Easy To Use Curbside Hold Pickup Software: Curbside Communicator
Like many of us, libraries are looking for ways to serve patrons and accomplish their organizational mission during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. As a first step, many libraries are turning to Curbside Hold Pickup as a way to get materials to patrons while adhering to safe social distancing policies. Curbside Hold Pickup, done … Continue reading “Easy To Use Curbside Hold Pickup Software: Curbside Communicator”
When the Budget is Tight, Unique can Help
Let’s face it; there is no city, county, or organization that is immune to the challenges and budget issues caused by the current worldwide economic downturn. This is especially true for libraries. So, how do libraries justify allocating budget dollars for Unique Management Services’ (UMS) material recovery service when budgets are tight? Stated simply, because … Continue reading “When the Budget is Tight, Unique can Help”
Material Recovery Post COVID Best Practices
New Normal for Material Recovery Post COVID? “New Normal” is our phrase of the day when thinking about material recovery post COVID. We’re sorting it out as we go, almost one day at a time. Nothing will be exactly as it was. Nor is it expected to be. Right? And how libraries “reshape” their service … Continue reading “Material Recovery Post COVID Best Practices”
Self-service, Full-Service, or Hybrid – Which UniqueChat Option is Best For Your Library?
UniqueChat, a live web chat software designed with the needs of libraries in mind, has three options that provide real-time assistance for patrons by translating over 100 languages, are easy to set-up, user-friendly, provides detailed analytics, and will look great on your website with multiple design and branding options. Ready for UniqueChat, but Unsure About … Continue reading “Self-service, Full-Service, or Hybrid – Which UniqueChat Option is Best For Your Library?”
UniqueChat is Tailored Specifically for Libraries
UniqueChat As we’re all navigating our way through the COVID-19 emergency, now more than ever, your website may wind up being your busiest branch. As patrons around the country adhere to stay-at-home orders and abide by social distancing guidelines, but still need the vital services offered by their local libraries, a live web chat is … Continue reading “UniqueChat is Tailored Specifically for Libraries”
Virtual Solutions for Public Libraries
Libraries are quickly adjusting to the new reality of serving patrons virtually. Suddenly adapting to a virtual branch without the help of an in-person librarian may be difficult for patrons during an already difficult time. Email forms are simple for staff to reply to but don’t come close to replacing a human conversation. This leads … Continue reading “Virtual Solutions for Public Libraries”
Designing a Live Chat Widget
An important part of adding live chat to your library’s website is choosing a live chat box widget. When designing a widget, you want to make sure that it matches your library’s branding, the look and feel of your website, and is also easy to use. With Live Chat from Unique, the options for a … Continue reading “Designing a Live Chat Widget”
How Toledo Lucas County Public Library Maintained Continuity of Service with Unique’s Patron Contact Center
Building projects can pose significant operational challenges for public libraries. When faced with the daunting, but welcome task of a year-long closure of a main or central library to provide a much needed, full renovation, there are many decisions to consider. For the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, one of those was “how are we … Continue reading “How Toledo Lucas County Public Library Maintained Continuity of Service with Unique’s Patron Contact Center”
Don’t be shy about protecting PII
Over the past 20 years, Unique has grown from a company devoted solely providing Gentle Nudge® recovery services to a company now offering a wide array of communication and engagement tools for libraries worldwide. Regardless of the service(s) used, whether it be our Gentle Nudge® Recovery, National Change of Address, Print/SMS/Phone Notifications, Inbound Call/Chat or … Continue reading “Don’t be shy about protecting PII”
Making The Transition to A Fines Free Environment?
Many libraries are currently considering the adoption of fines-free policies as a way to increase the rate of return of overdue materials. Are you ready to be a fine-free library? Indeed, adjusting fine structure or creating a fines-free policy, may be an effective strategy for getting books back on shelves. More materials returned. Patrons restored … Continue reading “Making The Transition to A Fines Free Environment?”