Making the Difference - an Excellence Framework for Prison Libraries supports prison library providers and prison library staff to develop, deliver and promote prison library services.

The framework examines some of the key characteristics of a good prison library service and the outcomes that they support, and was produced by CILIP and the CILIP Prison Libraries Group (PLG).

Improving reading skills and literacy are recognised as being an important factor in reducing reoffending and improving prisoner outcomes.

Every prison library is different, with its own set of challenges and opportunities.

The aim of Making the Difference - an Excellence Framework for Prison Libraries is to provide a series of recommendations for developing an outstanding service, tailored to your unique library, and relevant to the needs of the prison community,

A 2017 Ministry of Justice report shows that prisoners who took part in any form of learning activity were nine percentage points less likely to reoffend compared to prison non-learners, and 1.8 percentage points more likely to be in employment after release.

Prison libraries play a vital role to support that objective.

This framework will raise awareness of how a good library can directly benefit a prison and prisoners, and help governors to make best use of their library facilities, support their reading strategies and improve prisoner wellbeing.

"Governors should lead an approach to get prisoners reading for 'pleasure, purpose and rehabilitation'. This needs an ambitious strategy to improve prisoners' reading skills, the use of prison libraries and better systems to assess, monitor and share information on prisoners' reading ability and progress".

From Prison Education: A Review of Reading in Prisons, Ofsted, March 2022

The key elements that have been identified to operate a good prison library are:

• Good physical space in a suitable location within the prison
• Effective management and well-trained staff
• Regular access to the library
• Well-curated, suitable stock to engage all literacy levels and interests
• A focus on improving literacy and promotion of the benefits of reading for pleasure
• Access to reliable and accurate information
• Resources and activities to enhance enjoyment of reading and encourage engagement in learning
• Suitable IT that enhances the provision, both for library staff and prisoners
• Good partnerships within the prison to support reducing reoffending, and with outside agencies who deliver arts and cultural activities in libraries

Prison libraries change lives by doing what public libraries do best. They provide a comfortable, neutral space, are non-judgemental, enable people to discover, democratise knowledge, give emotional enrichment - all issues which have a greater significance within the landscape of a prison sentence.

CILIP CEO Nick Poole commented:

"CILIP welcomes the publication of this landmark framework, which is the product of the shared expertise of prison librarians across the UK. Prison libraries occupy a uniquely important role, not only in the life of the prison and the wellbeing of inmates, but in the interests of society as a whole. We hope that this document will provide an opportunity both to celebrate the work of prison libraries and to secure the support of Governors and political leaders for greater recognition."

Prison library staff reading this excellence framework should find it a source of inspiration, encouragement and aspiration.

Making the Difference - an Excellence Framework for Prison Libraries gives a valuable insight into the world of prison libraries and the potential that the prison library has to make a positive and normalising impact on the lives of those in prison.

Download the Framework