2025 Patron Services Survey: What can we learn from each other?
Last year, we asked libraries how they were handling the day-to-day realities of patron service — online and in-person. This year, we asked again. The goal wasn’t just to repeat the questions, but to see what changed. We want to take a look at how libraries are handling patron service struggles and successes. Below are … Continue reading “2025 Patron Services Survey: What can we learn from each other?”
Preparing for Tax Season: The Questions Your Staff Will Hear
Every tax season, call volume rises. We see it across nearly every library we support. Patrons want forms, dates, appointments, and help sorting out what’s available. Most of the calls fall into a small set of predictable questions. When staff have quick answers ready, the whole season feels calmer. These are the core items worth … Continue reading “Preparing for Tax Season: The Questions Your Staff Will Hear”
Staff Spotlight: Jen Hines
Meet Jen Hines, one of Unique’s friendly and knowledgeable E-media and Customer Service Specialists in Library Services! With a rich background in administrative support and customer service, Jen brings both experience and enthusiasm to her role helping library patrons every day. Outside of work, Jen keeps life full of creativity and curiosity. She occasionally works … Continue reading “Staff Spotlight: Jen Hines”
Six Libraries Launch MessageBee From Unique in September
Arapahoe Library District (CO), Augusta County Library (VA), Bedford Public Library System (VA), Blackwater Regional Library (VA), Richland Library (SC), and Waynesboro Public Library (VA) have all implemented new MessageBee services this month, expanding their communication channels and enhancing patron engagement. Arapahoe Library District in Colorado has launched MessageBee across all three communication channels—voice, email, … Continue reading “Six Libraries Launch MessageBee From Unique in September”
Staff Spotlight: Bonnie Lawrence
When you meet Bonnie, you quickly realize she’s someone who has worn many hats in life—wife, mother, hairdresser, lunch lady, motivational speaker, comic, and now a certified Laughter Yoga Leader. “Laughter Yoga is this wonderful blend of yogic breathing and simulated laughter,” Bonnie explains. “What starts as ‘fake it till you make it’ turns into … Continue reading “Staff Spotlight: Bonnie Lawrence”
iOS 26: What Libraries Need to Know About Call & SMS Delivery
iOS 26: What Libraries Need to Know About Call & SMS Delivery Apple’s iOS 26 update introduces new tools to help iPhone users manage unwanted calls and text messages. While these features can reduce spam for patrons, they may also impact how libraries communicate important information, from due date reminders to event notifications. At Unique … Continue reading “iOS 26: What Libraries Need to Know About Call & SMS Delivery”
Welcome New Neighbors with Unique’s New Mover Service
Moving is overwhelming. Between unpacking boxes, changing addresses, and getting to know a new neighborhood, finding the local library may not even cross someone’s mind. That’s where your library can step in—not just as a resource but as a warm, personal welcome to their new community. The New Mover Service from Unique Library makes that … Continue reading “Welcome New Neighbors with Unique’s New Mover Service”
Staff Spotlight: Karen Robinson
Meet Karen Robinson, our Manager of Administrative Services and a cornerstone of the Unique team. Karen is celebrating an incredible 25 years with Unique as of January 3, 2025. She started as our receptionist and has worn many hats along the way, growing alongside the company and helping shape its culture. Karen is a Louisville … Continue reading “Staff Spotlight: Karen Robinson”
Recommended Sending Criteria for Material Recovery
By: Kelsy Heffley Recommended collection threshold: $25.00 If your library is like most libraries, you will find that the majority of patrons have a balance between $25 – $50. As you can imagine, we find that there are a lot more accounts with a smaller balance and fewer accounts with larger balances. Given the sheer … Continue reading “Recommended Sending Criteria for Material Recovery”
Seven More Libraries Launch MessageBee From Unique in August
Allegany County Library System (MD), Greater Manchester Inter Library Consortial System (NH), Mohawk Valley Public Library (NY), San Juan Island Public Library (WA), Southern Adirondack Public Library (NY) and, Staunton Public Library (VA), and Yakima Valley Libraries (WA) have launched MessageBee this week, adding more communication channels for their patrons. Allegany County Library System in … Continue reading “Seven More Libraries Launch MessageBee From Unique in August”