EFFECTS OF THE USE OF LIBRARY RESOURCES AS CORRELATES OF INMATES REFORMATION IN CORRECTIONAL CENTRES OF NORTH-CENTRAL ZONE, NIGERIA

his paper assessed the Availability and Use of Library Resources as Correlates of Inmates Reformation in Correctional Centres of North-Central, Nigeria. The study was guided by three objectives and three corresponding research questions. Survey research design method was adopted for the study. The total population for the study was four thousand and ninety (4,090) Inmates and correctional Staff in six correctional centres studied. The sample size of the population was one thousand one hundred and fifty nine (1,159) respondents, which adopted purposive sampling technique for determining the sample size of the population. Questionnaire was the instruments used for data collection. Out of one thousand one hundred and fifty nine (1,159) copies of questionnaire administered, one thousand and sixty three (1,063) copies were filled, returned and used for the analysis. Descriptive statistical tool involving frequency counts and percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to analyse the data. The findings of the study revealed that reading from library resources heals the trauma and worries of inmates, it redefines their career and develop the idea of positive relationship after jail. The study further revealed that there are lack of effective provision and use of library resources, inadequate funding, space/accommodation problem, inadequate resources and out-dated library materials, lack of professional Librarians to Mann the library were among other issues. The study recommended that the management of correctional centres in North- Central Nigeria should ensure that correctional centres are well equipped with befitting libraries; stocked with current reading materials and other resources to help in inmates’ reformation and social well-being for the development of our society and political advancement.