Prison libraries change lives

Information Outlook, Nov, 1997 by Marjorie Lemon

Of course many inmates who enter prison have never used a library. Over fifty percent are not high school graduates, and they pursue careers that do not require a high degree of literacy. Yet by the time they leave, eighty percent of them have used ours. The prison library has become their information hub, as it assists with legal issues, education, computer skills, career information, resumes, and treatment.

Legal Assistance

Since 1978, Pennsylvania courts have mandated law library collections, with the I.C.U. vs. Shapp Consent Decree (recent cases include Tillery vs. Owens and Austin vs. the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections). The Austin case has improved legal access for inmates by mandating mini-law libraries in the Restricted Housing Units: (R.H.U.) and by providing paralegals to assist those in the R.H.U.

The law library is crucial to those inmates awaiting trial and re-trial based on the Post-Conviction Relief Act or if they are filing appeals or seeking a sentence reduction. Because most procedures have a time deadline, quick access is necessary. The courts have generally decided that twelve to fifteen hours a week is constitutionally adequate for research. Typewriters and a Xerox machine are available and highly used.

Time for Education

Inmates are encouraged to take advantage of the myriad of educational opportunities. Most inmates are motivated to pursue more knowledge and higher education levels for personal satisfaction, although the Parole Board does provide some incentive. They study for their General Educational Development Test (G.E.D.), raise their literacy levels; and take vocational, college, and correspondence courses. The library provides supplementary materials for the above and for the on-the-job training courses offered at the institution, such as air-conditioning and refrigeration, electrical, and construction trades.

One inmate who worked in the library took the one year Electrical Occupations class. After he was discharged, he got a job with an electrical company making $7.50 an hour. He is offered overtime and with that is making an adequate salary to support himself. So far, this has kept him away from his previous occupation - drug sales.

During a library research class held for illiterate inmates, it was shocking to observe an inmate at the card catalog trying to sound out a book title. Another inmate was trying to find a zip code in Webster's Dictionary. Many of the inmates are very intelligent, street smart, and talented. As a result, they are very good at their illegal pursuits. Yet their literacy can be at the third grade level and encouraging these inmates to use the library can he a challenge. If they begin using the library in prison and continue to do so after they get out, their literacy skills will continually improve. An easy reading collection is essential including audio and video titles. Dr. Seuss has become quite popular because his books are the only ones the men are not embarrassed to carry around!

Treatment Support

The library plays an important role in supporting the prison's mission: habilitating the inmates. The library is part of the treatment team and should provide supplemental materials for those inmates receiving counseling. A relatively new idea is psychological treatment computer software. In 1990, the Pennsylvania State Library introduced the state prison librarians to this at an annual meeting. At the Western Psychiatric Center in Pittsburgh, we previewed a variety of available software. After the meeting, I purchased ten programs. They cover 'alcohol abuse, stress, self-esteem, thinking skills, communication, relationships, and assertiveness. The counselors appreciate the assistance and often refer their classes to the library to complete a computer program. The counselors have also been very helpful in recommending materials to support their curriculum.

Feedback from the inmates has been positive. Often they say that they like the computer part of their treatment class the best because it is more private, they can work at their own pace, and they like learning to use a computer. The software is used on a walk-in basis as well. The most popular item is a communication program that helps analyze a problem relationship. The inmates are amazed at the results, because what the computer tells them seems extremely accurate.

Workplace

Beginning in 1987, the state library has funded Workplace for all of the state prisons.

Workplace is a computerized vocational guidance system which was designed to establish career information centers in public and corrections libraries. The program can provide lists of possible jobs, schools that offer certain training, information on training needed for a particular job, financial aid information, and help creating resumes.

Our library has a separate career center room, with the Workplace computer and reading materials. When Workplace started, I held an orientation class for counselors, teachers, and halfway house directors. It was well received. One director said that he wanted every inmate to have a completed resume when he entered the halfway house. He said that would save time and help in their job searches, as they are required to find a job when they arrive.