In the camps or open centres, typically the library is in an open building which inmates can access more freely than in the secure centres. Often, the "library" shares part of a multi-purpose building. The collections are mainly paperback books, often outdated and not catalogued. Library collections in most centres appear to depend on donations from community groups or cast-offs from public libraries such as the Carnegie Library in Vancouver. Pleas from Directors were for more reference materials, more up-to-date and specialized materials (e.g. for sex offender treatment) and, for cataloguing as well as for more funds for books generally.

Only four of the 12 academic instructors said they used the correctional centre library. In one of these instances (VIRCC) the instructor is responsible for the libraries and the library for the general population shares the same space with the school. In another two instances (BCCW and FRCC) the libraries are adjacent or very close to the school area. In the fourth instance (Surrey PSC) the library is said to be good. Eleven of 12 instructors said the library collections were not adequate in the correctional centres. The twelfth instructor said he did not know. Instructors were also asked whether there was a literacy collection in the library. Eight said there was not (two of the eight were from an institution that did not have a proper library facility). one instructor who does not teach at the literacy level said he did not know. Two instructors said there was a very small collection. only one instructor said "yes" without any comments.

Instructors were also asked whether they thought there were adequate funds for purchase of new materials and instructional aids for their programs. only two instructors said, "Yes." Four instructors gave no answer. The other six instructors generally said, "No", and made comments. one instructor said resources were adequate for the school, but not for the library. Another centre needs funds to build up the recreational library and for special purposes such as literacy. Another instructor feels that students should not have to pay fees for GED tests nor for correspondence course books (or, if they do, that these fees should be refunded if books are returned). Two instructors would like computers and software programs.