Books behind bars : the realities of prison library services in education programmes

Abstract

This research study investigates three Canterbury prison libraries/resource centres and their role in education programmes provided to inmates in prison. Little research has been conducted on this subject in the last decade, particularly in New Zealand. Findings included: The prison libraries/resource centres are used by the majority of inmates, there is demand for the libraries to be open longer, funding for the libraries is minimal and the relationship between library services and the education programmes run in prison is not close.Investigation was conducted by surveying a sample of the inmate population and by interviewing those involved in managing the libraries/resource centres (education officers and inmate librarians) at the three prisons. A written survey questionnaire was composed and posted to 75 inmates, and 36 responded = 48% response rate.