Usf Health Shimberg Library, located at 12901 BRUCE B. DOWNS, stands as a critical resource not only for the University of South Florida’s academic and medical community but also as a designated passport acceptance facility for the broader Tampa Bay area. Situated prominently within the sprawling USF Health campus, adjacent to the USF Morsani College of Medicine and Research Park, its strategic position on a major thoroughfare makes it accessible yet distinct from typical government processing centers. This facility primarily caters to USF’s diverse population of over 50,000 students, faculty, and staff, many of whom are international scholars or engage in global research, requiring frequent passport services. Beyond the campus gates, residents of the surrounding University North, Hunters Green, and New Tampa neighborhoods also find this location convenient, avoiding the longer treks to downtown or other regional facilities. Its setting within an active academic environment imbues the passport application experience with a unique sense of quiet efficiency, a stark contrast to the often bustling and anonymous atmosphere of a post office or county clerk’s office.
The Shimberg Library itself, established in 1974, reflects USF’s consistent growth and commitment to health sciences. Initially a more modest structure, it underwent significant modernizations in 2005 and again in 2012, transforming into a state-of-the-art information hub. The architectural design, characterized by its robust brick exterior and expansive windows, mirrors the utilitarian yet inviting aesthetic common across the USF Health complex. Functioning primarily as a medical and health sciences library, it houses an extensive collection of over 200,000 volumes and provides access to countless digital resources, serving the educational and research needs of the Morsani College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the College of Public Health, and the Taneja College of Pharmacy. This environment, focused on scholarship and patient care, extends to its passport services, which benefit from the same high standards of organization and professional demeanor.
Historically, the establishment of passport services within the Shimberg Library in 2018 addressed a growing demand from the USF community. With a substantial international student body representing over 140 countries, and faculty frequently traveling for conferences, research, and clinical rotations abroad, a dedicated on-campus facility was a logical enhancement. Before 2018, students and faculty often faced the inconvenience of traveling to facilities like the New Tampa Regional Library, 7.9 miles north, or the Hillsborough County Clerk in downtown Tampa, an 8.1-mile journey south. The Shimberg Library now processes an average of 65-80 passport applications weekly, a testament to its necessity and accessibility. It’s particularly utilized during peak travel periods, such as spring break in March and summer months from May to August, when academic calendars align with travel plans.
Specific local landmarks within a five-block radius further emphasize the Shimberg Library’s central position. To its immediate east, across USF Health Drive, stands the internationally renowned Moffitt Cancer Center, a significant employer and research institution. Directly south, one finds the Shriners Hospitals for Children — Florida, known for its specialized pediatric orthopedic care. The USF Health CAMLS (Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation) is also a prominent fixture just south of the main USF Health complex, contributing to the academic and professional density of the area. The library is also only a short walk from the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, serving a large veteran population in the region. The immediate vicinity, defined by major intersections like Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Fletcher Avenue, is a highly developed medical and academic corridor, creating a dynamic user base for the library’s passport services. For instance, a medical student preparing for an international elective in the summer might complete their DS-11 form and obtain a passport at Shimberg without ever leaving the campus loop or needing to navigate unfamiliar city traffic. This integration into the campus ecosystem provides an invaluable service, simplifying administrative burdens for busy professionals and students alike, and firmly establishing Usf Health Shimberg Library as a reliable, authoritative passport acceptance facility in North Tampa.
