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About TBLC
The Tampa Bay Library Consortium, Inc. (TBLC) is a nonprofit multi-type library cooperative that assists and empowers libraries. All types of libraries -- public, academic, school and specialized -- are members. Since 1979, TBLC has worked with member libraries to provide better, faster service to the residents of west central Florida.
Today 97 libraries are members of TBLC. They include six community colleges, three state university system
libraries, 27 private academic schools, colleges and
universities, four public school systems, 41 public libraries and 16
special libraries. Together these libraries serve over 3.8 million Floridians (approximately 30% of Florida's total population) in 12 counties in west central Florida. The counties served are Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Okeechobee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota.
TBLC Headquarters, located in Tampa, is the heart of the consortium. The staff is composed of 7.5 FTE MLS librarians and 6 FTE support and administrative staff. The organization is administered by an executive director and is governed by the 13-member TBLC Board of Directors. The board of directors is composed of elected representatives from member libraries. An annual budget of $2.4 million enables the consortium to serve its members. In 2003, this budget represented $82,000 in member dues, $200,000 in state grants, $420,000 in federal grants, $700,000 for the statewide ground delivery system, $409,000 in fees for other member services and $600,000 for SUNLINE, a shared library management system administered by TBLC. The amount for the shared library automation system includes capital costs of $213,000 for a system migration and new equipment.
TBLC's mission is to lead and encourage collaboration, resource sharing, staff development, and innovations to ensure that the people of west central Florida receive excellent, up-to-date library services and have access to the world of information.
In 1999, TBLC members articulated the following vision:
TBLC member libraries see a time when ALL the people of west central Florida will enjoy seamless access to the rich information resources of the region, the state and the world. TBLC will be the bridge connecting all types of libraries in a regional information network.
Programs and services are planned based upon input from member libraries. Current TBLC member services include Alleycat and iBorrow, the regional virtual catalog; Ask a Librarian, the statewide virtual reference resource; the continuing education for staff of member libraries; cataloging and other bibliographic services; SunLine, a shared library management system; OCLC interlibrary loan; group purchase of electronic resources; web hosting; piloting statewide virtual reference in partnership with the College Center for Library Automation; and management of the statewide courier delivery service.
Florida's six multi-type library cooperatives:
Central Florida Library Cooperative
Northeast Florida Library Information Network
Panhandle Library Access Network
Southeast Florida Library Information Network
Southwest Florida Library Information Network
Tampa Bay Library Consortium
View the map of Florida to find a library cooperative.Page Content Updated 1/28/04
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