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Which Computer Books For Prisoners?
Brian D. writes "I've recently begun working with a group that sends books to prisoners in federal and state prisons. We try to match their requests as well as we can. One request that we consistently have trouble filling is for computer books. This is not for lack of books, but because the prisoners' requests tend to be vague and their computer resources are obviously severely limited. Keep in mind that we send prisoners all types of books — from gardening and landscaping to cooking and sailing — about topics they don't have the resources to experiment with. With basically one shelf devoted to books on computing, what types of books should I tell them we should keep? What are the best types of books to send a prisoner who requests a book on 'computer repair?'"
Yeah because the prison rapes, shitty food, violence, and overcrowding isn't punishment enough. Not to mention the fact that when these people get back out into society depending on the state, they will be second class citizens and will have a hard time finding work and keeping honest. You sound like one of those just-world assholes who think everyone in prison deserved to be there or that hell isn't punishment enough for breaking a law. Murder is one thing, theft and drug possession is something entirely different.
Send them A+ certification books if they request something on computer repair. Maybe network+ as well. I would recomend All-in-One CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Guide, 6th Ed., by Michael Meyers I got my A+ cert using the 5th edition, and it was very well written (never too dry, and highly educational). I wouldn't go much beyond A+ or Net+, because A+ and net+ would be usefull books even if you had no computer to practice with. You could learn by rote and apply a lot of it when you had a computer later. Further exams such as MCSE would require, IMO, hands on while you are reading, as the concepts become more abstract.
I've worked at a prison for a couple of years now, and have tried to help encourage the inmates to read - it keeps them from being "bored" and getting into trouble, provides them with some knowledge, and gives them something more to talk about with other people than "thug life". The books wear out quickly for two reasons: 1) they're used, donated books to begin with. 2) they're read and shared A LOT. Especially when there is very little else to do.
:) )
They do get thrown about from time to time (by officers searching their cells, or as emergency "body armor" if things are about to jump off), but generally books are respected as they can be. Sure, some hide contraband in them (usually ineffective, at least in the cell searches I've seen - the officers have seen the same bad movies about prison you have). People are most likely asking for computer books because they're legitimately interested in the subject area. If they're looking for generic, thick books, they could easily have access to a Bible or other classic book of literature. (I suddenly have the image of an inmate saying, "Sure, I'll read 'War and Peace' it's not like I don't have the time anymore."
"What do you think?" "I think 'What, do you think?!'"
Learning how to program, from a book, without access to a computer, will be near impossible for most people. If they're looking to build useful skills, a beginner's book for A+ certification would be an excellent place to start.