PRISM

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.