The PRISM Planning Project developed a viable research design for a study of prison library impact. Because U.S. incarceration and recidivism rates are so high and since there is promising evidence that prison libraries may play a significant role in promoting pro-social behaviors that contribute to successful re-entry and reduced recidivism, it is time for a large-scale study to assess these potential contributions. Because Colorado champions resident rehabilitation over punishment, it is an excellent state to model a first-of-its-kind study that can be replicated in other states throughout the nation.
Grant documents:
- Grant proposal narrative, June 2018 (PDF)
- Planning project change request – approved May 2019 (PDF)
- Survey, July 2020 (PDF)
- Research design, August 2020 (PDF)
- IRB exempt determination, September 2020 (PDF)
- Independent evaluation, September 2020 (PDF)
- Prison libraries literature review, September 2020 (PDF)
- Project summary, October 2020 (PDF)
Toolkit for future researchers.
For more information, email Institutional Library Development or Library Research Service.