libraries that they began to really develop; however, not all German prison libraries employ a professional librarian. The purpose of the prison library is to provide recreation, support education, and help with the personal development of inmates. Every inmate has the right to access a library and most prisons have a library. However, the law makes no specifics about the organization or contents of the library. And, economic troubles and the closing of the German Library Institute and Commission for Special User Groups have made it difficult for libraries to provide adequate services and the social responsibility of libraries is rarely discussed. But, Münster Correctional Facility Library's winning of the German Library Award has drawn attention to prison libraries and inspired many to be advocates for library services to those with special needs. Italy Prison libraries in Italy have been around since the beginning of the 20th century and were funded by donations. However, it was not until the 1970s, when Italy enacted a law to reform its prisons, did every prison become required to have a library. However, little in the law has changed since then, and libraries are operated by educators rather than professional librarians. There is quite a disparity between prison libraries in Italy, with some being very adequate and beautiful while others are barely operational, and still some prisons have no library at all. The prison administration is responsible for the operation of prison libraries, services are provided by the government or volunteer groups, and professional aspects are monitored by the university and the Italian Library Association. A new interest by the central prison administration will hopefully lead to positive changes in the prison library system. However, according to Costanzo & Montecchi, Italy's prison libraries are still in need of a central organization for direction, monitoring, and standards. Japan Japan prisons do not have librarians or a designated library space. Some reading materials are provided, but they are spread throughout the prison. There is essentially no control over these materials, there are no partnerships with public libraries, and Japanese inmates prefer to obtain their reading materials through purchase or from friends and family. Japanese law mandates that inmates have access to reading materials and there is much regulation as to what reading materials inmates may possess and inspection procedures. However, the only mention of a "prison library" is a provision requiring that the warden make reading