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Journal Of Korean Biblia Society for Library and Information Science

  • P-ISSN1229-2435
  • E-ISSN2799-4767
  • KCI

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Vol.36 No.1

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Exploring the Potential of Prison Libraries: Stakeholder Insights from South Korea and the United States

Journal Of Korean Biblia Society for Library and Information Science / Journal Of Korean Biblia Society for Library and Information Science, (P)1229-2435; (E)2799-4767
2025, v.36 no.1, pp.335-359
https://doi.org/10.14699/KBIBLIA.2025.36.1.null.55356
Haeun Cho
Yerin Kim
Jiwon Yeom
Sieun Lee
Kung Jin Lee
Cho, H., Kim, Y., Yeom, J., Lee, S., & Lee, K. J. (2025). Exploring the Potential of Prison Libraries: Stakeholder Insights from South Korea and the United States. , 36(1), 335-359, https://doi.org/10.14699/KBIBLIA.2025.36.1.null.55356

Abstract

Prison libraries play a significant role in ensuring incarcerated individuals’ right to access information and to support their reentry. However, prison libraries in South Korea are valued more for their existence than for their function and remain largely inactive. Comparatively, the United States prisons had relatively greater openness and accessibility. Therefore, we have interviewed 18 stakeholders of library staff and collaborators from both South Korea and the United States to explore possible plans for improving prison libraries in South Korea. Based on the examination of the interviews, the study identified three key discussion points: stakeholder perceptions, prison library system, and collaboration for prison libraries. Collaborative systems are the key that can solve the lack of qualified staff and institutional support. This research is expected to lay the foundation for further studies on prison libraries and serve as critical reference material for future policy development.

keywords
Prison library, Incarcerated individuals, Correctional facility, Collaborative systems, Reentry
Received
2025-02-21
Revised
2025-02-21
Accepted
2025-03-07
Published
2025-03-30

Journal Of Korean Biblia Society for Library and Information Science

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