After my first year working at the Washington State Penitentiary library I was ready to make a run for it, and “it” could have been anything at that point.  I was tired of all the issues that come up with working around inmates, such as the theft of materials, the blatent disregard for authority, the endless request for information, being alone with no co-workers, and the constant battle with balancing the Department of Corrections policies with library policies.  I started looking for another job, even went on a couple of interviews, but soon realized that I was exactly where I needed to be at the time.  It just took me a little while to realize it.

So after not getting hired I started looking at what I was doing and what I thought I was running from and what I thought I was running to.  When I did this I realized that there is theft in every library, there is blatent disregard for authority (just ask a YA librarian), and there is always somebody looking for something.  So all in all public libraries were not any different then what I was already doing, although I would probably have a co-worker or two.  So I decided to take a look at what I could control and what I couldn’t control. 

The theft I was not going to be able to control, the only think I could do was be aware of it, to watch certain material that I knew had a high theft rate and just be a presence in the library.

The diregard for authority was something I could deal with on a limited basis.  There is always going to be the one who tests your limits or knows how to push your buttons, but being firm and sticking to your guns works wonders with these guys.  Respect is also a big factor with inmates, you don’t have to like them, but you do have to treat them with respect (which usually means to treat them like human beings).

The endless questions for information also was a big challenge with me, however, talking to the other staff and my supervisors we found ways to deal with it.  Yes we had to put limitations on how much they requests, as well as what we will print out, but it has all been worth it.  Now we have guys requesting information, not asking for pictures of the J.Lo.  However, if they want biographical inforamtion on J.Lo we are happy to provide them with a book or request it through our Interlibrary Loan system.

Getting a co-worker into the library was not going to happen anytime soon, however, I could utilize my co-workers at other locations.  Yes they are spread out across the state, but all of them are willing to talk on the phone, be a sounding board over email, and every 3 months we get together and work out the ins and outs of working in a prison library.  So that I could deal if I just remember that yes they are there and they are willing to help.

So then I addressed the issue of conflicting policies and this is where I just had to find a way to balance.  There really is now way of getting around, it but I am learning (yes I have not mastered it yet) how to balance, how to use the resources I have (namely my supervisors) and to remember I am not alone.

So here it is 2 1/2 years from that point and I think I am doing OK.  Although I do have an evaulation coming up on Thursday, so the truth will be revealed.  Seriously prison library work is not for everyone and someday I will probably leave, but for now I am feeling pretty good about my career choice.

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