UBKKBP150 Bibliotherapy

Faculty of Philosophy and Science in Opava
Summer 2026
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Barbora Koneszová (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Libuše Foberová, Ph.D.
Institute of The Czech Language and Library Science – Faculty of Philosophy and Science in Opava
Timetable of Seminar Groups
UBKKBP150/A: Wed 16:25–18:00 Knihovna, B. Koneszová
Prerequisites

A prerequisite for a good understanding of the subject is basic knowledge of psychotherapy, psychology, and social psychology.

 Students are expected to be able to read and analyze both academic and literary texts, formulate their own opinions, and actively participate in discussions. It is important to be open to reflection, sensitive to topics related to emotions, and willing to work creatively in seminar activities. 

Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives

The aim of the Bibliotherapy course is to familiarize students with the theoretical foundations and practical application of working with literature as a means of promoting psychological well-being and personal development in libraries and other institutions. The course provides a basic orientation in the field of bibliotherapy, its types, principles, and possibilities for application in current practice, while also explaining the role of the library as a "third place" which, in addition to its educational function, supports the community, reading, and overall well-being.


Emphasis is placed on developing the ability to sensitively select appropriate texts with regard to a specific target group and situation, across various genres such as fiction, poetry, and fairy tales. Students are introduced to methods of working with text, such as reflection, sharing, guided discussion, and creative activities, and learn to apply these methods in practice. The course also highlights the benefits and limitations of bibliotherapy, including the need to respect the professional competence of librarians and not to perceive bibliotherapy as a substitute for professional psychotherapy.


The course further develops students' ability to design and implement a simple bibliotherapy program or activity that can be used in a library or educational setting. At the same time, it promotes the perception of literature as a tool that can help in coping with difficult life situations, emotions, and social challenges. The course is designed with an emphasis on linking theory with practice, students' own experiences, and reflection on working with text.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, students will:

  • understand the basic concepts and principles of bibliotherapy and its historical and contemporary development
  • explain the importance of bibliotherapy in the context of library practice and well-being support
  • be familiar with the types of bibliotherapy (e.g., developmental, clinical, fairy tale therapy) and their use
  • analyze literary texts in terms of their bibliotherapeutic potential
  • be able to select appropriate literature with regard to the target group and specific needs of users
  • design a simple bibliotherapeutic activity suitable for a library environment
  • reflects on the ethical aspects and limits of bibliotherapy and respects the boundaries of a librarian's competence
  • is aware of the role of the library as a "third place" that supports community, personal development, and well-being
  • critically evaluates the benefits and risks of bibliotherapy in practice


Syllabus

Introduction to Bibliotherapy

Definition of the term, history and development of the field, current concept of bibliotherapy in the context of librarianship and well-being support.

Theoretical Foundations of Bibliotherapy

Psychological, pedagogical, and literary foundations; the importance of reading for personal development.

Typology of Bibliotherapy

Developmental, supportive, and clinical bibliotherapy; individual and group work; specifics of individual approaches.

Literary Text as a Tool for Bibliotherapy

The function of story, identification, projection, catharsis; working with metaphor and symbolism.

Fairy tale therapy and working with stories

The therapeutic potential of fairy tales, myths, and stories; use with different target groups.

Selection and evaluation of literature for bibliotherapy

Criteria for text selection, working with age groups and specific user needs.

Bibliotherapy in the library environment

The library as a "third place," the community role of libraries, promoting reading and well-being. Others: schools, hospitals, institutions, prisons

Methods and techniques of bibliotherapy

Reading, guided discussion, creative writing, dramatization, text reflection; practical examples.

Target groups of bibliotherapy

Children, adolescents, seniors, people with specific needs; working with different groups.  

Areas of application of bibliotherapy

Mental disorders (neuroses, psychoses, psychopathies), illnesses, disabilities (physical, mental), addictions, interpersonal relationships (partner, family, and intergenerational relationships, violence), social problems (unemployment, minorities, old age, dying, death).

Ethical aspects and limits of bibliotherapy

Librarian competencies, the boundary between librarian and therapeutic practice, risks of inappropriate guidance.

Designing bibliotherapy activities

Program design, implementation, and evaluation; planning activities in the library.

Reflection and evaluation of bibliotherapy in practice

Evaluating effectiveness, sharing experiences, opportunities for further development


Literature
    recommended literature
  • LYSOŇKOVÁ, Tereza and Michaela DOMBROVSKÁ. Biblioterapie jako příspěvek knihoven k digitální resilienci (Bibliotherapy as a contribution of libraries to digital resilience). Online. In Kompendium knihovnictví 4. Ostrava: Moravskoslezská vědecká knihovna v Ostravě, 2025, p. 63-108. Kompendium knihovnictví 4. ISBN 978-80-7054-358-0. URL info
  • VÁGNEROVÁ, M,. Psychopatologie pro pomáhající profese. Praha, 1999. ISBN 80-7178-214-9. info
  • Vášová, L. Úvod do bibliopedagogiky. Praha, 1995. ISBN 80-85866-07-2. info
  • KŘIVOHLAVÝ, J. Biblioterapie. 1987. info
    not specified
  • HARTL, P., HARTLOVÁ, H. Psychologický slovník. Praha: Portál, 2000. ISBN 80-7178-303-X. info
Teaching methods

The course combines theoretical and practical approaches with an emphasis on active student participation.

Lectures – explanation of basic concepts and current trends

Seminars – application of knowledge, work with texts and model situations

Discussions – sharing and reflection on topics and reading experiences

Working with texts – analysis of literature from the perspective of bibliotherapy

Group and project-based teaching – design of bibliotherapy activities

Experiential methods and self-reflection – working with experiences and emotions

Student presentations – presentation and defense of outputs

Emphasis is placed on linking theory with practice and supporting well-being.


Projection (static, dynamic)

Study practice

Demonstration of skills

Assessment methods

Assessment is ongoing and focuses on linking theory with practice.

Active participation in seminars (discussions, reflections)

Ongoing assignments – working with texts, short reflections

Seminar paper/project – proposal for a bibliotherapy activity

Project presentation

Emphasis is placed on understanding, application, and the ability to reflect.

Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
Teacher's information
Regular attendance, active participation in seminars and discussions, and ongoing completion of assigned tasks are required to successfully complete the course. Students are also required to prepare a seminar paper/project on a selected topic in the field of bibliotherapy, which they then present, or to prepare a report on a selected foreign bibliotherapy project. The requirements also include the ability to design their own bibliotherapy activity and reflect on its possible use in practice. Continuous reading of the recommended literature is expected.
The course is also listed under the following terms Summer 2021, Summer 2022, Summer 2023, Summer 2024, Summer 2025.
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