ROLE OF LIBRARY IN THE REHABILITATION OF INMATES: A CASE STUDY OF MINNA OLD AND NEW PRISONS NIGER STATE

Abstract

This paper evaluates the impotence of library in the rehabilitation of inmates in Minna Old Prison (MOP) and Minna New Prison (MNP) respectively. The study was carried out on two prisons establishments in Minna, Niger state. Instrument for data collection was questionnaire and a semi- structured interview. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and results presented in tables. Simple random sampling technique was used. A total of 50 randomly selected inmates from the two prisons formed the population of the study. The role of library as an information provider, and educational resource in the rehabilitation of inmates are analysed. Findings from the study revealed that there is a functional library in New Prison (MSP) with relevant books and inmates make maximum use of it. The library capacity cannot accommodate all its users at a time. The library is being managed by Para- professional librarian. In the old prison, inmates lamented non- existent of library. The study recommended that: the prison library be set up at the old prison and should make use of current information technology which will not hinder the prison security., the government of Niger State should enrich the library at New Prison with textbooks in various skill acquisition programmes to equip the inmates more in their chosen career, both libraries should be supervised/managed by a professional librarian. Prison library collection should include materials in print and other formats and in native languages to meet the informational, educational, cultural, recreational, and rehabilitative needs of the prison population.