Prison Librarians Needed: A Challenging Career for Those with the Right Professional and Human Skills.

This paper examines the background and roles of prison libraries in North America and Europe. Identified roles include: popular reading materials center; independent learning center; formal education support center; leisure and recreational activities center; legal information center; treatment program support center; information center on outside community; personal retreat center; staff research center; and school curriculum support center. The similarities and differences between public and prison libraries are described. The information needs and reading interests of inmates are highlighted, and reference is made to international and national prison library standards and guidelines. The educational and human qualifications needed to be a successful prison librarian are also considered, and the difficulties and rewards inherent in this still untraditional career choice are explained. (Author/MES)