Implementation Scenarios
Options for the Talking Book Library for the Blind (TBLB)
- Stand alone branch, as TBLB is currently, with a larger space in a
more transit accessible location.
Advantages: Maintaining TBLB's strong identity as a unique service and
a branch on its own like other branches, an identity that our patrons
know and respect. Possibility of exciting growth as a showplace subregional
library.
Disadvantages: same as currently: somewhat of a lack of visibility and
knowledge of service in the greater four county community and even somewhat
within the library community ("foster child") -- this must be ameliorated
with extensive strong outreach and the building of a strong and vital
library. - Co-Location as part of a new/remodeled Fresno Central Library.
Advantages: Convenient and much easier access for patrons to the many
other programs and services the library provides beyond TBLB's audio
collection: Access to the library's commercial audio book and music
collection, videos, described videos, large print books, adult and children's
programming, reference materials, internet computers (if made accessible).
No longer marginalized -- as one patron put it, "I could finally
take my family to a library WE ALL could use". Convenience and
efficiency for staff in terms of delivery of mail, visibility among
other library staff, use of other library staff amenities. High library
traffic mean more visibility for service but would require careful explanation
to curious walk-in people as to qualifications for service (would have
to turn non-disabled people away and redirect them to the commercial
audiotape collection).
Disadvantages: Possibility of being "shelved away" in a non-visible
or non-traffic area of the new central library and becoming more of
a "warehouse and post office" function than an active, vital,
important and known unique service of the library. Downtown location
is shied away from by many TBLB patrons for a variety of reasons --
fears for safety, lack of good transit (current Central location best,
Fulton Mall location second, Arts/Cultural location third choice, but
no choice has really GOOD transit accessibility). TBLB staff would need
to maintain their identity as staff of TBLB specifically while blending
into the staff amenities of the Central Library. - Co-location with a new/remodeled Central Library, but not directly
a part of the building -- some sort of a "stand alone unit"
on Central Library property connected by breezeway or other method to
the Central Library.
Advantages: This allows for more of a strong unique identity while maintaining
the convenience of access to Central Library programs and resources.
Disadvantages of transit/downtown location remain. - Co-location with an existing or new branch in another portion of the
city with better transit accessibility.
Advantages and disadvantages are similar to Central library location,
including convenient access to many library services and programs, but
accessibility by transit would be improved and the aura of "downtown"
not a concern. Special concern would be that TBLB maintain its identity
as a library serving all four counties and not a service or adjunct
of whatever branch location it is attached to. Very careful planning
would be required for this. Staff again would need to maintain their
identity as staff of TBLB and not staff of the branch it is co-located
with. - Co-location with another resource organization serving a similar community
to TBLB (For example: The Valley Center for the Blind, the Center for
Independent Living, the Area Agency on Aging's new facility at the old
Sierra Hospital).
Advantages: "one stop shopping" for patrons to resources they
can use: gradual transition and exposure for patrons into TBLB's services.
Disadvantages: Further marginalizes TBLB from the rest of the Fresno
County Library as "for the disabled when many who might not consider
themselves "disabled" or utilize the services of other organizations
still qualify for TBLB. Careful partnership arrangements would need
to be made and the health of the sister organization(s) well considered
