NCJ Number
80957
Date Published
1980
Length
267 pages
Annotation
This survey documents the extent of public library services provided to local adult and juvenile correctional facilities in the 50 States plus the District of Columbia, based on data collected between November 1975 and early 1980.
Abstract
An introduction describes the survey's methodology and the history of the project's development within the American Library Association (ALA). After testing the survey instrument in California, a revised questionnaire was sent to members of the Institutional Consultants Discussion Group of the ALA Association of State Library Agencies. Between November 1975 and September 1978, all State libraries and the District of Columbia Public Library had been contacted, and most had supplied some assessment of service levels. Respondents were given the opportunity to update this information between 1978 and early 1980. Although the data has many limitations due to collection methods, the project was intended as a benchmark effort which would begin to disseminate information in the field and focus attention on the need for library services in jails and other community-based correctional facilities. The survey results are arranged in alphabetical order by State. A narrative summary covers the types of materials and services provided, funding, problem areas, how the service began, and plans for the future. A directory, arranged alphabetically by city, lists the names and addresses of libraries which serve or have served correctional facilities in any capacity. A chart then gives the details of service, staffing, and materials offered by those libraries with extensive or varied programs. Definitions of survey terms, a glossary of abbreviations, and the survey questionnaire are included.