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I ask this question to get the ball rolling. Whether you work in a prison library, or your a volunteer, or you have family or friends who are incarcerated, or you are simply curious, share with us what you want to know about prison libraries.

I'm hoping some others will weigh in on this question - b/c I'm sure it's an important one as libraries try to attract qualified candidates.

Here is a [url http://www.ala.org/ala/ascla/asclapubs/interface/archives/contentlistingby/volume27/recruitingforprisonlibraries/recruitprisonlibraries.cfm]link[/url] to an article that talks about recruitment into prison libraries, but also has some ideas for folks who are trying to find a job in one.

And this [url http://www.librarian.net/stax/1878/more-about-prison-librarians/]post[/url] from librarian.net also has links to places where you can find information on jobs in prison libraries.

I would also think checking your state's Department of Corrections job listings might find some opportunities - it depends on how prison libraries are administered in your state.

Hope this helps!

Emily

It's amazing how many people I've met who have worked at some point in their career with the incarcerated. What's also amazing is how many of them have said that they love their jobs. Now I'm sure there is plenty to complain about working in a prison, but it seems there's a reward for working with patrons who truly appreciate the library.

Thanks for sharing, librarybob!

Hello: Prison Libraries Job at Department of Education/Correctional facilities. Is good source. At the public Libraries Districts .(Arapahoe Libraries District-Colorado ) supports a detention center library with all kind of excellent programs for its patrons.
One book I will like to recommend written by 2 experienced Jail librarian in Colorado is :
Library Services to the Incarcerated:Applying the Public Library Model in Correctional Facilities Libraries. By: Sheila Clark and Erica MacCreaigh. Libraries Unlimited.2006. ISBN: 1-59158-290-3 . The book is well written, sometimes humorous of their experience and stories. Librarianship services in jail plenty of information . Good advices,the Importance of collection development,programs relationship, for a distinctive service to a different culture in the detention centers and jails.
Can find it in Amazon or other distributors.
Olga Carrion -Outreach Services Spanish Librarian ALD.

HOLA!
For a while you will feel lonely and alone. But trust your skills. The librarian (you, and I) need to focus in the clientele and the services call that we are responding to.
Happiness is reading the clock at closing time and knowing that just been there, had made a BIG difference to those that more than yourself are lonely and alone.
Do your job for those that your are responsible to perform a service. Literacy, silence, smiles, welcoming and forgiveness.
Prison,Jail librarianship is a "call " for a ministry of literacy and the prophecy of hope and compassion ..
Do your best the others, are missing a GREAT opportunity to grow as humans and professional and as team players.
One day, when less expected someday might approach you to thank you..then ,you will place his/her face within the library walls. And no longer is within. Just work toward YOU been happy, and it will spread.
Olga Carrion . (an unemployed librarian with hopes).oct26-07

Where are you going to take the seminar on Prison Library Management from? I would be very interested in more information on the seminar.

Thanks.

In Ohio, most of the ODRC prisons have stand alone OPACS. For the last couple of years, there has been a pilot program between 3-4 prison libraries, connected by their own closed LAN system. With the view of connecting all ODRC institutions, in the future. Librarians do have ODRC email connections. Connections with other offices of ODRC and the State Library of Ohio are made via the ODRC intranet. At the present time there are no internet connections in any of the state prison libraries. Prison librarians can see anything that is on the State Library website. Any link that goes out on the internet beyond the State Library servers are blocked to them. This keeps inmates from accessing an excellent internet resource: the "Learning Express Library". http://www.learnatest.com/LearningExpressLibrary/Home.cfm?CFID=x&CFTOKEN=x&Refresh=1&sip=473908409 . Learning Express Library has LED , trade exams, civil service exams, english language and math skills tests. Special connections with WorldCat via the ODRC main office comes and goes. Without internet connections ODRC are like neighborhood branches of a public library with a large law book collection.

StCassel

Welcome Brian. I look forward to reading more about your experiences volunteering with the Justice Center library.

There are some guidelines and resources for collection development of Spanish-language resources for prison libraries in this area of WebJunction, http://www.webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=17846.

To folks in this forum: are there other collection development resources out there that are specific to prison libraries?

Thanks,
Emily