Library Analysis - Special Library

Children's Board of Hillsborough County Library
1002 E. Palm Ave. Tampa, FL 33605
(813)204-1741
Website:  www.childrensboard.org/cbhc_library.aspx
Hours of operation:  Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am-4pm  Tuesday and Thursday  12pm-7pm

This library is located inside the Children's Board of Hillsborough County. The library is very small consisting of two rooms.  The first room is open, with three rows of bookshelves.  There are two desks along the right wall, one for the librarian and the other for the other staff.  The library has four computers, located in the center of the room.  On the left side of the room is an informational table, with lots of brochures about the Children's Board, some resources and the library.  A separate room houses the children's section.  This room looks like a children's play area.  It is very colorful, with lots of toys and a bookshelf full of books.

Thi librarian I interviewed was Marci Delaney.  Marci obtained her MLIS degree from USF in December of 2004.  This library is her only library experience.  Marci came to work at the Children's Board after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Campbell University in North Carolina.  While working for the Children's Board, she became interested in the library position, so she decided to take a few classes in library science, which eventually led to her completing her master's degree. She has been with the Children's Board for 13 years, with the last 6 being in the library.  She is the only full time librarian, so she pretty much does everything.  She also runs a family resource and support center.  Marci does not belong to any of the professional organizations. Several times of year, she does participate in continuing education through the Tampa Bay Library Consortium.  One example would be a cataloging class.

The Children's Board in a funding organization that works with organizations related to family or children's best interests. The library was created to hold their research material.  There are a lot of books about leadership, career exploration, sustainability, grant writing, funding, child development and family. There is also a large mental health section because they were given a grant for that purpose about ten years ago.  This section includes many books about ADD or ADHD in children.  There are about 3,000 volumes in the collection, and 85 different  periodicals.  The library is also part of the Hillsborough County Public Library System, so any patrons of this library also have access to the public library.  This library serves any members of the public, or organizations looking for funding, and also employees of the Children's Board working in the building that may need information.  The books in this library are also available to the public through the public library catalog.  Marci explained that there are some books they have that the public library does not have, so sometimes those go out.  Year to date, they have had 160 books checked out at their location, and 619 books have gone out to other libraries in the system. 

As I said earlier, Marci is the only librarian, but the library is also staffed with three part time staff members.  While there, I met two women, one answering phones in the main room of the library and another working in the children's section. They were very nice and welcoming.  One of them was very helpful when I called earlier during the week.   Pretty much all decisions concerning the library are left up to Marci.  She decides what to buy, what to get rid of , how its cataloged, and any other library matters.  She is kept pretty busy. 

The technology used in this library is through the computers.  Access to the Hillsborough County Library is available.  There are also a couple of databases related to grants and funding available.  One is Foundation Center Search and another is Florida Information Network Databases.  Appointments are available if someone wants to use these and needs assistance.  The Children's Board itself has a social media presence, with a facebook page, a Twitter account (@MyCBHC), and an IPhone App.  You can also keep up with  their activities through their email list.

I don't think that I would like to work here.  It is probably a great place if you have a passion for the organizations and some knowledge of the subject.  It is just too small for me.  Also, it seems like it could get pretty hectic with the small number of staff. A lot of responsibility falls on one person.  This might be a good opportunity for a fieldwork or volunteer position.  I asked Marci if they ever had volunteers, and evidently the Children's Board isn't set up for that with their organization.  They have resources to sent volunteers to other organizations, but not in their own. 

What did I leave with?  This library is truly an example of a special library.  Although it is part of the HCPLC system, it is a collection designed around one thing, the family.  Most of the books are about different ways to better the family, either by getting a job, taking better care of your children, understanding children, etc.   This library is an important asset to the community.  It is concerning that there is such a small staff in this library, but they make it work the best they can.

I definitely feel I am on the right career path.  This library is just another example of how libraries and librarians provide a great community service.  That is something that is very important to me.  This library may even fall more into that category than the others.  Pretty much it's whole purpose is to provide community service, by helping organizations, and sometimes individuals, find ways to assist those in need.  In times like these, this service is invaluable.