Prison libraries change lives

Information Outlook, Nov, 1997 by Marjorie Lemon

The strong financial backing that I have received has enabled me to realize my goals for the library. The budget has grown significantly over the past ten years and this has made possible the implementation of new ideas and programs.

Interlibrary Loan

In 1993, Pennsylvania prisons broke new ground with their PENDOC (Pennsylvania Department of Corrections) CD-ROM union catalog. Until then, most of the prisons did not have interlibrary loan for the inmates, because the public libraries were unwilling to provide this service. Because the range of inmates goes from the illiterate to doctors and lawyers, this service is invaluable. Many of the prisons have small beginning collections and with the wide range of book requests the more literate inmates would soon give up if not for ILL! Then, rather than let the PENDOC catalog die upon expiration of the grant monies, the State Library assisted in getting us into ACCESS PENNSYLVANIA, the statewide interlibrary loan network. In 1995, we were first listed on the CD-ROMs and we are now part of a much larger network that includes public, school, and other special libraries. Besides the tremendous increase in interlibrary loan capability, this provides traditionally isolated prison librarians with the opportunity to receive professional training on the most up-to-date technology and to network with other librarians.

Rewarding Experiences

Corrections library work has been both exciting and challenging, It can still be a battle for the prison librarian to be taken seriously. Fortunately, I have been lucky to have an administration that appreciates and supports the library. The library has grown significantly under my direction and it has been very enjoyable to watch and direct the growth process. And this career does have its daily rewards; as one inmate told me recently, "I forget that I am in prison when I'm in the library."

Marjorie Lemon has worked in Corrections for ten years, serving as a prison librarian and working with the State Library on various projects. She is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having worked in public relations for four years.