PRISON LIBRARIES INSIDE OUT

Prison librarians work in a unique and challenging environment. The demands of the job are taxing since these positions require an exercise of a librarian's entire range of skills and knowledge as well as successful adaptation in the hierarchical structure of a correctional institution. This article provides an inside look at the institutional environment, prison security concerns, inmate patrons and library usage, library collections and services, and the day-to-day operation of a prison library and offersrecommendations for the professional development of such libraries.