Problems and prospects of providing library and information services to the prisoners in Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose – The purposes of this paper were to find out the problematic factors in providing library and information services to Nigeria prisoners and the strategies for solving them, thereby enhancing adequate provision of the required services to these prisoners. Design/methodology/approach – Seven main prisons were used for the study with a population of about 6,430 prisoners and 21 prison library/welfare workers. The sample size was 1,322 prisoners and the whole 21 workers. Questionnaires and focus group discussion (FGD) were the main instruments used for data collection. Data from the questionnaire were analyzed using frequencies and mean scores while data from FGD were analyzed descriptively. Findings – Major findings showed that problems like funding, censorship of reading materials, restrictions due to prison policy and staffing hinder to a high extent the provision of library and information services for these prisoners. Also, improved funding of the prisons and prison libraries, services and resource sharing with other libraries, NGOs and other information providers were all seen as strategies to enhance adequate library and information services provision to the prisoners. Originality/value – Library and information services are needed by everybody in today’s society. Prisoners, although incarcerated, will find useful a variety of library and information services provided to them. This paper delved into the problems of providing library and information services to Nigeria prisoners. The results of the study, if adhered to by the Nigerian prison authorities, will help a great deal in making the prisoners better citizens after release.

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

“…The poor funding for the libraries, long distance between the inmates’ living areas and the libraries, uncomfortable nature of prison and long delays before trial are significant hurdles to accessing the desired information sources. The existing library services, and other facilities such as tables, chairs, shelves and books, do not meet acceptable standards (Adeagbo et al, 2016; Emasealu and Popoola, 2016a, 2016b; Eze, 2015, 2016; Eze and Dike, 2014; Joseph and Olayinka, 2019; Okwor et al, 2010; Oluwadare and Elaturoti, 2016; Omagbemi and Odunewu, 2007; Sambo and Ojei, 2018; Sambo et al, 2017).…”

“…In the Netherlands, for example, many prisoners cannot understand Dutch, which isolates them when they are behind bars (Reijnders, 1996). However, prison authorities, religious organizations, non-governmental organizations and related individuals put efforts into meeting prisoners’ information needs by acquiring needs-oriented material (Emasealu and Popoola, 2016b; Eze, 2015, 2016; Eze and Dike, 2014; Oluwadare and Elaturoti, 2016). Library material such as books, magazines and newspapers should be in various formats according to the requirements of the prisoners.…”

“…Prison libraries are responsive to inmates’ information needs. However, the censorship of reading materials hinders staff in effectively providing library services to inmates (Eze, 2015; Harrington, 2020).…”

Challenges Faced in Provision of Information Resources and Services in County Assembly Libraries: Case of Siaya and Kericho Counties

“…Librarians also become dissatisfied when they are not able to provide all the services needed and this could be due to lack of relevant equipment and software for the disabled. Eze (2015), identified the challenges faced by librarians when providing library and information services to Nigerian prisoners to include censorship, restrictions due to prisons policies and funding. Focus group discussions and questionnaires were the instruments used for collecting data with a sample size of 1343.…”

Lineamientos para el desarrollo de fondos en bibliotecas penitenciarias: un estudio en la Biblioteca Penitenciaria de Florianópolis

“…A constituição dos acervos vinculados às bibliotecas no cárcere estásubmetida, principalmente,à seleção de assunto e de formato dos materiais. Além dessa censura que ocorre em concomitância com medidas ditas de segurança, acredita-se que existe, também, uma censura intelectual forçada, que acontece quando não há a disseminação de materiais e informações mesmo quando permitidos perante as legislações e os regimentos (EZE, 2015).…”