Correctional librarians work in a unique environment where, similar to school and some special libraries, “appropriate content” is mandated by a non-library parent agency. Most guiding professional documents are outdated, insufficient, or not applicable.
To fill that gap, Diane Walden, member of the Institutional Library Development team at Colorado State Library, and Ray James, Research Specialist (Texas) have crafted “Prisoners’ Right to Read: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.”
“Prisoners’ Right to Read” will provide correctional librarians with an intellectual freedom values statement tailored to their unique work environment and guidelines for aligning program outcomes and goals with those values.
Continue reading ‘Seeking Input: Prisoners’ Right to Read Statement’
The gate slowly cranked open as I entered a place I thought I’d never be. Cameras watched silently as I walked down the wide polished hallway. Fortunately, Diane Walden the Regional Librarian was my escort. She graciously offered to take me on a tour of the libraries located within the confines of the Colorado State Penitentiary near Canon City. Diane, in her infinite wisdom, started with the most locked down site – a place where the offenders are delivered materials through a slot in their door. Next we visited the largest library on campus, the sex offenders facility where I saw many offenders busily working in the library. Our next stop was a woman’s correctional facility where I met ladies diligently working away in their business class, and working in the library. Then off to the medium-security drug offenders site. The day flew by as I learned a great deal about prision life, and the librarians who work there. A couple of things really impressed me. First, how much the offenders use and appreciate the library. Secondly, how dedicated and passionate these librarians are. They know that what they do is immeasurably important to the future of these men and woman. Diane, their fearless leader knows it too. Thank you.
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