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

Abstract

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 Role of the Prison Library

“…However, despite the progress made in the development of prison libraries around the world, challenges remain, such as limited funding, understaffing and inadequate collections. (Eze, 2015;Hussain et al, 2023;Mfum, n.d.)These concerns must be solved in order for prison libraries to continue to serve prisoners and society at large effectively.…”

“…(The Prison Rules 1999, n.d.)Today, prison libraries are being built in the United Kingdom, the United States, Greece, Pakistan, India, Australia, Nigeria, and other nations. (Hussain et al, 2023) This essay critically explores the strengths of prison libraries in supporting the development of prisoners using literature analysis as the major method. Furthermore, the study includes illustrative examples that emphasise the essential responsibilities that prison libraries should do to effectively help prisoners by describing the services they offer.…”

The Use of Informal Learning in the Resocialization of Convicts in Open Prison Conditions

“…Obecně většina dostupných publikačních výstupů z tuzemska i zahraničí se z hlediska informálního učení zaměřuje především na uplatnění vězeňských knihoven v procesu učení (srov. Hussain et al, 2022;Mishra, Chaudhuri, Dey et al, 2021;Temiaková, 2022). Zároveň na proces učení ve vězení má vliv prostředí a sociální klima, což dokládá např.…”

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

“…Prison libraries create a space within the prison where inmates can be prepared for reentry back into society. Hussain et al (2023) state that "[w]orldwide, prison libraries provide inmates with equal access to educational, recreational and rehabilitation programmes" (p. 181). To successfully rehabilitate prison…”