Information needs, accessibility and utilization of library information resources as determinantes of psychological well-being of prison inmates in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper investigated information needs, accessibility and utilization of library information resources as determinants of psychological well-being of prison inmates in Nigeria. Survey research design of the correlation type was adopted. The stratified random sampling was used to select 2875 inmates from the population of 4,823 in 12 prisons with functional libraries. A questionnaire titled Information need, accessibility, utilization and psychological well-being of Prison Inmates was used to collect data on the sampled 2875 inmates out of which 2759 correctly completed questionnaire resulting in a response rate of 95.34%, were used in data analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of percentages, mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics of correlation analyses. The study found that there was significant multiple correlation among information needs, accessibility to library information resources, utilization of library information resources and psychological well-being of the inmates (r=0.665.p? 0.05). Also, there was significant relationship between: psychological well-being and accessibility to library information resources by prison inmates (r=0.438; p? 0.05); utilization of library information resources (r= .410; p?05), and information needs (r=.454; p? 05). Result also indicated that information needs, accessibility to library information resources and utilization of library information resources are very critical ingredients in determining the psychological well-being of prison inmates. Consequently, all stakeholders should endeavour to equip prison libraries with relevant and current information resources for improved psychological well-being of prison inmates

Examining the status of prison libraries around the world: A literature review

“…The poor funding for the libraries, long distance between the inmates’ living areas and the libraries, uncomfortable nature of prison and long delays before trial are significant hurdles to accessing the desired information sources. The existing library services, and other facilities such as tables, chairs, shelves and books, do not meet acceptable standards (Adeagbo et al, 2016; Emasealu and Popoola, 2016a, 2016b; Eze, 2015, 2016; Eze and Dike, 2014; Joseph and Olayinka, 2019; Okwor et al, 2010; Oluwadare and Elaturoti, 2016; Omagbemi and Odunewu, 2007; Sambo and Ojei, 2018; Sambo et al, 2017).…”

“…In the Netherlands, for example, many prisoners cannot understand Dutch, which isolates them when they are behind bars (Reijnders, 1996). However, prison authorities, religious organizations, non-governmental organizations and related individuals put efforts into meeting prisoners’ information needs by acquiring needs-oriented material (Emasealu and Popoola, 2016b; Eze, 2015, 2016; Eze and Dike, 2014; Oluwadare and Elaturoti, 2016). Library material such as books, magazines and newspapers should be in various formats according to the requirements of the prisoners.…”

“…Humans are different in their nature and behaviours; for intentional or unintentional reasons, they commit serious crimes without realizing the consequences (Emasealu and Popoola, 2016b). To counter such behaviour, organizations and institutions formulate rules and regulations to mitigate crime and penalize, as well as reform, culprits.…”

Availability, accessibility and use of library information resources for control of criminality of inmates in correctional centres in South-West, Nigeria

“…Accessibility to library resources by prison inmates can be addressed if prison libraries are provided with sufficient information resources and inmates are granted easy access to such resources. In addition, prison officials should see the prison library as means of character reformation and rehabilitation; and, the government and other stakeholders should provide adequate information materials for their use that would help change attitudes of inmates that should give them a focus even after leaving the prison (Emasealu, 2018).…”

The Role of the Prison Library

“…(Global Prison Trends 2022, n.d.)Prison, as a means of punishment for all kinds of crime, is by its very nature for the rehabilitation of offenders, not just for punishment. (Emasealu & Popoola, 2016) In the beginning, convicts were provided with only Bibles and hymns in prison. In 1790, at Walnut Street Jail, the Philadelphia Prison Association started offering books and book services to inmates.…”