Prisoners are in a grey area regarding library services. Prison libraries violate many tenets of librarianship, with the justification of maintaining order. The field is de-professionalized--many positions are filled by persons without degrees in library science, and corrections administrators often write policy for services. Critics cite the need to implement public library service models despite practical difficulties. This book investigates state, national and international policies on prison libraries, reviews literature on the topic and describes partnerships between prisons and public libraries. Results from a national survey and follow-up interviews are included, providing a full narrative of policy outcomes in U.S. prisons.
Investigates state, national, and international policies on prison libraries, reviews literature on the topic, and describes partnerships between prison and public libraries. To determine adherence to policy results from a national survey and follow-up interviews are shared, which serve as narratives to describe what is actually happening inside.
