Prison Libraries Research Articles

Access to Technology for Higher Education in Prison Programs: Implications from a Mixed-Methods Study

ABSTRACT In consideration of the challenges at the intersection of the digital divide and higher education, the challenges of prison libraries, and the persistence of inequality in correctional settings, the current study explores how instructors navigate and adapt to these challenges when teaching for higher education in prison programs. The current study utilizes an online survey questionnaire (n = 156) along with a set of semi-structured interviews (n = 41) to explore these questions. Findings support prior research, as the pervasive issues surrounding digital equity and the digital divide for higher education in prison programs continue to persist, especially with the modifications to distance learning forced by the global pandemic . Implications for higher education in prison programs are discussed, which calls for additional research on how programs are functioning now that COVID-19 restrictions have eased.

On a wing and a prayer: professional ethics and the prison library

PurposeIn response to instrumental cultural policy agendas in the United Kingdom, the paper explores the practice of collaborative cultural work in the criminal justice system through the lens of professional ethics in prison libraries. It seeks to balance narratives on the value of arts and culture in cross-government policy agendas with a nuanced consideration of the realities of such work in non-conventional organisational settings.Design/methodology/approach“Instrumental Values: Professional ethics in collaborative cultural work” was a two-year empirical study (2017–2019), including ethnographic fieldwork in three case study sites representing prison library services in England. Following a “communities of practice” conceptual framework, research methods included participant observation of day-to-day cultural work and specific events; successive research interviews with library and prison service staff and volunteers; and interviews with key collaborating organisations from extended professional networks.FindingsData from three prison library case studies show consistent ethical implications relating to the extent of collaborative complexity in the field and its impact on participants’ emotional resilience; navigation of the prison regime by cultural workers; consequences for emotional labour and care in the field; and the re-negotiation of ethical boundaries and practices.Originality/valueThe research makes an original contribution to debates on the instrumental value of arts and culture via its intimate focus on prison libraries as microcosms of situated, truly integrated cultural work, both from a physical, organisational perspective and in their representation of a cross-policy function for arts and culture.

A Culture of Knowledge Sharing: Information Resources and Dissemination Practices for All

Volume 8, Issue 1 of The International Journal of Information, Diversity & Inclusion (IJIDI). This introductory article presents the theme, “A Culture of Knowledge Sharing,” which we have identified as a common thread that weaves the papers featured in this regular issue. These papers cover knowledge sharing in research, literature reviews, and reports from the field discussing topics such as ways Hebrew children’s literature can bridge cultures in Israel, research from Nigeria examining prison libraries as information resources for rehabilitation, and community-based information projects empowering immigrant women in Canada. The papers in this issue highlight how knowledge sharing impacts citizens' information behaviors worldwide. Two book reviews are featured.

Pivotal Role of Prison Libraries as an Information Resource for Prisoner Rehabilitation

Abstract This article delves into the multifaceted roles of prison libraries in rehabilitating and reintegrating incarcerated individuals. It begins by underscoring the significance of education in correctional facilities and the inherent challenges of providing access to educational resources due to security constraints. The primary objective of this study is to scrutinize the theoretical underpinnings that drive the rehabilitative functions of prison libraries and identify existing gaps in the literature. This research, through a comprehensive analysis of various empirical studies, reveals the pivotal role played by prison libraries in fostering personal growth, facilitating social integration among inmates, serving as havens where prisoners are afforded the autonomy to choose their reading materials, empowering them to enhance their lives through self-directed learning, and contributing to cultural enrichment, literacy advancement, and preparation for successful reintegration into society. The findings of this integrated literature review underscore the constructive influence of prison libraries on effective time management and offering meaningful activities for prisoner rehabilitation. This study highlights the need for further research that amalgamates robust theoretical frameworks with empirical evidence, thereby establishing how prison libraries can efficaciously contribute to prisoner rehabilitation. This study also informs policy formulation to enable correctional institutions to utilize these insights to bolster behavioural management strategies.

Impact of Library Resources on Prison Education in India: A Review of Re-habilitation Efforts

This review synthesizes findings from two case studies focusing on the role of library resources in facilitating education and rehabilitation in Indian prisons. The first study explores the educational landscape within Indian prisons, highlighting various initiatives and challenges in delivering effective educational programs to inmates. The second study delves into the specific impact of library services in the District Jail of Gautam Buddha Nagar, examining how access to diverse reading materials and information resources aids in the intellectual and emotional development of inmates. Together, these studies underscore the significant role of library resources in supporting prisoner education and rehabilitation in India. They reveal how well-managed prison libraries, equipped with a broad range of materials and services, can contribute to the reformation, skill development, and overall well-being of inmates, thereby playing a crucial part in their successful reintegration into society.

Availability and accessibility of academic library resources and services for prison inmates in the distance education programme

The modern objectives of libraries could facilitate the provision and use of prison library services and resources. The purpose of the research was to investigate how academic library resources and services are available and accessible to prison inmates in distance education programme. The descriptive survey design was employed in the collection and analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data. The study was conducted at the Nsawam Maximum Prison involving fifty-seven (57) student inmates in the distance education programme of the University of Cape Coast and two (2) Prison Library staff. The study found that facilities and information resources in prison libraries do not meet the learning and research needs of inmates in the higher distance learning programme. The study suggests that academic libraries should come to the aid of prison students with collaborative efforts to extend their resources and services to them.

The Role of the Prison Library

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the role of the prison library. Structure: This essay first points out the background, definition and development of the prison library. Then, through an analysis of relevant literature and instances, the essay emphasises the important role that prison libraries play in offering educational opportunities, protecting prisoners' mental health, strengthening family connections, and supporting personal growth. Prison library is a vital part of the penal system by stopping the cycle of recidivism and promoting personal development. Conclusion: Prison libraries should be expected to take on the role of assisting inmates in their rehabilitation and achieving the library's goal of encouraging people’s development.

Importance of the Libraries in Kosovo Prisons

This study aims to present the importance and current situation of the libraries in Kosovo Correctional Service; their function and effect on prisoners’ daily lives, rehabilitation, well-being and informal education. To reach this purpose three questions were raised: Do libraries help with prisoners’ informal learning, rehabilitation and reintegration in KCS? Are the prisoners willing to loan books from prison libraries? Do prison libraries in Kosovo offer enough books in different languages for prisoners who come from different ethnic and religious backgrounds? This research is presented through qualitative data, a literature review and interviews as instruments of the research dedicated to prison libraries within KCS and their effect on prisoners’ wellbeing and education. The study results showed that prison libraries impact positively the lives of the incarcerated population while they are paying their debts to society in Kosovo prisons for the crimes committed. Prisoners are eager to borrow medium number of books present in different languages and genres offered to them within Correctional and Detention centers all around Kosovo.

The information needs and practices of Australian adult prisoners

This paper describes the findings of a research project conducted in six adult prisons in New South Wales, Australia that sought to study the information needs and information seeking practices of adult Australian prisoners. Through data gathered from 106 prisoner surveys, the paper identifies the information needs of Australian adult prisoners across six information domains: legal, education, spirituality, health, prison life, and re-integration. For each information domain, participants were asked to identify their preferred source or sources of information from eight possible information sources: prison libraries, tablet devices, staff, family/friends, health services, television/radio, books etc. not from the prison library, or other. The number and nature of unmet information needs are also explored and described. The data gathered enables a study of the different information needs and behaviours of female and male prisoners, and prisoners from across various security levels. The paper finds a significant level of unmet information need in the lives of Australian adult prisoners across all information domains studied. Prisoners are heavily reliant on sources of information that are likely to be non-expert such as custodial staff, other inmates, and family and friends to attempt to meet their information needs about significant critical issues such as their ongoing legal matters and their health. The information needs are similar for female and male prisoners, however their information seeking practices differ, with male prisoners being more likely to have support from family and friends as information sources than female prisoners. Prisoners living in minimum security prisons are least likely to identify a need for spirituality-related information compared with prisoners living in other security classifications and are most likely to seek information regarding their reintegration back into their communities as they plan for their release.

Prison Library Role and Service: the Penitentiary University Center of Florence Case Study

Prison organizations strongly influence the activities of prison libraries as a whole. These are not always freely accessible to prisoners. Internet access is often lacking. The Penitentiary University Center of the University of Florence at the Dogaia prison (Prato) has adopted a participatory approach, starting from the information needs of the communities of prisoners, and tackling the difficulties of reconciling library services, based on freedom of use and maximum accessibility, with the constraints imposed by the prison. Some innovative initiatives are described and objectives and activities planned for the future are discussed.

Peer-led literacy: a prison library’s collaboration with the Shannon Trust

This case study interrogates the delivery of the Shannon Trust literacy programme in a men’s category B London prison (HMP Wandsworth). This includes an exploration of prison libraries’ collaboration with the Shannon Trust, and how prison library staff practically facilitate the programme; from selecting prisoners to become literacy mentors, finding prisoners willing to become learners, and collecting feedback. This study also looks at some of the challenges faced by prison-based Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals when delivering a programme such as this. The study concludes with a set of recommendations for other LIS professionals considering programme delivery in the prison context.

Dictionaries Behind Bars: Prison Library Services and Information Poverty in Michigan Prisons

Dictionaries Behind Bars: Prison Library Services and Information Poverty in Michigan Prisons

Recent trends in Croatian prisons library collections and services

Purpose: Article presents findings from a study which investigated the state of library collections and services in Croatian prisons. Methodology: Study was conducted April through June 2019 with the help of anonymous survey. The whole population (23 correctional institutions) were included in the study. Valid response was obtained from 22 institutions. Findings: Paper presents the most recent data about library collections and services of Croatian prison libraries, the organization (funding, collection building, staff, space, programming etc.) and their use. Also, insight into prison staff's perception about the importance of reading and prison libraries in general, is given.
 Research limitations: Difficulties with personal contact with respondents and the limitations that are inherent to the quantitative methodology used.
 Originality and value: Study presents important findings about the state of prison libraries in Croatia. Based on their comparison with previous studies and IFLA Guidelines for library services for prisoners, recommendations are made for the development of Croatian prison libraries according to the international best practices.

World of Colours for Boys behind the Walls: Malaysian prison library perspectives

Colour reflects our emotions and psychology. This fieldwork qualitative study is to explore the relationship between colour in the prison library with the juvenile delinquents emotional, psychology and interest. Data were collected using field interview with 20 male juvenile delinquents living in one of the correctional schools in Peninsular Malaysia. Our field interview has led us to conclude that the male juvenile delinquents are very interested in colours available in the library, especially with the library's collection of materials/books. The findings in this research are helpful in preparing the best prison library that can contribute to forming the perceptual space and will benefit the juvenile delinquents ’learning emotions, the process of thinking, psychological health and aesthetic conception Keywords: Male Juvenile Delinquents; Prison Library; Fieldwork; Malaysia. eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by E-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer-review under the responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behavior Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioral Researchers on Asians), and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behavior Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.

Staff perspectives of providing prison library services in the United Kingdom

Prison library staff play a central role in supporting prisoners with their educational, informational, recreational and cultural needs during incarceration. Their role is unique within the wider library profession, as they require both expertise in library and information management as well as the skills and knowledge required to operate in a prison environment. There has been little research exploring the experiences and perspectives of library staff who manage and deliver prison library services in the United Kingdom (UK). This paper addresses this gap in knowledge and seeks to amplify the voices of those working in an often overlooked profession. Findings are drawn from the first phase of a broader doctoral study which explored prisoner engagement with library services. A mixed-methods approach was taken, combining both a questionnaire and follow-up interviews with prison library staff across the UK. The questionnaire received 31 responses from library staff and 10 respondents participated in a follow-up interview. Findings offer a contemporary overview of the management and delivery of prison library services in the UK and underline common themes and concerns among prison library professionals, namely the implications of dual management, the impact of the unique social context in which they work and the importance of communication and liaison in providing effective library services. The paper concludes with recommendations for combatting the professional isolation felt by those working in this sector and for the promotion of prison library services both within and outside the prison.

Enclosed Spaces, Boundless Possibilities: Investigating the Status Quo of Romanian Prison Libraries Through a Survey-based Approach

The purpose of this study is to draw attention to the current state of Romanian prison libraries by focusing on such aspects as the legal framework under which they operate, their organization and facilities, the management of their collections and the policies employed to this end, the staff in charge of these structures, as well as library usage and satisfaction. Moreover, the present study aims to highlight the main obstacles and difficulties that Romanian prison libraries are struggling with at the moment, and to provide a few minimal recommendations for the improvement of their services and overall quality. In order to elicit relevant data, a questionnaire – comprising 48 both open and close-ended items – was designed and mailed to the 45 existing Romanian correctional facilities between early December 2021 and mid-January 2022. Albeit the response rate was 66.6%, the author has managed to identify a number of common issues that prevent Romanian prison libraries from functioning at an optimal level, such as the insufficient funding and inadequate space, the lack of professionally trained librarians, and the absence of a coherent collection development policy. Although those in charge of prison libraries strive to make the best of the available resources – and there are a few notable cases –, Romanian prison libraries are in dire need of both financial and managerial remodeling.

Fifty Years of Prison Library Scholarly Publishing: A Literature Analysis

Although the existence and importance of prison libraries is noted in United Nations declarations and guidelines from correctional and library associations around the world, no attempt has been made to provide a bibliographic analysis of scholarly literature pertaining to prison library research. This article reports on an analysis of 141 scholarly journal articles published on the topic from 1970 to 2020, focusing on five areas: publication patterns over time, authorship characteristics, subject and geographic focus, publication sources, and languages of publication. The outcome of this analysis revealed that scholarly publishing on prison library–related topics is a slowly growing field, but one dominated by scholars from the United States. Authors are very likely to be publishing about issues local to themselves, in the English language, and in library-related journals. They are very likely to publish only once on the topic rather than building a thematic program of research in the area.

“There's really almost nobody there who's trying to make sense of it”

“There's really almost nobody there who's trying to make sense of it”

Examining the status of prison libraries around the world: A literature review

The purpose of this study is to review the published literature and highlight the situation of prison libraries around the world. The study strives to adopt a comprehensive approach while reviewing the literature in order to survey the present status geographically. The available published literature on prison libraries in local and international library and information science journals has been reviewed. The researchers also consulted other sources, such as books, theses, dissertations, conference proceedings, library websites, individuals and professional organizations, including the American Library Association, Association of College and Research Libraries, and IFLA. The databases used included Library and Information Science Abstracts, Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts, Emerald, JSTOR, Google Scholar and ResearchGate. The keywords used for searching can be categorized as ‘prison libraries’, ‘jail libraries’, ‘correctional institution libraries’ and ‘rehabilitation centres’. Overall, findings suggest that the situation of prison libraries in USA, UK, Europe and Asia (only urban areas) is much better as compared to the other regions of the world. This situation is because of the availability of resources, access to the Internet, technology, automated catalogues, cooperation with other libraries such as public libraries, and regular budgets to run library affairs smoothly. A lack of professional staff, the unavailability of library space, limited collections, censorship issues, a poor budgetary situation, the absence of library associations in developing countries, and a lack of cooperation among prison libraries and public libraries are the major causes of the current situation of prison libraries. The study is unique in nature as it highlights the situation of prison libraries worldwide through a wide lens, focusing on standards, services and difficulties, as well as recommendations made by the researchers.

The ‘one bright light’ of Life in a Dark Cell: Reading and Writing in Victorian and Edwardian English Prisons

In 2013, the Ministry of Justice’s ban on sending books to prisoners sparked a wave of protests. It was eventually declared illegal as books were deemed essential to rehabilitation. This heated debate is part of a long history of promoting—and restricting—reading practices in carceral institutions. Between the 1850s and the eve of the First World War, whether penal administrators favoured or hindered reading, prison libraries filled up and pens were put to paper. But how were the books selected? What were the prisoners allowed to read and write? What did they actually read and write? Studying the history of prison reading and writing from above and from below reveals tensions between the perception of prisoners and the reality of life behind bars. This article explores the production and consumption of a wide array of written works in the carceral world. It endeavours to show that, through the stories written and read in prison, the story and history of prisoners come to light. From escapism to protest, from moral elevation to fellowship, written words, authorised or clandestine, were (and still are) a ‘bright light’ in prisoners’ lives.