Down for the Count: A Prison Library Handbook

This is a practical, gritty guide to prison librarianship. Brenda Vogel examines all aspects of establishing prison library service, describing process models and procedures that can result in overcoming negative sentiment. The book is rich in detail, including examples of prison library regulation, state prison library standards, recommended readings, and a list of advocacy organizations. An outline of a clerical training program for inmate assistants and a user satisfaction survey are also included.

Whether the reader is a librarian, a prison official, a public policy maker, or an architect designing or renovating a prison facility, Vogel's guidebook is a bold, thoughtful, and provocative work that is essential reading for developing, establishing and providing library service in a prison.