AIS3703
MAY JUNE Portfolio 2026
Unique number:
Due date: 14 May 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Concept of bibliotherapy
Bibliotherapy is a structured user support approach that uses literature and other reading
materials to help individuals deal with personal, emotional and social challenges. It is
applied within library and information services as a guided process where reading is linked
to personal development and emotional healing. The focus is not only on reading for
information but also on using selected materials to influence thinking patterns and behaviour
in a supportive way. The librarian or facilitator plays an active role in selecting appropriate
texts and guiding users through discussion and reflection. Bibliotherapy is different from
general reading support because it is intentionally aimed at improving emotional wellbeing
and supporting problem solving through reading engagement. It is commonly used with
young people and vulnerable groups to help them relate their personal experiences to
characters and situations found in literature, which supports understanding and coping
strategies in everyday life (Meyer, Fourie and Jiyane 2017).
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Concept of bibliotherapy
Bibliotherapy is a structured user support approach that uses literature and other
reading materials to help individuals deal with personal, emotional and social
challenges. It is applied within library and information services as a guided process
where reading is linked to personal development and emotional healing. The focus is
not only on reading for information but also on using selected materials to influence
thinking patterns and behaviour in a supportive way. The librarian or facilitator plays
an active role in selecting appropriate texts and guiding users through discussion
and reflection. Bibliotherapy is different from general reading support because it is
intentionally aimed at improving emotional wellbeing and supporting problem solving
through reading engagement. It is commonly used with young people and vulnerable
groups to help them relate their personal experiences to characters and situations
found in literature, which supports understanding and coping strategies in everyday
life (Meyer, Fourie and Jiyane 2017).
1.2 Steps in bibliotherapy process
Introduction
The bibliotherapeutic process in a library setting involves structured steps that guide
users through reading materials in a way that supports emotional understanding and
personal development (Meyer, Fourie and Jiyane 2017).
Universalisation
Universalisation refers to the stage where library users realise that their problems
are not unique. In a community library in KwaZulu-Natal, a young person struggling
with family conflict may read a story about a similar situation. Through this, the user
begins to understand that other people experience similar challenges. This reduces
feelings of isolation and emotional pressure. The librarian supports this stage by
selecting books that reflect common social and emotional issues faced by the
community. This process helps users feel connected to others through shared
experiences found in reading materials (Meyer, Fourie and Jiyane 2017).
MAY JUNE Portfolio 2026
Unique number:
Due date: 14 May 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Concept of bibliotherapy
Bibliotherapy is a structured user support approach that uses literature and other reading
materials to help individuals deal with personal, emotional and social challenges. It is
applied within library and information services as a guided process where reading is linked
to personal development and emotional healing. The focus is not only on reading for
information but also on using selected materials to influence thinking patterns and behaviour
in a supportive way. The librarian or facilitator plays an active role in selecting appropriate
texts and guiding users through discussion and reflection. Bibliotherapy is different from
general reading support because it is intentionally aimed at improving emotional wellbeing
and supporting problem solving through reading engagement. It is commonly used with
young people and vulnerable groups to help them relate their personal experiences to
characters and situations found in literature, which supports understanding and coping
strategies in everyday life (Meyer, Fourie and Jiyane 2017).
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Concept of bibliotherapy
Bibliotherapy is a structured user support approach that uses literature and other
reading materials to help individuals deal with personal, emotional and social
challenges. It is applied within library and information services as a guided process
where reading is linked to personal development and emotional healing. The focus is
not only on reading for information but also on using selected materials to influence
thinking patterns and behaviour in a supportive way. The librarian or facilitator plays
an active role in selecting appropriate texts and guiding users through discussion
and reflection. Bibliotherapy is different from general reading support because it is
intentionally aimed at improving emotional wellbeing and supporting problem solving
through reading engagement. It is commonly used with young people and vulnerable
groups to help them relate their personal experiences to characters and situations
found in literature, which supports understanding and coping strategies in everyday
life (Meyer, Fourie and Jiyane 2017).
1.2 Steps in bibliotherapy process
Introduction
The bibliotherapeutic process in a library setting involves structured steps that guide
users through reading materials in a way that supports emotional understanding and
personal development (Meyer, Fourie and Jiyane 2017).
Universalisation
Universalisation refers to the stage where library users realise that their problems
are not unique. In a community library in KwaZulu-Natal, a young person struggling
with family conflict may read a story about a similar situation. Through this, the user
begins to understand that other people experience similar challenges. This reduces
feelings of isolation and emotional pressure. The librarian supports this stage by
selecting books that reflect common social and emotional issues faced by the
community. This process helps users feel connected to others through shared
experiences found in reading materials (Meyer, Fourie and Jiyane 2017).
