to outreach young adults aged between 16 and 30 who are at the danger of social exclusion. Success requires that libraries are receptive and willing to engage with those social actors who are involved with risk groups. New networks enable libraries not only to acknowledge the indicators of social exclusion but above all else to outreach invisibles. Invisible Youth has successfully applied art based methods to start interaction with invisible young and offered them platforms to become seen among the community.

In Finland, the new public library act highlights the active role of libraries and instructs them to promote equality in the society. The demand is not new and we may argue that to some extent Finnish libraries have orientated themselves towards these goals. Anyhow, there are people whose information needs are unrecognized and among them are an enormous amount young people at the risk of exclusion. Invisible Youth stimulates libraries to achieve those who withdraw from the community. Collaboration and art based methods are huge potential for inclusion in libraries. The progress of project has been significant and it continues to build new possibilities for the invisibles.