FAQs for Prison Librarians

Q. How do I get to be a prison librarian:

A. It is best to have an MLS, and have some experience working in a public library setting. This gives the librarian a flavor for the variety and complexity of information and leisure reading needs of inmates- no different from non incarcerated persons. The successful prison librarian is willing and comfortable working with persons from diverse ethnic, socio economic , and educational backgrounds.


Q. Is it safe?
A. More crimes take place in malls, in the homes, in parking lots etc. than in prisons. The media create a lot of sensation with the stories about prisons. Majority of the prisoners are respectful, and appreciative of the services that advance their knowledge and education, and help them to be more successful when they reenter society .

Q. What do prisoners read?
A. Reading habits are similar to the public. Depends on their education level. If the librarian markets books, they will read beyond only what they know when they arrive in prison. See Behind the Walls

Q. Is there an Association or groups of prison librarians ?

A. ASCLA is a division of American Librarian Association. The Library Services to Prisoners Forum( LSPF) is part of the Library Services to Special Populations, a section of ASCLA. There is an active list serv of ALA - prison-l@ala.org. If you have questions, place it on the list serv and you will be sure to get many answers. LSPF usually meet at the ALA midwinter and summer conferences.

Q. What is a good book to read to prepare me for working in a prison library.
A. Library Services to Incarcerated... by S. Clark and E. MacCreaigh and Games Criminals Play, by Allen and Bosta. Another practical guide is Down For The Count, by Brenda Vogel

Q. Do prisoners have access to the Internet?
A. In most prisons, inmates do not have direct access to the Internet. Although the two major legal database vendors have introduced legal products that offer online access only to the legal database, this is not available in most prison libraries. Where prison librarians have the Internet, institution rules often limit them to using it only when inmates are not around. Their information needs are not always answered right away, but written down for a next day answer. I have an article on the topic at ALA/OLOS

Q. Are all prison libraries law libraries?
A. No. It is constitutionally mandated that inmates must have access to the courts. States differ in their interpretation and implementation. Some establish law libraries, others have legal clinics, yet others use a combination of legal reference in the libraries in addition to using another provider of legal services.

Q. How can I find a job in a prison library
A. Check out the Division of Public Safety job site in your state. Some public libraries do outreach in their local detention centers. You may start there.