[Web4lib] Library in Sweden lets you "check out" a person

[Richard Wiggins]

Posted to Dave Farber's list by Ted Nelson (yes, the hypertext pioneer)...

From: Ted Nelson <tandm at xanadu.net>
Date: August 30, 2005 3:35:42 AM EDT
Subject: "Hey, check her out" takes on new meaning in Sweden

Dave,

Here's an interactive educational system that's beautifully Retro
 and Lo-Tech.  To say nothing of Rationalist, Imaginative,
 and kind of dear.  I doubt it would work in the USA, but
 why not try it?

In Malmö, Sweden, you can go to the library and check out a
 person for fortyfive minutes to talk about their lives and ideas.

http://larvatusprodeo.redrag.net/2005/08/26/great-swedish-ideas-56789-2/

In addition to a Muslim, a Lesbian and a Dane (wow!), there
 are several other available titles.

To quote:
'The people available to be "borrowed" also include a journalist, a gypsy,
a blind man, and an animal rights activist. They will be available Saturday
and Sunday in conjunction with a Malmo city festival and are meant to give
people "a new perspective on life," the library said in a statement. "There
are prejudices about everything," Noren said. "This is about fighting those
prejudices and promoting coexistence."

'Borrowing a person will be free, and the library will also provide coffee
at its cafe where the "living books" will answer questions about their
lives, beliefs, or jobs. "It's supposed to be relaxed and human-to-human,"
Noren said.'