Do Libraries in Queensland Prisons Align with Australian Library and Information Association Minimum Standard Guidelines for Library Services for Prisoners?

Recent trends in Croatian prisons library collections and services

“…They are identified as places where reading helps the prisoners escape boredom and daily worries, reduce stress and anxiety and generally contributes to maintaining mental health and achieving a sense of freedom in a strictly controlled prison environment (Clark and McCreaigh, 2006;Schillinger, 2009;Begum, 2011;Billington, 2011;Garner, 2017Garner, , 2019Garner, and 2020Canning and Buchanon, 2021;McNeil Capers et al, 2021;Faletar Tanacković et al, 2021;). It has recently been recognized that quality library collections and programs, that contribute to the literacy and educational attainment of the prisoners, can significantly contribute to their employment and reintegration into society, consequently reducing recidivism and financial costs for society as a whole (Lehmann, 2000;Sweeney, 2010;Fuller, 2017;Finlay & Bates, 2018;Krolak, 2019) Relevant international organizations (Council of Europe, 2006;United Nations, 2015) prescribe that each correctional institution must equip the library with sufficient materials for educational and recreational purposes, i.e. to organize the lending of books from the local public library, if there is no prison library.…”