Automated Library Card Renewal Without Losing Control
Libraries are continually being asked to do more with fewer resources. Staff time is valuable, patron expectations continue to grow, and routine account maintenance can consume hours that could be spent delivering services, programming, and support. One area where many libraries see immediate benefits is borrower registration and library card renewal. The challenge is that … Continue reading “Automated Library Card Renewal Without Losing Control”
When demand is high, every library item matters
Library material recovery matters more when demand is high. In many communities, collections are feeling the pressure from growing usage, long hold lists, and rising digital content costs. A recent Carolina Public Press article highlighted long waitlists for popular titles across North Carolina libraries, particularly for e-books and audiobooks. Wake County Public Libraries reported digital … Continue reading “When demand is high, every library item matters”
Unique Announces New Library Service Launches for August 2026
Six public library systems have launched MessageBee, Automated Borrower Renewal (uRenew), and Verified Borrower Registration (uRegister), expanding patron access and communication services in their communities. Verified Borrower Registration Lake County Library in Lakeport, California launched Verified Borrower Registration (uRegister). The service enables prospective patrons to register for a library card online and have their information … Continue reading “Unique Announces New Library Service Launches for August 2026”
Card Registration Tools: Where they Fall Short
In last month’s patron registration webinar survey, we asked attendees three simple questions: Does your library offer self-service library card registration? If yes, does your system offer real-time address verification? How many phone calls per week does your library receive regarding library card renewals? The results revealed a significant gap between offering online registration and … Continue reading “Card Registration Tools: Where they Fall Short”
3 Must-Try Library Card Signup Ideas
September is a season of fresh starts. Students are settling into new routines, football is back, and the first hints of fall are beginning to appear. For libraries, it also marks one of the most important annual celebrations: Library Card Signup Month. This year, we looked beyond the usual promotional resources and explored new ways … Continue reading “3 Must-Try Library Card Signup Ideas”
Unique Announces New Library Service Launches for Q2
Over a dozen libraries have launched MessageBee, Automated Borrower Renewal (uRenew), Verified Borrower Registration (uRegister), and Patron Services in the second quarter of 2026 Verified Borrower Registration Elk Grove Village Public Library in Elk Grove Village, Illinois launched Automated Borrower Registration. This service allows patrons to register for library cards online, streamlining the process while … Continue reading “Unique Announces New Library Service Launches for Q2”
Is your library paying attention to the entire patron life cycle, or just parts of it?
Is your library paying attention to the entire patron life cycle, or just parts of it? Libraries spend significant time and resources on patrons. But where does that attention go? What happens if libraries ignore parts of the patron cycle? The patron experience does not begin and end with a library card. It is shaped … Continue reading “Is your library paying attention to the entire patron life cycle, or just parts of it?”
Introducing Two-Factor Authentication for MessageBee Security
Stronger security. Same seamless communication. MessageBee’s mission has always been clear: help libraries connect with patrons in the most reliable, flexible, and effective way possible across phone, email, and SMS. As communication evolves, so do expectations around security. That is why we are introducing optional Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for registered users, a powerful new layer … Continue reading “Introducing Two-Factor Authentication for MessageBee Security”
CS Pro Tip: Keeping Unique in the loop
CS Pro Tip: Keeping Unique in the loop Customer Service Pro Tip from Teri Lynn Bullock As someone who works closely with libraries every day, I have seen how small communication gaps can lead to unnecessary delays. One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep everything running smoothly is to keep Unique informed … Continue reading “CS Pro Tip: Keeping Unique in the loop”
Smart Ways Libraries Are Using MessageBee for Targeted SMS and Email Engagement
When libraries say “We have an outreach problem,” they usually have an engagement problem. The programs are there. The services are there. The interest is often there. What makes the difference is whether the right people actually engage with the message at the moment it matters. That’s where MessageBee from Unique Library comes into play. … Continue reading “Smart Ways Libraries Are Using MessageBee for Targeted SMS and Email Engagement”
