About Us
We are a purpose-driven organization dedicated to connecting
people, ideas, and innovation. Our work creates meaningful impact
and inspires lifelong learning.
Digital Human Library supports K12 schools and libraries by connecting learners with new people, places and experiences from around the world. Educators and library professionals use dHL to bring learning to life through live video conferences with experts, personalized career conversations, and virtual tours and virtual reality experiences.
These experiences support learning through shared context, conversation, and engagement—whether learning takes place in a classroom, a library learning commons, or a community setting. They create opportunities for learners to explore ideas, ask questions, and build understanding in ways that feel connected and meaningful.
Built by educators, Digital Human Library is grounded in the realities of teaching and learning. Our members shape the library by identifying needs, suggesting connections, and contributing to its growth—ensuring that it remains safe, age‑appropriate, culturally inclusive, and responsive to the diverse learning needs of our community and all learners within it.
Our Beliefs
Access Expands Learning
Diverse Perspectives Matter
Technology Enables Learning
Relationships Shape Learning
Our Unique Approach
Connections-Based Learning
Building Community Partnerships
We foster relationships between schools and communities, enhancing learning through real-world connections.
Interactive Learning Experiences
Students engage with experts and peers in meaningful ways, developing critical thinking and digital skills.
Cultural Competency Development
Our programs encourage understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and perspectives.
Curriculum Integration
We seamlessly integrate digital resources into existing curricula, enriching the educational experience.
Real-Time Collaboration
Students collaborate with global experts, gaining insights and knowledge beyond the classroom.
Innovative Digital Tools
We utilize cutting-edge technology to create immersive and interactive learning environments.
Our Commitment
Every year, teachers and librarians use Digital Human Library to design learning experiences rooted in curiosity, connection, and purpose.
As Digital Human Library continues to grow, so does our commitment to support educators and librarians to create meaningful learning experiences that are safe, inclusive, culturally responsive, and engaging for all learners.
Where It All Began
Digital Human Library began in my grade 2 classroom over 15 years ago.
My students and I were experimenting with inquiry‑based learning by exploring the curriculum in ways that were experiential, culturally relevant, and connected to the world beyond our classroom.
After introducing video conferencing technology to my students to address the barriers of geography, funding, and access, we began connecting with classrooms around the world. As students on both sides of the screen celebrated their communities, cultures, and traditions, something started to change. Engagement deepened. Questions became more thoughtful. Learning moved beyond content to include perspective and lived experience.
It wasn’t long before those connections expanded to include professionals across industries. What began as an experiment with the North Carolina Zoo, quickly became something more powerful. Students were no longer just learning about ideas—they were learning through conversations, relationships, and shared experiences with people who were living our learning in real time.
That shift reshaped not only how I was teaching, but why.
Deep learning happens when students are engaged in relationships with others, when learning is connected to real experiences, and when students are part of something bigger than themselves. With the technology already available in most classrooms, these kinds of experiences are possible in everyday learning—through curiosity, conversations, and relationships that make learning feel relevant and meaningful.
Digital Human Library grew from that understanding—and continues to support the kind of learning that engages students, connects them to real experiences, and helps them make sense of their world. Join us!
Leigh Cassell
CEO and Founder, Digital Human Library
Questions?
Visit our FAQs or connect with our team to learn how Digital Human Library can help you achieve your goals.