The Impact of ICT and Information Centres in enhancing prison rehabilitation programs

FACULTY OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION SCIENCE AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT
PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES OF INFORMATION CENTRES IN ENHANCING
REHABILITATIVE PROGRAMMING: A CASE OF CHIKURUBI FARM PRISON
LIBRARY
BY
KUDAKWASHE CHARWARA
P1679067W
A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES IN
PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
HONOURS DEGREE IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
HARARE, ZIMBABWE
MARCH, 2023
SUPERVISORS: DR GODFREY TSVUURA (PhD)
MR EDMORE KAPUMHA

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ZIMBABWE OPEN UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES
APPROVAL FORM
The undersigned certify that they have read and recommend to the Zimbabwe Open University
for acceptance of a dissertation entitled: Prospects and Challenges of Information Centres in
Enhancing Rehabilitative Programming: A Case of Chikurubi Farm Prison Library
SUBMITTED BY: Charwara Kudakwashe Registration Number P1679067W, in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the BSc Honours Degree in Library and Information Science.
SUPERVISOR: ………………………………………….. DATE …….05/05/2023.……
CHAIRPERSON: ……………………………………….. DATE 11-05-2023
EXTERNAL EXAMINER: ……………………………… DATE ……………..…………

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DECLARATION
I Kudakwashe Charwara P1679067W hereby proclaim that this dissertation is a product of my
own hands and the research findings and investigations have not been offered anywhere else to
serve any purpose. Other related sources of information that the researcher has made use of has
been fully acknowledged by means of referencing.
Charwara Kudakwashe …………………………..
Date: 10/04/23

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DEDICATION
To my late father Mr Jonathan Charwara, may your soul continue to rest in peace.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank my supervisors, Dr G. Tsvuura (PhD) and Mr E. Kapumha who have guided,
edited, instructed, and sat tirelessly over data with me over the last year. Thank you for your
mentorship.
I would also like to thank the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), The Officer in
Charge at Chikurubi Farm Prison for allowing me to interact with the inmates and other officers
while conducting my research, it was really a good experience. I am so grateful to my family and
friends during this process have been there for me consistently throughout my life. Without them,
this journey would have quite possibly been a short trek.
Lastly I would like to thank my classmates, thank you all for your unwavering support, guidance,
mentorship, and assistance through this process. Above all, praise be to God for His abundant
grace upon my life.

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Abstract
The purpose of the study was to reconnoiter the challenges and prospects of information centers
in enhancing rehabilitation programming with the aim of identifying policy options and strategies
that can help to improve prison library service delivery. The study was a mixed method study with
both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative study utilized a descriptive study
design and data was collected using convenient sampling whilst the qualitative study used a case
study design and data was collected using purposive sampling. Data was generated from 2 prison
officers using key informant interviews for qualitative information and a questionnaire was used
for quantitative data. Data analysis followed a mixed method approach and thematic and
descriptive statistics were employed. The study revealed several challenges facing prison libraries
such as lack of funding, inadequate and outdated library collection, lack of institutional policies
governing library services and security concerns affecting library operations. The study concludes
that there is lack of commitment in the provision of library services by the Zimbabwe Prisons and
Correctional Service which is contributing to poor library services that cannot meet the
information needs of inmates. The implications of these findings is that although library services
play a fundamental role in the rehabilitation of inmates, they are not being fully utilized, therefore,
recidivism will continue to be high. Despite these challenges, it is evident from the study that prison
libraries provide inmates with an opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration so that they
return to society as law-abiding citizens.

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Contents
APPROVAL FORM...............................................................................................................................i
DECLARATION................................................................................................................................... ii
DEDICATION...................................................................................................................................... iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.................................................................................................................. iv
Abstract .................................................................................................................................................. v
List of Abbreviations............................................................................................................................ ix
List of appendices .................................................................................................................................. x
List of tables.......................................................................................................................................... xi
List of figures....................................................................................................................................... xii
CHAPTER ONE: PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING............................................................................1
1.0 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background to the Study.................................................................................................................1
1.2 Statement of the Problem ................................................................................................................3
1.3 Objectives of the Study....................................................................................................................4
1.4 Research Questions..........................................................................................................................4
1.5 Significance of the Study .................................................................................................................4
1.5.1 Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS)..................................................................5
1.5.2 Prisons Stakeholders.....................................................................................................................5
1.5.3 Body of Knowledge .......................................................................................................................5
1.7 Delimitations of the Study ...............................................................................................................6
1.8 Limitations to the Study ..................................................................................................................7
1.9 Definition of Key Terms ..................................................................................................................8
1.10 Chapter Summary .....................................................................................................................8
CHAPTER TWO: RELEVANT LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................9
2.0 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................9
2.1 Prison System Defined.....................................................................................................................9
2.2 Theoretical Framework.................................................................................................................10
2.2.1 IFLA Guidelines for Library Services to Prisoners...................................................................10
2.2.2 Nelson Mandela Rules ................................................................................................................12
2.3 Library Services in Correctional Facilities for Inmates ...............................................................13
2.3.1 Information Services...................................................................................................................13
2.3.2 Information Communication Technology (ICT)........................................................................14

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2.3.3 Education and Skills Training....................................................................................................15
2.3.4 Leisure and Recreation...............................................................................................................16
2.4 Management Support to Prison Libraries ....................................................................................17
2.4.1 Shortage of Qualified Staff .........................................................................................................17
2.4.2 Lack of Funding..........................................................................................................................18
2.4.3 Unconducive Prison Environment..............................................................................................18
2.4.4 Limited Collaborations...............................................................................................................19
2.5 Collection Development.................................................................................................................20
2.6 Restricted Access ...........................................................................................................................22
2.7 Chapter Summary .........................................................................................................................22
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY....................................................................24
3.0 Introduction...................................................................................................................................24
3.1 Research Approach .......................................................................................................................24
3.2 Research Design.............................................................................................................................24
3.3 Target Population..........................................................................................................................25
3.4 Sample and Sampling Techniques.................................................................................................25
3.5 Data collection................................................................................................................................26
3.5.1 Interviews....................................................................................................................................27
3.5.2 Questionnaire..............................................................................................................................27
3.6 Data Collection Procedure.............................................................................................................28
3.6.1 Data Validity and Reliability ......................................................................................................28
3.7 Data Analysis .................................................................................................................................29
3.8 Ethical Considerations...................................................................................................................30
3.8.1 Proper Identification ..................................................................................................................30
3.8.2 Informed Consent .......................................................................................................................30
3.8.3 Right to Privacy and Anonymity................................................................................................31
3.8.4 Right to Confidentiality ..............................................................................................................31
3.9 Chapter Summary .........................................................................................................................31
CHAPTER 4: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION..........................32
4.0 Introduction...................................................................................................................................32
4.1 Demographic Characteristics of Participants...............................................................................32
4.2 Available library services ..............................................................................................................34
4.2.1 Information Communication Technology..................................................................................34
4.2.2 ICT as a threat to security..........................................................................................................35

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4.2.3 Education and skills training......................................................................................................35
4.2.4 Leisure and recreation................................................................................................................35
4.3 Library usage.................................................................................................................................35
4.3.1 Available librarians ....................................................................................................................36
4.4 Service Effectiveness in Meeting Rehabilitation Needs of the Inmates ........................................37
4.5 Type of Collection Available .........................................................................................................38
4.6 Management Support ....................................................................................................................39
4.6.1 Inability to Meet International Standards .................................................................................40
4.7 Chapter Summary .........................................................................................................................40
CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .............................41
5.0 Introduction...................................................................................................................................41
5.1 Synthesized discussion of Quantitative and Qualitative findings.................................................41
5.2 Conclusions ....................................................................................................................................46
5.3 Recommendations..........................................................................................................................46
5.3.1 There Is Need to Provide Adequate Library Services for Inmates at Chikurubi Farm Prison
Library.................................................................................................................................................46
5.3.2 Enable Easy Access of Library Services at Chikurubi Farm Prison Library...........................47
5.3.3 There is Need to Provide Suitable Library Collection for the Rehabilitation of Inmates at
Chikurubi Farm Prison Library.........................................................................................................47
5.3.4 Craft new Library Policy on the Management of Chikurubi Farm Prison Library for Inmates
..............................................................................................................................................................47
References............................................................................................................................................49
Appendix A..........................................................................................................................................54
Appendix B ..........................................................................................................................................55
Appendix C..........................................................................................................................................57

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List of Abbreviations
ICT Information communication technology
IFLA International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
UNODC United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
US United States of America
ZPCS Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service

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List of appendices
Appendix A: Interview guide for key informants
Appendix B: Questionnaire for inmates
Appendix C: Research Approval from ZPCS
Appendix D: Supervisor- Student Audit Sheet

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List of tables
Table 4.1: Demographic characteristics of study participants

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List of figures
Figure 4.1: Graphical presentation of Library usage by inmates
per week
Figure 4.2: Graphical presentation of service effectiveness in
meeting rehabilitation needs of inmates
Figure 4.3: Graphical presentation showing collection currency

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CHAPTER 1
PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING
1.0 Introduction
This chapter provides a general introduction to the study which gives an overview of the
research phenomena, thereafter, the motivation for and significance of the study. The statement
of the problem and significance of the study are also counted in to portray the reasons behind
the entire research and how vital it is to all concerned stakeholders. Furthermore, research
objectives and research questions are noted briefly. A brief description of research terms is
given and the chapter concludes by giving a chapter summary.
1.1 Background to the Study
Prisons and Correctional centers have a fundamental role in the incarceration, rehabilitation and
reintegration of offenders, and for these objectives to be met there is need for inmate’s exposure
to information services. Exposure to adequate and timely information is critical to the development
of humans in general and the rehabilitation of inmates in particular. Information centers which
comprise information and communication technology (ICT) and library services is generally
conceptualized as a vital medium through which information is passed the world over. The flow
of information has made the world today a global village thereby making ICT an indispensable
tool for individuals and organizations. International Federation of Library Association and
Institutions, (IFLA) (2011), submits that information is very important in the development of an
individual and of the society. Information is seen as a major resource in human development as
access to it has been linked to knowledge acquisition. The use of information centers in
correctional settings will improve inmates’ knowledge whilst increasing their chances of
reintegration in society through knowledge acquisition literacy. Access to, adaptation and creation

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of new knowledge using ICT is paramount to social inclusion (Warschauer, 2003). Mossberger,
Tolbert, & Stansbury (2003) indicated that not having access to ICT programmes among offender
populations greatly diminishes their chances of reintegration upon release. Even though it had been
reported by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) (2014) that there has been a reduction in prison
population over a few years due to government programs such as Presidential Amnesty, a worrying
number of inmates who would have benefited from these initiatives find their way back in prison
again after a short period of time. This therefore creates a “room” for study to perceive the
prospects and challenges of prison libraries and information centres in enhancing effective
rehabilitative programming so as to reduce recidivism.
Prison Report (2015) points that inmates do not have free access to information and the little
available information sources are outdated and mostly of religious nature in hardcopy format. A
recent study conducted at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons in Ghana by Mfum (2016) has
shown a positive correlation between a reduction in recidivism and prisoners’ access to
information and library services. In developed countries such as Britain, Canada, Belgium United
States of America, state prisons as well as private prisons, have invested heavily in the provision
of, and access to information by prisoners in order to promote rehabilitation programs thus
reducing recidivism. It is therefore critical that the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service
(ZPCS) improve its provision of information centers to enable the rehabilitation of inmates.
Recidivism remains a challenge in developing countries including Zimbabwe. Reintegration into
society is also of great importance, it helps the ex-offender to fit back well into society and perform
as expected. In trying to reduce recidivism rates in Zimbabwe, the ZPCS has a number of
rehabilitation programs that include academic education, spiritual and moral rehabilitation, skills

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training, sports and recreation. However, all these efforts can only be fruitful if inmates have proper
access to up to date library and information services during their time of confinement. All-said
however, numbers of prisoners who come back to prison are ever-increasing even after doing these
rehabilitation programs. The latest problem, according to the Zimbabwe Prisons Central Statistics
office (2014), is that one month after the release of prisoners under the Presidential Pardon
Clemency order 1/2014, sixty per cent of the released prisoners are back in prison on the same or
similar offences. These challenges unveil a gap in the effectiveness of the rehabilitation
programmes in reforming offenders. This motivated this researcher to carry out a research on
prospects and challenges of prison information centres and libraries in enhancing rehabilitative
programming successful reintegration of offenders back into the society, thus reducing recidivism.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Information centers are a fundamental tool in the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.
Libraries and ICT facilities have been shown to play a critical role in the reintegration of inmates
as law abiding citizens in society and to reduce recidivism internationally. However, although
library services are available at Chikurubi farm Prison, recidivism continues to be high while
library activities are available. The purpose of the current study was therefore to understand the
prospects and challenges of information centers in enhancing rehabilitation programmes at
Chikurubi Farm Prison.
The study therefore aimed to answer the following research question; What are the prospects and
challenges of information centers in enhancing rehabilitation programmes at Chikurubi farm
Prison. Following this research question, the study aim was to analyse the current prospects and
challenges in information service provision in the rehabilitation of inmates at Chikurubi Farm
Prison.

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1.3 Objectives of the Study
From the above mentioned aim, the objectives of the study were as follows;
1. To identify library services offered for inmates at Chikurubi Farm Prison library.
2. To establish the extent of management support to prison library services at Chikurubi Farm
Prison.
3. To ascertain the library collection available at Chikurubi Farm Prison library to the rehabilitation
of inmates.
1.4 Research Questions
1. Which library are library services being offered at Chikurubi Farm Prison Library?
2. What is the extent of management support to prison library services at Chikurubi Farm Prison
library?
3. What type of collection is available for use by prisoners at Chikurubi Farm Prison library in the
rehabilitation of inmates at Chikurubi Farm Prison?
1.5 Significance of the Study
This section presents the importance of this research to various stakeholders. It gives the researcher
an opportunity to prove the study’s impact on the field of information science, the new knowledge
it contributes, and the people who will benefit from it. The following are intended beneficiaries of
this research.

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1.5.1 Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS)
The results from the study may be beneficial to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service
(ZPCS) in policy formulation and their endeavor to rehabilitate inmates by providing library
and information services to every prisoner in Zimbabwe thereby reducing recidivism. This
study might also help the prison libraries to apply best practices in their operations since they
will recognize the value of benchmarking their services against International standards. Lastly,
the Commissioner General of Prisons will find in this research challenges faced by prison
libraries in the new correctional mandate and this might help in library policy formulation.
1.5.2 Prisons Stakeholders
This research might be beneficial to other prison stakeholders such as non-governmental
organisations, religious bodies, professional associations, the library schools, other researchers in
this field and other related agencies in the provision of effective library and information services
to prison inmates. It may help them identifying gaps in information services and how best they can
partner the ZPCS in enhancing rehabilitation efforts and reduce recidivism.
1.5.3 Body of Knowledge
The study also affords secondary information to other academia’s who aspire to conduct researches
related to prison rehabilitation, recidivism, prisoners among other related fields and also acts as a
basis for supplementary research in the range of study. The study may also have impact on bridging
the gap identified in the literature review by providing empirical evidence about library services
inadequacy extent provided to prisoners in Zimbabwe.
1.6 Assumptions
The major assumptions to this study are:

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 All participants will understand the questions given to them and they will respond
giving accurate information.
 Criminal behaviour can be learned and in the same way it can be unlearned
 The concept of corrections is more important as prisons are not for punishment as the
imprisonment itself is the punishment.
 Society remains vulnerable for as long as prisoners are released from custody without
proper rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives.
 Library services will continue to be an indispensable tool in the rehabilitation and
reintegration of inmates.
1.7 Delimitations of the Study
The study was conducted at Chikurubi Farm Prison library which is located in Greendale, Harare.
The research focused on prospects and challenges of Information Centres in enhancing
rehabilitative programming. The main population of concern in research were inmates who use the
library and also correctional officers who are tasked to “manage” the operations of the library. The
study was conducted at Chikurubi Farm Prison library situated east of Harare Province on the 22
kilometer peg away from the Central Business District of Harare along Panguala road. The time
frame of the research covered from November 2022 to March 2023. The prison houses inmates
serving various sentences who are left with less 30 months to serve. As of January 17, 2023 had a
population of 374 inmates comprising ‘B’ category inmates. The study investigated if Chikurubi
Prison library services match the IFLA global standards. This was under themes such as available
library services addressing information services, educational and life skills, extent of access to
resources and services, nature of collection and management of prison libraries. Mixed
methodology was used in the study and data were collected through in-depth key informant

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interviews and questionnaires. Inmates and Correctional officers of Chikurubi farm Prison being
the population under study.
1.8 Limitations to the Study
The topic under study is broad, covering a number of aspects that are involved in prisons
administration and the involvement of ZPCS in enhancing effective inmate’s rehabilitation
activities. In the process of completing this research, a number of obstacles were encountered
which has limited the potential of the researcher to fully interrogate the prospects and challenges
of Information Centres in enhancing rehabilitative programming within the ZPCS, and these
include:
 researcher noted that most of them where not open on relevant information. To make it
possible to get all the information needed, the researcher had to start by debriefing the
participants on the advantage of participating and providing the utmost correct
information to the research under study. Limited bias was given to inmates as a way to
convince them to be open on confidential information. Getting inmates to understand
that certain information such as their names and economic status will not be disclosed
in what so ever situation was of importance in convincing them to give valid data.
 Although the researcher targeted inmates who uses the prison library assuming that they
are versed in English language, since it is regarded as a universal language. There was
a challenge of language barrier by some respondents who responded incorrectly
probably due lack of understanding. This forced the researcher to translate from English
to Shona, consequentially leading to reduction on validity. The researcher sought for
assistance from the prison officers to translate from English into Shona and Ndebele.

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1.9 Definition of Key Terms
The following terms are key to this research, therefore, for the purpose of this study, they are
defined as follows:
i. Prison- is as an institution for the confinement of persons who have been remanded (held)
in custody by a judicial authority or who have been deprived of their liberty following
conviction for a crime. Prisons Act [Chapter 7:11]
ii. Inmate- refers to any person, whether convicted or not, who is lawfully detained in a prison
or correctional facility, Prisons and Correctional Service Bill (2016)
iii. Rehabilitation- In the context of criminal justice system, the term rehabilitation refers to a
set of activities done during one’s incarceration period that are designed to reduce
recidivism among adults who have been convicted of an offense by improving their
behaviors, skills, mental health, social functioning, and access to education and
employment. Campbell (2010).
iv. Recidivism- According to Benatar (2014) recidivism is one of the most fundamental
concepts in criminal justice. It refers to a person's relapse into criminal behavior, often after
the person receives sanctions or undergoes intervention for a previous crime.
1.10 Chapter Summary
This section presented the objectives of the study. It started by highlighting the background and
motivation for the study, statement of the problem, research question, aims and objectives. The
significance of the study was also explored including limitations and delimitations of the study.
The chapter concludes by giving a brief description of the definition of terms.

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CHAPTER 2
RELEVANT LITERATURE REVIEW.
2.0 Introduction
This chapter seeks to give an acknowledgement of what other scholars and researchers have
alluded to, on the subject of prospects and challenges of information centres in enhancing
rehabilitation programs. They are accredited with the aim of creating a theoretical foundation of
what the research is anticipated for. It addresses the problem’s, major issues and concepts of the
prospects and challenges of prison information centres in enhancing rehabilitative programming.
This chapter is going to be defined by the guiding notion such as the research objectives and, the
problem under discussion. The foremost aim of this section is to provide the reader with the
understanding and ideas that have been constructed on the topic under research and
correspondingly paying attention to their strength and weakness.
2.1 Prison System Defined
Chikurubi Farm Prison is a medium risk prison that houses convicted inmates serving sentences
that are not more than 30 months. The prison is located in the Harare Metropolitan region and has
a holding capacity of 350 inmates. As a farm prison, inmates are mainly engaged in farming
activities ranging from crop production, horticulture to animal husbandry. Inmates who are placed
at this prison constitute mainly the economically active group. There are various rehabilitation
programs that are undertaken at the institution which include vocational skills training, education,
sports, moral and spiritual education. The prison is solely run by the state which provides funding
for administration of the prison. The prison as mandated by the functions of the ZPCS is
responsible for the incarceration, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates so that they return to
society as law-abiding citizens. Thus, programmes at the station, including the provision of

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information services, are undertaken with a view to help in the rehabilitation of inmates and to
reduce recidivism.
2.2 Theoretical Framework
Imenda, (2014) is of the view that a theoretical framework introduces to the theory that a researcher
adopts to guide in an investigation. It is the usage of a theory or concepts drawn from the same
theory, to clarify an occurrence or phenomenon). A theoretical framework serves as the support
for the rationale for the research, the problem statement, the purpose, the significance and the
research questions. In addition, it provides the grounding for the literature review, the methods,
and analysis (Grant &Osanloo, 2014). A framework for this study was informed from the
International Federation of Libraries and Associated Institutions’ (IFLA) Guidelines for Library
Services to Prisoners (2005) and the United Nations’ Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment
of Prisoners, also called the Nelson Mandela Rules which was adopted in 1955.
2.2.1 IFLA Guidelines for Library Services to Prisoners
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the global voice of
library and information services. IFLA fosters the work and activities of prison libraries within its
Section for Library Services to People with Special Needs. Through this section, an international
network of prison librarians has been created, which represents a good opportunity for cooperation,
knowledge sharing and mutual support in this special field. Krolak (2019) states that the section
reviews and updates the IFLA Guidelines for Library Services to Prisoners, which provides
practical guidance through ninety-four (94) recommendations on how to implement adequate
services that can be adapted to suit local contexts.
According to Lehmann and Locke (2005), the following are major points of the IFLA Guidelines:

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 Written policies should be developed by national and/or local prison authorities.
 Library services should be accessible to all prisoners.
 No censorship shall be applied in the selection of materials, except where an individual
title/item is known to cause a threat to prison security.
 At least two books per prisoner should be available in each housing unit and every prisoner
should be able to select at least two new titles per week.
 The prison library should make use of current information technology to the extent possible
without compromising prison security.
 All prison libraries, regardless of size, should be supervised/managed by a professional
librarian.
The guidelines were used to frame the provision of library services at Chikurubi Farm Prison and
to understand the challenges that are encountered in the provision of these services. The guidelines
recognize the provision of library services that resemble those provided outside the prison in
accordance with the principle of normalcy which states that life in prison should resemble as much
as possible life outside the prison (Mandela Rules rule 5(1).
The IFLA guidelines stipulates that inmates should have access to ICT services taking into account
the security concerns of the prison institutions since ICT skills may be a necessity for inmates to
ensure digital literacy.
The IFLA guidelines have also provide administrative guidelines on how prison libraries should
be run. Each library should be supervised by a professional person. Professional librarians ensure
the smooth running of the library and offering of professional services. They can pass their
knowledge to other staff who then acts as assistant librarians including also inmates. These
librarians can also collaborate with other stakeholders in ensuring that inmates have access to

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adequate information services that are current. Networking in the context of this study has the
potential to improve the library collection particularly in cases where networking is done in
collaboration with other libraries in the community. Where the library is managed by professionals,
inmates get assisted to find the material they require. Therefore, professionalism in library
management will improve library usage by inmates as they are able to find material that meet their
information needs. Inmates who find library information that meets their information needs are
more likely to respond positively to the role of the library in their rehabilitation.
2.2.2 Nelson Mandela Rules
In 2015, the (UNODC) set out the internationally recognized benchmark for all United Nations
signatories which became known as The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the
Treatment of Prisoners better known as the Nelson Mandela rules. According to Hannah and
Gibbons (2020), Rule Number One of the Nelson Mandela Rules focuses on the general treatment
of prisoners. It states that all prisoners shall be treated with the respect due to their inherent dignity
and value as human beings. Rule 1 further states that no prisoner shall be subjected to, and all
prisoners shall be protected from, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment, for which no circumstances whatsoever may be invoked as a justification. The safety
and security of prisoners, staff, service providers and visitors shall be ensured at all times.
The main part of the Nelson Mandela Rules which has a significance in this study is Rule 64.
According to Krolak (2019), the right for prisoners to have access to a prison library is reflected
in the authoritative frameworks of the Nelson Mandela Rule 64 which specifically calls for the
establishment of prison libraries. It states that “Every prison shall have a library for the use of all
categories of prisoners, adequately stocked with both recreational and instructional books, and

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prisoners shall be encouraged to make full use of it.” This therefore forms a benchmark and
foundation in which this study can be carried out. From the above statement, it is evident that
libraries should have adequate stock which is of a recreational and instructional nature. In the
context of this study, the library stock at a prison should consist of recreational material in the
form of novels, magazines and newspapers. Instructional material should consist of educational,
vocational and learning material that helps in changing the behavior of inmates and also capacitates
them to lead law-abiding lives upon release. Thus, the library material at the prison libraries should
have a rehabilitation role as its main focus.
2.3 Library Services in Correctional Facilities for Inmates
Nwalo (2003) views library services as all those intangible offers given by a library to her clientele
to ensure full exploitation of the resources of the library in meeting their full information needs.
Hornby (2013), concurs by stating that service relates to any assistance or help offered to a person
to enable him or her use or take advantage or benefit from something. In this study, library services
for inmates relate to any assistance or help offered to inmates to enable them to use prison library
resources and facilities
2.3.1 Information Services
Information needs of inmates are the urge and thirst for relevant and valuable information at a
particular point in time to solve a problem (Rafedzi, Abrizah and Yu, 2016). The ultimate aim of
the library is to provide information to inmates through the provision of current and timely
information knowing well that inmates have needs and these needs must be met appropriately.
Omagbemi and Odunewu (2007) in a survey of appraising library service provision to prison
inmates in Nigeria outlined their desired information needs to be news/current affairs, legal
information, religious information, recreational and vocational information and lastly educational

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information. Whereas, Sutter (2017) suggested that prison libraries should provide range of
literature, which reflects the background and experiences of the prison population. A paper by
Ajogwu (2006) reported that enumerated prisoners’ information needs range from legal needs,
religious, health, educational, vocational and recreational to financial needs. Therefore, prison
library could advance collections and services that include a broad range of materials for self-help,
self-education, community resources, housing, job availability, and vocational training
opportunities. These types of information will encourage the inmates to make full use of the prison
library.
2.3.2 Information Communication Technology (ICT)
There exists a digital divide between upper and middle income countries and low income countries.
Most inmates from are from poor backgrounds with low educational attainment (Krolak, 2019)
with the majority lacking digital literacy. Imprisonment may offer an opportunity for inmates with
low education to further their studies. In this case, the library operates as a medium for the
education of inmates during incarceration. The digital divide is most evident in African prisons in
general and Zimbabwean prisons in particular where inmate have no access to ICT services Usman
and Rabiu (2017). In these contexts, accessing ICT services not only for internal operational tasks,
but also for learning and information purposes is a daunting task. Of most concern is that security
regulations guiding the day to day running of a prison present major obstacles for access to the
Internet. According to Krolak (2019), technology use such as online access to union catalogs and
bibliographic utilities, shared library management systems, access to web resources, network
participation, and even email for staff to mention but a few, is normally taken for granted in outside
libraries must first be explored from the unique prison perspective, and each technology proposal
and software application must be examined for potential security risks before it is approved for

15
staff and/or inmate use. Prison authorities are mainly concerned with unauthorized inmate access
to the Internet, unregulated email, security related databases, and network infrastructure that
compromise security of the prison which can lead to major disasters within the prison. On the other
hand, Muñoz (2009) is of the view that it makes no sense to prevent inmates from accessing
information that is useful for their education, treatment, and personal development. And with
careful planning and certain control measures in place, it is indeed possible to provide access to a
wide range of information resources in prison without compromising security.
2.3.3 Education and Skills Training
The Basic Principles of the Nelson Mandela Rules (the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules
for the Treatment of Prisoners), of which UNODC is the guardian, states that all prisoners shall be
treated with the respect due to their inherent dignity and value as human beings. UNODC's
espousal of this mindset has taken it to prison facilities around the world, supporting Member
States with a tried and tested method: strengthening prisoners' resolve by providing relevant library
services and materials which aids in teaching them vocational skills which they can practice in
work schemes during their sentence, and which can help them find work upon their release. After
they have paid their debt to society, the ability of ex-prisoners to find work is undoubtedly a factor
which contributes significantly to their dignity and self-reliance, their sense of belonging, and the
diminished likelihood of their recidivism. The UNODC's Doha Declaration Global Program
(2019) states that tailoring projects to local needs and working closely with prison administrators
to gauge the best avenues for rehabilitation in their respective locations, the Global Program is
launching new projects in the State of Palestine, Morocco, Tunisia, Indonesia and El Salvador.
Through the use of prison libraries, they will educate prisoners a variety of useful vocations, and
help them improve their self-esteem, decision-making capacities, and confidence in their future.

16
Importantly, these vocations will increase their employability and offer them better work
prospects, or better entrepreneurial skills to support them in the case of self-employment. Enabling
their smooth transition from incarceration to freedom, prison administrations provide convicts with
external certification for their practical training, with documents which do not indicate that the
skills were learned in prison.
2.3.4 Leisure and Recreation
Hormachea (2019) states that recreation and leisure-time experiences have a substantial impact on
one's self-concept, socialization, and self-expression until recently, prisons had few or no
recreation or leisure services, although the average inmate has 44 waking hours each week
available for recreational activities. Both inmate uprisings and innovations by enlightened prison
administrators however, have, increased general awareness of the need for change. Both the
American Correctional Association and court decisions have addressed the need for recreation in
the correctional setting. Among main recommendations from these bodies are that corrections
administrators view recreation as a necessity rather than as a privilege and that recreation be an
integral part of correctional programs. Appropriate recreational programs will improve inmates'
morale, orderliness, and receptivity to prison rules and treatment programs. Moreover, by teaching
productive use of leisure time as well as by improving inmate attitudes, these programs can reduce
recidivism. Most current facilities lack adequately designed recreational space and facilities.
Nevertheless, multipurpose areas such as cafeterias, portable facilities and equipment, and special
indoor and outdoor areas for individual and group activities, can substitute. Inmates should have
input into recreation programming decisions. Programs offered should include team and individual
sports, movies, television, arts, crafts, drama and speech programs, clubs, and inmate

17
organizations. Recreation program administrators and professional recreators and program leaders,
should be trained as community volunteers
2.4 Management Support to Prison Libraries
A number of challenges have been observed in literature with respect to the provision of library
services in the prison (Krolack, 2019; Eze, 2014; Munoz, 2009). These challenges include shortage
of qualified staff, lack of funding, lack of ICT, meagre collections, lack of collaboration and an
unconducive prison environment.
2.4.1 Shortage of Qualified Staff
According to the American Library Association. (n.d.), prison libraries are generally short on
qualified staff, although there may be no shortage of inmate workers. The professional staff has to
perform a broad range of tasks since inmate workers are not allowed to perform tasks that could
give them access to privileged information or enable them to manipulate other inmates or prison
staff. Benatar (2014), is of the view that inmate workers require a lot of training, an ongoing
process, since each prisoner has a definite date of release from the custody a scenario which results
in high turnover rate. Furthermore, Muñoz (2009) states that prison library staff work in a very
demanding and stressful environment, where it is difficult to find time to develop user programs
and activities beyond the very basic services a traditional library could possibly offer. All-said
however, an impressive range of prison library programs and activities can be established at
Chikurubi Farm Prison library through collaborations with other libraries such as City of Harare
libraries, college and university libraries around Harare. A wide selection of library material is
fundamental in preparing inmates for release back into the society. Such programs fit right in with
the roles of the prison library as an independent learning center and community information center.

18
2.4.2 Lack of Funding
Parliamentary Reports (2014) revealed that the prison service lack the human capital, logistics and
funding to satisfy the requirements in rehabilitation of offenders as provided for by the policies.
Availability of financial resources plays a vital role in delivering prison library services to inmates
because it ensures that reliable and current information resources are acquired during the collection
development. Shirley (2006) reveals that, in US prison libraries, the library programs are funded
by the Inmate Welfare Fund, unlike most prisons in Africa where the funding is solely
responsibility of the treasury. This approach has directly affected existing library services. In
several cases, librarians have demanded additional funds for their libraries, and succeeded. Muñoz
(2009) notes that there should be an annual budget primarily meant for prison library collections
with a separate budget for facilities, associated personnel and library equipment.
2.4.3 Unconducive Prison Environment
The prison library does not function independently but operates within the larger correctional
environment, whose mission and security policies often conflict with the library profession’s code
of ethics and its belief in free access to information. According to Krolak (2019), the prison
environment is an untraditional and inhospitable territory with priorities that challenge traditional”
librarianship and philosophies. Consequently, the most important challenge to librarians who work
in prison is how to provide information freely in a tightly controlled environment with rules and
regulations governing almost all aspects of daily life. Lehmann and Locke (2005) poses the
following questions about Prison librarians; How does one encourage library patrons to make
choices about their reading matter and the pursuit of individual interests, when in almost all other
aspects of their lives they have no autonomy? How does one meet the information and diverse
reading needs of a large multicultural community whose members have involuntarily been forced

19
to live together? In a major 1974 U.S. study of prison libraries, Marjorie LeDonne observed: “I
have come to realize that while space, time, money, training, and adequate support staff are all
important, the key to quality correctional library service is the turn of mind, the energy and the
sense of dedication which the librarian . . . brings to the job” (LeDonne, 1977, p. 69). The prison
administration has the duty to ensure that inmates have access to library material that meet their
information needs whilst at the same time ensuring that library use by inmates does not pose a
threat to the public.
In other words, it takes a very special person with not only a sound educational background, but
also a great number of specific human qualities, including assertiveness, flexibility, patience,
emotional stability, helpfulness, sincerity, high tolerance for stress, and a sense of humor.
Librarians are service providers, no matter where they work. In the prison milieu, the antagonistic
mentality of the “powerful against the powerless” is pervasive. By being responsive to needs and
interests, librarians can have much impact on the inmates’ lives, while exemplifying the exception
to the hostility rule. Library staff can provide one of the few places in the prison where the inmate
can feel at ease and be confident that his requests will be attended to. UNODC (2015) states that
responsiveness to user needs goes a long way to create credibility and appreciation; and over time,
the positive impact of the prison library will be recognized by both the inmates and the prison
administration.
2.4.4 Limited Collaborations
Shirley (2006) states that partnership between prison libraries and public libraries is of vital
importance. Most prison libraries aim to provide public library services in prisons. Prisoners not
only require legal information, but need a variety of other information for their return to society.

20
Along with prison libraries, public libraries should establish outreach programs for inmates within
their detention centres Omagbemi and Odunewu (2017). Furthermore, the study conducted by
Mfum (2012) reveals that cooperation among prison libraries and public libraries is absent in most
African countries. Primarily, public library services are for everyone, regardless of their age, sex,
race, nationality, language, religion or social status, therefore particular services and collections
must be provided to those who cannot access regular services and collections, such as prison
inmates. Billington (2011) stresses importance of the shared reading of literature such as poetry,
fiction, plays and short stories in prison communities. It is therefore important for the Prison
professionals to collaborate with other institutions outside the prison to help fulfill the mandate of
prison libraries.
2.5 Collection Development
To reform convicts there is the need to provide resources and services to meet their needs and to
see the importance of the library as crucial because it is a vehicle for creativity and interaction
between and among inmates (Conrad, 2017). Article 64 of the United Nations Office on Drugs
and Crime UNODC (2015), clearly states that incarcerated persons have the same reading interests
as the “outside” society. A number of studies have established different information needs among
inmates. In a study conducted by Eze (2014) several information needs were identified among
inmates including information pertaining to legal assistance, education, professional development,
finance, health, and coping with imprisonment. In another study conducted among 90 inmates that
examined their information needs, results showed that inmates had information needs pertaining
to legal, health, religion, education, recreation, and vocational training. These studies have been
able to demonstrate the various information needs that are found in inmates. All the needs
identified point to information needs that address the criminogenic needs of an individual. These

21
needs when they are met, are more likely to lead to the rehabilitation of inmates and to improve
chances of successful reintegration upon re-entry into society. However, as several studies have
shown, prison libraries across Africa are inadequately stocked with an outdated collection that
does not meet the information needs of inmates (Omagbemi & Adunewu, 2008; Eze, 2014;
Emasealu & Popoola 2016). According to Behan (2014) a strong and viable collection is needed
due to inmates’ diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Prison libraries mainly consist of donated
religious material from various religious organisations such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Roman
Catholic and other Pentecostals.
In order for inmates to fully benefit from using libraries, there is need for free access to library
material. Lehmann and Locke (2005) posits that a dichotomy exists, however, between the
professional librarian’s philosophical and ethical commitment to free access to information and
the very real constraints that are or may be imposed on access to reading materials in the prison
environment. The library material found in most prisons is largely censored and censored (Krolak,
2019), content includes materials that may pose a threat to institutional security for example
information on bomb making, prison escapes, martial arts, how to undermine prison rules, as well
as materials that advocate violence and hate or contains pornography. Often these restrictions on
access to certain reading materials are dictated by state laws and administrative regulations.
However, Krolak (2019) is of the view that it is easier to live with these restrictions if one is assured
that they are not imposed in an arbitrary manner. He further states that the solution to avoid
arbitrariness, ambiguity, and prejudice is to have a solid library materials selection policy in place
that is fully supported by the correctional administration and security staff. Thus, when library
policies are in place, the library will be able to meet the information needs of inmates.

22
2.6 Restricted Access
Information access should be a priority in the prisons rather than punishing offenders and depriving
them of their right to access to information. Library Standards for Adult Correctional Institutions
(1992) also states that, all inmates should have access to prison libraries regardless of sentence,
security designation, or placement in the institution, and these rights are generally only restricted
when library regulations have been violated.
IFLA, Guidelines for library services to prisoners recommended that prisoners with unrestricted
movement within the facility should be able to visit the library every week for periods sufficiently
long to select and check out materials, ask reference questions, order interlibrary loan items, read
materials that do not circulate and participate in cultural activities organised by the library
(Lehmann and Locke, 2005). According to Library Standards for Adult Corrections (2015) inmates
on limited access should make use of the library once per week and those without restrictions
should access at least five hours per week. Inadequate library hours undoubtedly affect the
effectiveness of library services and the promotion of reading (Shirley, 2006). Australian Prison
Library, (1990) posits that information services to inmates should be available during inmates
work and leisure time periods, including every evenings and weekend and each inmate is entitled
to at least 5 visits a week or a minimum of 72 hours contact time.
2.7 Chapter Summary
This chapter brought out what other academics have produced relating to prospects and challenges
of prison libraries and information centres in the rehabilitation of offenders which is the topic
under study, acknowledgements have been given for constructing a theoretical foundation of what
the research is anticipated for. The IFLA Guidelines for Library Services to Prisoners and the
Nelson Mandela Rules were discussed guided by notion such as the research objectives and, the

23
problem under discussion. The aim of this chapter was to provide the reader with the understanding
and ideas that have been created on the topic under research and correspondingly paying attention
to their strong point and weakness. Challenges faced by prison libraries all over the world have
also been discussed together with probable solutions

24
CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
This chapter provides an in depth explanation of the research methods utilized during the study.
An outline of the research design is given followed by the population for the study, sample and
sampling techniques and research instruments utilized. A description of how the data was analyzed
is given. The chapter concludes by giving a brief description on ethical considerations.
3.1 Research Approach
The study was guided by a pragmatic paradigm which utilized a mixed method design that is not
committed to a single philosophy. This enabled the researcher to use both quantitative and
qualitative data where the strengths of one type of data mitigate the weaknesses of the other. In
this regard solely quantitative studies often struggle to incorporate the lived experiences of the
participants, so adding qualitative data deepens and enriches quantitative results, Champion and
Edgar (2013). On the other hand, solely qualitative studies are often not very generalizable, only
reflecting the experiences of the participants. A pragmatic paradigm allows the researcher the
flexibility of using different methods, techniques and procedures to understand the problem under
study. Simon (2013) posits that mixed methods are less tied to disciplines and established research
paradigms.
3.2 Research Design
A mixed method design was employed in the current study with both qualitative and quantitative
methods being utilized. It was deemed most appropriate for the study as it helped to broaden the
understanding of the topic under study. The method was adopted as it is a cost effective method

25
that is relatively cheap and less time consuming considering resource and time constraints. On the
other hand, the qualitative component of the study utilized a case study design which allowed the
researcher to obtain rich information which cannot be offered by other study designs (Hancock,
2002). Case study designs offer both description and analysis of events and by using this design,
the researcher managed to provide a comprehensive description of the challenges and prospect of
information centers in enhancing rehabilitation efforts at the Chikurubi Farm Prison. They offer
more flexibility in designing a research, allowing the researcher to combine aspects of different
types of studies to distill the most informative results.
3.3 Target Population
The population for the study was determined by the research design utilized. For the quantitative
component of the study, male inmates who have been at Chikurubi farm prison for not less than a
month were eligible to take part in the study. For the qualitative component, 2 prison staff who
offer rehabilitation services and 1 prison officials in charge of the prison.
3.4 Sample and Sampling Techniques
As the study was a mixed method study, both probability and non-probability sampling methods
were used to select study participants. Probability sampling method was used in the quantitative
component of the study as it gives an equal chance for all the participants to be selected Ritchie
and Lewis (2013). Convenience sampling was therefore used to draw the sample for the
quantitative aspect of the study. It was deemed most appropriate as it allowed those available at
the time of the study to be selected thereby making it easier and cheaper to obtain information
(Acharya et al., 2013). Convenience sampling was utilized as it allows the selection of those who
are willing to participate and easiest to access. Due to the nature of the study, participants were
selected using a convenience sampling method. Inmates are often coerced to participate making

26
their participation to be involuntary due to the power imbalances that exist within total institutions.
However, the convenience sampling allowed the inclusion of only those willing to participate who
met the inclusion criteria. The method also allowed the researcher to reach the desired sample size
within a short period of time. It is noteworthy that convenience sampling undermines the ability
to make generalizations from the study sample to the population under study.
Non-probability sampling method was used in the qualitative aspect of the study as it allowed the
researcher the freedom to select participants with desired characteristics. Purposive sampling was
then employed to draw the sample for the key informant interviews as it allowed those
knowledgeable in the topic under study to be selected. Ritchie and Lewis, (2013) noted that the
strengths of purposive sampling include low cost, saves time as the researcher will take the sample
that matches his or her study.
In the qualitative facet, a sample of 2 key informants which were the librarian and rehabilitation
officer was used. As is the case in qualitative research, sample size was determined by data
saturation. On the other hand, a sample of 88 male inmates participated through the use of a
questionnaire. As the study was not aimed at testing a hypothesis or establishing an association,
sample size was guided by a size that would be large enough to allow for generalization to the
study population. Sample size was also determined by the available resources as supported by
Kumar, (2011). The sample for the current study was deemed by the researcher as large enough to
allow for generalization taking into consideration the population at the Prison which was 354.
3.5 Data collection
Due to the nature of the study, both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods used. The
quantitative facet utilized a questionnaire to obtain data whilst the qualitative part used key

27
informant interviews. The qualitative research instruments were employed in order to fully
comprehend the prospect and challenges of information centres in the rehabilitation of offenders.
3.5.1 Interviews
During the qualitative component of the study, key informant interviews were used to explore
stakeholders’ perspectives on the challenges and prospects of library services in the
rehabilitation of inmates. The method was chosen as it allows the exploration of participants’
ideas and responses in a flexible manner. An interview guide was developed that was
administered face-to-face for key stakeholders (Appendix A). All interviews were audio
recorded and transcribed verbatim. According to Simon and Goes (2013), although it is
expensive and time-consuming, interview allows a face-to-face verbal and non-verbal exchange
where the researcher (interviewer) makes an attempt to draw information from the other person.
3.5.2 Questionnaire
During the quantitative aspect of the study, a questionnaire, a self-administered questionnaire was
used to collect data where the research participants filled out the questionnaire (Appendix B) at
the study site. The questionnaire contained demographic questions and questions that asked the
type of selection available at the prison. Other questions required respondents to answer questions
pertaining to their library use, service effectiveness in meeting rehabilitation needs of inmates and
the state of existing library collection. A Likert scale was used where participants were asked to
choose their responses on a scale of 1 - 4. The questionnaire was deemed appropriate as data
collection tool as it is easy to administer given the resource and time constraints. Questionnaires
also reduces the chances of evaluator bias as the participants respond to the same set of questions.
Kumar, (2011) posits that self-administered questionnaires as a method of data collection are less
invasive and allow for increased participation.

28
3.6 Data Collection Procedure
Upon receiving authorization from the Zimbabwe Open University to continue with the
proposed research topic, an application was made to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional
Services- Head Quarters. Upon approval, the researcher made contact with Chikurubi Prison
Farm Officer in Charge requesting for a meeting with the librarians and some inmates.
Participants were individually briefed on the topic under study. They were informed on the
advantages of participating in the study and also were also briefed on ethical considerations.
This was done under the assistance of a Prison officer who helped in interpreting the interview
questions since the researcher assumes that some of the participants preferred to use local
vernacular. The prison officer cum-librarian, under the instruction from the Officer In Charge
helped in data collection by making sure that inmates were made available for data collection.
To give participants time to decide on whether to partake in the study or not, the researcher
came back the following day and carry out the study. Since ZPCS is a high security zone
department, raw data was submitted to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services -
Research Department for security check before the information was analyzed in this
dissertation.
3.6.1 Data Validity and Reliability
Since the research is a mixed method study, trustworthiness, validity and reliability of data is going
to be addressed. Therefore, to ensure reliability and validity, the researcher adopted the following
measures:
 Appropriate time scale for the study was selected
 Appropriate methodology, that is the mixed- method, was chosen.
 The most suitable sample method for the study was to be selected

29
 The respondents were not pressured in any ways to select specific choices among the
answer sets.
To ensure trustworthiness of research findings, the researcher asked two colleagues to review the
qualitative findings and emerging themes to enhance the credibility, transferability, confirmability
and dependability of the qualitative research findings. When pre-testing, the researcher also
checked the effectiveness of the instruments to eliminate ambiguity and ensure that the respondents
understood the questions as intended by the researcher, thereby ensuring validity (Kalusopa, 2011).
A pre-test gave the researcher an opportunity to identify questionnaire items that tended to be
misunderstood by the participants and that did not obtain the information that is needed (Powell
1997). As such, the researcher was able to refine the instruments by deleting some questions and
rephrasing them. To ensure that the tests for this study were valid and reliable, all the instruments
used in this study were given to an experienced librarian, peers and the supervisor for proofreading.
3.7 Data Analysis
Data presentation and analysis of this research was mixed method. This was done with the aim
to also look at the problem from the perspective of inmates themselves, and their perspectives
were incorporated in upon making recommendations. Qualitative data was analysed using
thematic analysis put forward by Braun and Clark (2006). The process of data analysis in this
case follows an iterative process involving becoming familiar with the data followed by coming
up with initial codes, searching for themes, reviewing of the themes, clearly defining and
naming of emerging themes and finally coming up with the write-up. Thematic analysis was
the choice of analysis because it helped the researcher in identifying, simplifying and solving
problems related to the study presentation and depiction of the final conclusions. Quantitative
data collected was coded, cleaned and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social

30
Scientists (SPSS). Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics as it allowed the
formulation of ideas whilst data is being analyzed and variable can be summarized.
3.8 Ethical Considerations
Harding (2014) posits that social research should conform to four broad ethical principles which
are voluntary participation, informed consent, no harm to participants and anonymity and
confidentiality regardless of the research design. During the course of this research, the researcher
adhered to the following ethics:
3.8.1 Proper Identification
Coughlan (2011), is of the view that a code of ethics suggests that the researcher should identify
himself or herself to participants and avoid giving false impressions of the researcher or project.
Upon arrival at Chikurubi Farm Prison in the outskirts of Harare, the researcher properly identified
himself to all concerned parties.
3.8.2 Informed Consent
An informed consent can be said to have been given after clear and deeper understanding of the
facts, implications and consequences in the future of an action, Shafer-Landau (2011). In order to
give informed consent, the participants were given forms to complete and sign by the researcher
and were informed about the purpose of the study. The participants were told of their right to
withdraw from the study at any given time without facing any penalties. Participation was
voluntary and no-one was coerced to take part in the study. No incentives were given for the
research participants to take part in the study.

31
3.8.3 Right to Privacy and Anonymity
Coughlan (2011), is of the view that pseudo names can be used in research so as to safe guard the
anonymity of the participants. Ethical standards call for that researchers not to put participants in
circumstances that they might feel/be at risk of harm as a consequence of taking part.
Consequently, the researcher ensured that participant’s identities were to be kept anonymous and
this was done by not writing their names in order to protect them.
3.8.4 Right to Confidentiality
The researcher ensured participants that information they provided will be used by the
researcher only and solely for the purpose of the study. The concept of confidentiality was
consistently raised and deliberated before, during, and after the research with the participants.
The researcher by all means assured the participants that he will strongly avoid disclosing
‘discernible’ information about the participants to anyone devoid of their consent.
3.9 Chapter Summary
This chapter described the methodology that the researcher used that is the mixed methods research
methodology. It also laid out the sample size, sample technique as well as the study population.
Research tools have also been described and justified in the study as these were found suitable for
the research study. Limitations that were bound to threaten the study were also addressed by the
researcher.

32
CHAPTER 4
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
4.0 Introduction
In this chapter, results from the quantitative component of the study and findings from the
qualitative research are presented. For the sake of clarity, the broad aim of the study was to analyse
the current prospects and challenges in information service provision in the rehabilitation of
inmates at Chikurubi Farm Prison. The quantitative results and qualitative data findings are given
separately. The chapter begins by giving a presentation of quantitative results, followed by
qualitative findings. The chapter concludes by giving a summary of the chapter.
4.1 Demographic Characteristics of Participants
The quantitative aspect of the data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the
Social Sciences (SPSS for Windows version 25.0) (IBM 2017). The SPSS was used to analyze
quantitative data obtained from the questionnaires and descriptive statistics are presented on the
demographic characteristics of study participants.
A total of 100 participants were administered questionnaire, 9 did not meet inclusion criteria as
they had less than a month of stay at the prison leaving a total of 91 eligible participants. The
response rate for the questionnaires administered was 94.5% as five questionnaires were not
returned. Total number of participants was therefore 86. Most of the participants were aged
between 26 and 39 (69.8%) with the 26-30 age group constituting 34.9% whilst the 31-39 had also
the same value. Those below the age of 25 constituted 11.6%, (the law in Zimbabwe only allows
those above 16 years to be incarcerated) with the above 40 age group constituting 18.6%. The
median age for the study participants was 31-39. Their level of education was mostly secondary

33
(40.7%), followed by vocational training (36%), with primary and graduate level having the same
value (11.6%). The highest proportion of the participants had stayed for less than a year at the
station (46.5%) and those who had stayed for 13-24 months constituted a third of the study
participants (33%), those who had stayed for more than two years were 15.1% of the participants.
Demographic characteristics are summarized below (Table 4.1)
Table 4.1 Demographic characteristics
Variable Frequency n=86 %
______________________________________________________________________________
Age in years
17-25 10 11.6
26-30 30 34.9
31-39 30 34.9
Above 40 16 18.6
Level of education
Primary 10 11.6
Secondary 35 40.7
Vocational 31 36.0
Graduate 10 11.6
Length of stay at prison
1-12 months 40 46.5
13-24 months 33 38.4
More than 24 months 13 15.1

34
4.2 Available library services
A question was posed to inmates in an effort to ascertain library services offered at Chikurubi
Prison Library. The result shows that majority of the participants concurred that the library services
at the station they had access to were current affairs (82.6%) and information literacy (95.3%).
They literally had no access to photocopying, laminating, scanning and internet services. All
participants agreed that ICT services were non-existent.
This concurred with the findings of the study from officers. Despite there being a library at the
station, the results from the study indicated that the library services were limited to current
awareness services, printing and photocopying and information literacy. This was illustrated by
recurring statements like “you find materials like educational books, past exam papers, skills
training books, old novels, newspapers and magazines.” Other services such as photocopying,
laminating, scanning and internet services were available only upon request for educational
purposes. Supported by one of the respondents who indicated that:
“there is only one machine being used at the station, but in the event
that an inmate has educational material that needs to be
photocopied, we can assist.
4.2.1 Information Communication Technology
A question was posed to understand ICTs services. From the data respondents it shows that the
inmates had no access to ICT services at the station and access was through a third party and only
if the material was educational. As buttressed by one key informant who had this to say:
“currently we are at zero. We do not allow them access to internet
services. If they want something from the internet we find it for them
only if it is of an educational nature.”

35
4.2.2 ICT as a threat to security
The ICT services were viewed as a threat to security that inmates should not have access to as
illustrated by this:
“Inmates have no access to internet services due to security reasons.
Even when they want to contact the outside world, they have to go
through the rehabilitation officers who then make calls on behalf of
the inmate”
4.2.3 Education and skills training
The library was reported as providing information on education and skills training which was
elemental in skills acquisition and increases chances of reintegration upon release: One of the key
informants had this to say:
“When you get a certificate or you acquire a skill, you get to increase
your chances of getting a job when you leave this place. You can start
your own trade outside.”
4.2.4 Leisure and recreation
Reading was found to help inmates cope with prison life and as a way of reducing anxiety and
stress as illustrated in: …you get to stop thinking about problems at home, you stop thinking about
serving… and you get to relax.
4.3 Library usage
A question was asked if inmates can access the library when they feel like visiting the library. The
results indicated that majority of inmates differed in their library usage per week as depicted in
figure 4.1, however, library usage was high among the study participants with about half of the
participants indicating library usage of 3-4 times per week (51.2%), 20.9% using the library almost

36
daily and a total of 27.9% using the library for not more than twice a week as depicted in figure
4.1 below.
Figure 4.1 showing library usage per week by inmates
4.3.1 Available librarians
Data obtained from the administered questionnaires showed that the library at the station is
functional with 88.4% indicating that the library is opened for them (‘every time’ 84.9%,
‘sometimes’ 39.5%). Others were of the view that the library is ‘not at all opened’, whilst 3.5%
were ‘not sure’.
There was usually 1 librarian available at each given time (84.9%) with others (12.8%) agreeing
that at times there are 2 librarians present. The data indicated that rarely are there 3 librarians at
any given time (2.3%).
Findings from key informant’s interviews concurred that the library was functional and was open
to inmates during the day. They further alluded that the library was opened from 0800hrs to

37
1600hrs with at least one librarian available and inmates were allowed to borrow books. One of
the participant had this to say: “There are two librarians here and we are open every day, from
eight to four… and we allow them (inmates) to borrow books.”
4.4 Service Effectiveness in Meeting Rehabilitation Needs of the Inmates
In an effort to ascertain the effectiveness of library services in meeting the rehabilitation needs of
inmates, a question was posed and varying attitudes from inmates were obtained. More than half
of the participants (66.3%) were of the view that the available library services partially met their
rehabilitation needs (‘very effective’ 16.3%, ‘fairly effective’ 50%). Others were of the opinion
that the information services did not meet their rehabilitation needs (‘not effective at all’ 33.7%).
Figure 4.2 below shows percentage of service effectiveness in meeting rehabilitation needs of
inmates.
Figure 4.2 showing service effectiveness in meeting rehabilitation needs

38
The data obtained from the key informant interviews concurred with the data obtained from the
questionnaires. These findings revealed that library services were useful in the rehabilitation of
inmates as shown below:
4.5 Type of Collection Available
Respondents were asked if there was choice of selecting on available library materials and the
results showed that most of the collection was of an educational (‘available’ 91.9%) and religious
(‘available’ 86.0%) nature. Those who responded that they find leisure material constituted 51.2%,
same as sports related material. Most participants found the collection available at the prison to be
outdated (55.8%). Others were of the view that the material was ‘fairly current’ (24.4%) and ‘very
current’ (18.6%).
lso
Figure 4.3 showing collection currency

39
In an attempt to check on the type of collection available at Chikurubi Farm Prison library, the
findings from the interview conducted showed that the library collection was limited to leisure,
educational and religious material: “we have religious materials, educational books, novels,
magazines and newspapers. The collection was however, reported as mostly outdated: “…. we get
mostly old books, old newspapers and old novels. Sometimes we get a few recent books for the
current school curriculum. Otherwise most books are old.”
Even though they have access to current awareness material, the information is usually not very
recent and is censored. One participant had this to say “Newspapers are available but they do not
have information that is too deep because of security reasons.”
Current awareness material is also limited due to technology advancements which have replaced
traditional current awareness material such as newspapers, “people are no longer buying
newspapers nowadays….” but our institution allows those inmates who want to read newspapers
to ask for their relatives to bring newspapers and magazines”
4.6 Management Support
The Minimum Standards for the treatment of prisoners and IFLA guidelines were reported as the
guiding principles regulating the operations of the library. This was illustrated by “we are guided
by the Mandela Rules and IFLA (2005). However, data collected from key informants during
interviews indicated that the participants were not familiar with Zimbabwean guiding principles
that regulate information services. The study revealed that management support in stocking the
library was minimal as most of the material found in the library was from donors. One of the key
informant said that:

40
We have no books… the little we have we get from donors. Personnel
from the library, the chaplaincy and rehabilitation department are
very helpful in getting us books.
4.6.1 Inability to Meet International Standards
International standards with respect to information services were not being met as there is only
one library which is scarcely stocked: “We cannot talk of meeting the standards when we only
have one library with very few books which are mostly outdated” they further explained that the
available books were not sufficient to give each inmate a copy.
4.7 Chapter Summary
This chapter presented the quantitative results and qualitative findings from the mixed method
study. The chapter began by outlining the quantitative results from the study followed by the
qualitative findings. It closed by giving a summary of the present chapter.

41
CHAPTER 5
DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0 Introduction
The chapter provides a synthesized discussion of the mixed method study. The challenges that
were identified in the previous chapter are discussed and prospects identified. A detailed
discussion ensures that is followed by conclusions and recommendations.
5.1 Synthesized discussion of Quantitative and Qualitative findings
The mixed method approach was adopted with a view to ascertain the challenges and prospects of
provision of information services in the rehabilitation of inmates. The qualitative method was
utilized in order to provide subjective data that may help to contextualize the study results.
Findings from the study indicated that the information center available at Chikurubi Farm prison
was only a library. The ZPCS has shifted its focus to the correctional paradigm which requires
prison operations to be in line with international standards. The provision of a library at each
institution is provided for in the IFLA Guidelines for Library Services to Prisoners, (2005), which
says that imprisoned persons have the right to learn and access to information. These guidelines
adhere to Rule 64 of the Mandela Rules which states that, “Every institution shall have a library
for the use of all categories of prisoners, …” The prison has therefore been able to meet this
provision.
Findings from the study have shown that ICT services are not available at the Prison. This is an
indication that there is no provision for inmates to access digital skills training and other e-services
such as e-mail and e-learning. Denying inmates access to ICT has negative implications for their
rehabilitation and reintegration. Lack of digital skills have been found to reduce the employability

42
of an ex-inmate upon release as most jobs nowadays requires some knowledge of digital skills
(Helper, 2017). The IFLA guidelines further states that the purpose of a library also encompasses
information technology and communication. Lack of adequate provisions of library services in
correctional facilities have also been noted in Africa (Femi, 2019; Usman, & Rabiu, 2017) with
most correctional institutions citing security concerns as barriers to implementation of ICT
services.
Security concerns were found to be a major hindrance in the provision of ICT services and current
awareness material in the correctional facility. The library personnel were required to censor all
reading material before inmates had access to them. Security concerns were identified as having a
negative impact on the provision of adequate information services which later affects rehabilitation
and reintegration of inmates. Custodial policies and controls hinder access to information (Sambo,
2017). There is need to strike a balance between provision of library services and maintaining
security within the prison. Access to information is a fundamental human right although it is
compromised by lack of freedom associated with incarceration. If the organization is to move in
line with international best standards, access to ICT should be a necessary provision. It also
emerged that access to ICT services was only through library personnel who only carried out ICT
services on behalf of inmates with respect to education.
The study has shown that the available library services were information literacy and current
awareness. This information points to a gap in the provision of information services as ICT skills
offer inmates improved chances of reintegration in an increasingly digital society.

43
Demographic characteristics of study participants showed that the majority of inmates who use the
library range from 26-39 (69.8%) and they constitute the economically active group. On the other
hand, as a Farm prison, the majority of inmates at the prison constitute the economically active
group. This data is fundamental to the administration of libraries as there is need to identify the
information needs of this age group in order to provide library services that are relevant to the
clients. The identification of information needs of inmates is critical if libraries are to be relevant
to the population they serve (Sambo, 2017). About half of the participants had attained only
primary or secondary education (primary 11.6%, secondary 40.7%). A number of studies have
shown that inmates are disproportionately from poor backgrounds, with low or no educational
attainment or learning disabilities (Krolak, 2019; Mellins and Malee, 2013). Inmates may have
information needs pertaining to education and skills training as the prison offers them an
opportunity to further their education. Thus the identification of inmates’ needs is fundamental in
the provision of library services for any custodial institution (Ings & Joslin, 2011). A notable
number of inmates who used the library had stayed for less than a year at the institution. Seeking
library services in this case may be motivated by a desire to adjust to a new setting and to cope
with imprisonment.
Library usage among study participants was high, with 72.1% indicating library usage of between
3 and 7 days per week. Inmates at the prison have free access to the library as the library is
functional with at least one librarian attending to the information needs of inmates. This is contrary
to findings from other studies which have cited lack of access to library services as a barrier to
meeting information needs of inmates. The institution has been able to meet some of the IFLA
guidelines with respect to administration of libraries.

44
A notable proportion of study participants agreed that the library was partially effective in meeting
their rehabilitation needs (66.3%). Similar results were also reported in a study conducted in
Nigerian Prisons (Omagbemi & Adunewu, 2008) where 70% of the participants concurred that
information was central to rehabilitation and reformation of inmates. Findings from the key
informant interviews were in line with the survey data which showed that the library provides
information on education and skills training to inmates. Libraries play a central role in aiding
formal educational programmes (Bowe, 2011). On the other hand, inmates, through reading
leisure and recreational material are able to cope with the stress of imprisonment. The library
provides them with an opportunity to relax and improve their mental health. Good mental health
has been associated with improved engagement in rehabilitation programmes (Barry et al., 2015;
Ljødal & Ra, 2011). Inmates also get an opportunity for spiritual and character reformation by
reading religious material. Libraries therefore, have the potential to improve the rehabilitation of
inmates (Learning & Work Institute, 2018) as they get an opportunity to address their offending
behavior in preparation for reintegration. Although information centers do not form part of the
formal rehabilitation interventions, they are an alternative approach for inmates to engage in
informal learning that is not overly direct, or confrontational. Libraries may also help to capture
those individuals who do not engage in rehabilitation activities. Thus the overall data from the
study has shown the potential of the library in the rehabilitation of inmates. However, effective
rehabilitation cannot be achieved in the face of inadequate and outdated collections.
A range of information services were identified during the study including those relating to current
awareness, religion, education, leisure and sports. However, the library was mainly stocked with
educational and religious material. In the qualitative component of the study, key informants also
echoed that the material available in the library ranged from educational, spiritual, recreational to

45
sports. The prison officials were not able to determine the type of collection that should be in the
library as they relied mainly on donations. The current collection at Chikurubi Farm Prison library
mainly consisted of donated religious material from various religious organisations such as the
Jehovah’s Witnesses, Roman Catholic and other Pentecostals churches. More so, the available
stock was not sufficient for each inmate to have at least one copy. This in contrast to the provisions
in the IFLA Guidelines which states that libraries should have enough stock for inmates to have at
least two books per person. Thus, these results are an indication that the information needs of
inmates were not adequately met. These findings have also been reported in a number of studies
conducted in Nigeria which sought to identify the information needs of inmates. (Emasealu &
Popoola, 2016; Eze, 2014; Tarzaan et al., 2014). The findings from these studies showed that the
information needs of inmates relating to education, recreation, vocation and health remain unmet.
The Mandela Rules and the IFLA guidelines were identified as the legal provisions regulating the
operations of the library. Results from the qualitative study indicated that the key informants were
not familiar with any local legal provisions regulating the operations of prison libraries. This points
to a lack of commitment on the part of the responsible authorities in the provision of adequate
information centers that meet the information needs of inmates. The data from the study also
showed that the prison was yet to meet the international standards in the provision of information
services to inmates. Lack of funding was identified as the main hindrance to effective library
services as the management was not able to fully stock the library.

46
5.2 Conclusions
The findings from this study demonstrate that the information services available at Chikurubi Farm
prison are inadequate to meet the rehabilitation needs of inmates. The information center which is
in the form of a library is inadequately stocked with an outdated collection that is largely censored
where inmates had no access to ICT services. The library is therefore failing to meet the
information needs of inmates.
Digital skills are a necessary requirement in the reintegration of inmates. If the educational
qualifications obtained in prison are to be of relevance, there is need for inmates to have access to
ICT services. Contemporary higher education is increasingly making use of ICT, thereby lack of
access to digital technologies disadvantages learners in prisons compared to their counterparts
undertaking degrees outside the prison and this is likely to create a digital divide. There is therefore
need for the ZPCS to strike a balance between maintaining security on the one hand and enabling
access to education that improves chances of employability in an increasingly digital world.
National and organizational policies should be enacted that takes into cognizance the increasingly
digitalized world that inmates are subjected to upon release.
5.3 Recommendations
The recommendations were premised on the findings and conclusions of the study and are as
follows:
5.3.1 There Is Need to Provide Adequate Library Services for Inmates at Chikurubi Farm
Prison Library
ZPCS as an institution and the library need to add other library services adequately maintained and
accessible to serve inmates informational needs and help them to become responsible citizens

47
when they are released back into the society. These services should include functional literacy
skills, internet access and ICTs, life skills programs, user education, and uncensored Information
services which comprises current information, anger management and crime specific materials.
5.3.2 Enable Easy Access of Library Services at Chikurubi Farm Prison Library
ZPCS to provide a conducive environment for inmates to access library services without
hindrances. The library should capacitate small rooms designed to be libraries with suitable
shelves, variety information sources and manned by librarians since they are close by hence no
need for security escorts. If the need arise they will visit the main library otherwise their problems
would have been solved without much huddles.
5.3.3 There is Need to Provide Suitable Library Collection for the Rehabilitation of Inmates
at Chikurubi Farm Prison Library
Types of materials to be made available to patrons should be selected on the basis of the suitability
and interest to the prison population with consideration of security concerns. As a principle of
planning there is need for the management at Chikurubi Farm Prison and the librarian to consider
providing adequate collection best for rehabilitating offenders which will make the library ready
to become correctional library in-line with the minimum expected standards. There must be a
collection development policy which guides on how the correctional collection can be established
ranging from donations and purchases to help inmates satiate their informational while serving
their sentences.
5.3.4 Craft new Library Policy on the Management of Chikurubi Farm Prison Library for
Inmates

48
ZPCS as an institution and the prison library need to add current practices on its written policy on
provision of information services to and strategic plan. The policy should address issues of Staff
training, access, evaluation of information needs, marketing of services, special services,
collection development, budgeting, planning of services, cooperating with other libraries and user
education among others. Policies serve as commitment on the part of the institution and the library
in making library programmes and services provision easily available.
In conclusion, one can safely say that incarcerated persons have a large number of unmet needs,
which translate into a high demand for information, learning materials, and self-improvement
resources; the library, in cooperation with other prison programs, can play a vital role in meeting
these needs.

The Impact of ICT and Information Centres in enhancing prison rehabilitation programs

The Impact of ICT and Information Centres in enhancing prison rehabilitation programs

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