Data were collected from institutional records and through structured interviews in Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, South Carolina, and Washington. Interviewers included prison industry directors, superintendents, corrections officers, work supervisors, institutional program staff, and inmates assigned to Free Venture shops and traditional prison industries. The Free Venture prison industries are characterized by a full work week, wages based on productivity, economic viability, hire/fire authority exercised by (civilian) shop supervisors, private sector productivity standards, and postrelease job placement mechanisms. The length of the work day in the shops varied from 6 to 8 hours, the percentage of the population employed ranged from 2 to 65 percent, and wages varied from $.20 to $3.74 per hour. The programs operated in minimum, medium, and maximum security facilities. Work hours were longer, wages higher, and featherbedding lower compared to traditional programs. Residents working in the shop were similar demographically to those working in traditional prison industries, although participants were involved in fewer disciplinary incidents, and host institutions were more tranquil. The program had little effect on nonparticipating inmates or other institutional programs. However, the program did require modifications to organizational operating procedures. Implementation problems included poor planning, lack of coordination with other institutional programs, and too little emphasis on postrelease job placement. Technical assistance -- including a planning document -- should be provided and the program's effectiveness as a rehabilitation vehicle should be investigated. The program has proven effective for inmates wishing to support themselves, develop a skill, prepare for release, or relieve incarceration strains. Tabular data are provided. Appendixes include statistical notes and program survey instruments. (Author abstract modified)