Supporting Incarcerated Seminary Students

Abstract

How can we provide access to theological scholarship for students in a maximum-security prison? This session will discuss how the North Park library supports seminary students in two different Illinois correctional institutions. We discuss the founding and history of the School of Restorative Arts, how Brandel Library built and managed remote prison collections, and how we support the research and writing of these students. We will then discuss future plans for SRA library services and questions for seminary libraries to consider as they plan to serve incarcerated students. Finally, Tony Pizarro will share from his experience and work within the SRA program and as the assistant director of North Park’s Writing Center.