What is a library?
McNeil Island Corrections Center Library
According to Concise Oxford English Dictionary a library is “a building or room containing a collection of books and periodicals for use by the public or the members of an institution.” With this definition I have to think that every institution in Washington State Corrections has a library, but do they really? Here in Washington State the State Library provides library service to 11 prison instituions and 2 psychiatric hospitals, libraries with trained staff providing information. However, they also provide material through Interlibrary loan to 11 minimum facilites that have rooms with books. So what really makes a library a library? Does a room with donated books lend itself to the title of a library? I think not. To me libraries mean that there are trained staff on site to provide guidence and assistence for the patrons searching out material and information, and a budget doesn’t hurt. However, I think a room full of donated books is a great foundation for a library. Just add staff who are passionate about the job, and are willing to go that extra mile for their patrons and you have the building of a great library. Not all libraries are created equal, but all libraries serve a purpose and can do great things. A room full of books can be the foundation for a great collection, caring staff can provide information and support, budgets and money can provide much needed material; all leading to great libraries. This is also so true when it comes to prison libraries, which really do range from a room full of donated books, to a fully staffed and budgeted facility that provides all kinds of programs and services. All libraries may not be created equal, but providing material in any manner possible is a great thing.
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