Linked up library services for prisoners and their families

with Victoria Barnett and Dr Jayne Finlay

This webinar was published on 13 February 2025

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Linked up library services for prisoners and their families
with Victoria Barnett and Dr Jayne Finlay

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This event was published on 13 February 2025

How do people in prison benefit from library services? How can prison and public libraries work together to serve impacted communities?

This webinar will explore how incarceration impacts communities and the role that libraries can play in supporting prisoners and their loved ones.

Victoria Barnett will be speaking from her experience as a Prison Library Development Manager and Chair of CILIP's Prison Libraries Group.

Dr Jayne Finlay will share insights from her 10 year research into prison libraries. You will hear more about the services provided by prison libraries, including examples of initiatives run through partnerships with public libraries and reading and literacy organisations.

They will explore how public libraries can offer services and resources to families of prisoners, offering practical strategies for collaboration with prison library staff.

It is for anyone interested in learning about how library services can serve communities impacted by incarceration or who may be interested in working in the prison library sector.

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A webinar from:

Dr Jayne Finlay

Lecturer in Librarianship at the University of Sheffield

Dr Jayne Finlay is a Lecturer in Librarianship at the University of Sheffield where she coordinates the distance learning Library and Information Services Management programme. Her PhD explored prisoners’ engagement with library services during incarceration. She has since carried out further research on prison library provision in the UK and led a national review of prison libraries in Ireland.

Headshot of Dr Jayne Finlay

Victoria Barnett

Prison Library Development Manager and Chair, CILIP

Victoria Barnett has worked in prison libraries for 15 years and manages the 5 prison libraries in Kent. She is also the Chair of the CILIP Prison Libraries Group, a group of prison library staff working to support prison librarians around the country.

Headshot of Victoria Barnett

CILIP

Prison Libraries Group

The Prison Libraries Group serves the interest of all members concerned with the provision of library services to prison communities. The Group is committed to improving the quality of the service whilst raising the profile of prison libraries.

Headshot of CILIP

University of Sheffield

Library and Information Services Management

Gain understanding, knowledge and practical insights so your career as a library and information professional can flourish. The MA and PG Diploma awards are CILIP accredited.

Headshot of University of Sheffield