An Evidence-Based Approach To Prison Library Provision: Aligning Policy and Practice

Jayne Finlay, University of Sheffield, UKFollow
Susannah Hanlon, Northumbria University, UKFollow
Jessica Bates, University of Ulster, UKFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4679-0365

Keywords

prison libraries, prison policy, best practice, evidence-based practice

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to enable a better understanding of the possibilities of prison library services and offer evidence that can help to support efforts to align policy and practice in prison library provision. Alongside an examination of existing policies, guidelines and literature, the paper presents findings that emerged from interviews with six prison library experts, undertaken as part of a recent national review of prison library services in Ireland. Following a discussion of these findings, a set of ten principles for prison library provision in Ireland is presented which holds relevance for global prison library policy and practice. As well as providing research-informed evidence for those in policymaking roles, the findings will be of interest to practitioners and researchers advocating for improved access to prison library services.

Author Bio

Dr Jayne Finlay is a Lecturer in Librarianship at the University of Sheffield where she is Programme Coordinator of the distance learning Library and Information Services Management programme. Her research focuses on library and education provision in prisons, including user engagement with library services and professional development opportunities for prison library staff.

Dr Susannah Hanlon is a retired Senior Lecturer, formerly in information and library studies at Northumbria University in Newcastle upon Tyne. Dr Hanlon also worked, from 2007-2010, for Open University Ireland delivering some of their units to students at various prisons on the island of Ireland, and she remains a strong supporter of best practice in education and library provision in prisons.

Dr Jessica Bates is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education, Ulster University where she is Course Director for the postgraduate online Library and Information Management programme and undertakes research across Education and Library and Information Science. Her recent research centres on connecting communities and decision-makers, and stakeholder engagement to bring about effective change.