IFLA Guidelines for Library Services to Prisoners 2023
The International Federation for Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) has produced international guidelines for library services to people in prison. These guidelines are a useful tool for planning, implementing and evaluating prison library services. They can be adapted to reflect local circumstances and needs.
The most recent version of these guidelines were published in 2o23 and you can download them below. You can read more information about these guidelines at this link. They are available in a range of languages.
IFLA-UNESCO Public library manifesto
The IFLA-UNESCO Public Library Manifesto was first created in 1949 and has been updated ever since. The most recent version was published in July 2022. In their own words, the manifesto “proclaims UNESCO’s belief in the public library as a living force for education, culture and information, and as an essential agent for the fostering of peace and welfare through the minds of all people.”
It can be a useful advocacy tool for public libraries around the world. It also makes clear the responsibility of public libraries to provide services for all, including people in prison:
“The services of the public library are provided on the basis of equality of access for all, regardless of age,
ethnicity, gender, religion, nationality, language, social status, and any other characteristic. Specific services and
materials must be provided for those users who cannot, for whatever reason, use the regular services and materials, for example linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, poor digital or computer skills, poor literacy abilities or people in hospital or prison.” (pp.1-2).
You can download the full manifesto and access various translations at this link.