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?”
Material Matters: Great To Be Back!
From Lyle Stucki, co-owner of Unique Management Services: Hello everyone! It’s my great pleasure to introduce the first issue of our new and improved newsletter: Material Matters! And the timing couldn’t be better. This year, Unique celebrates 25 wonderful years of service to public libraries—across the globe!—-having Gently Nudged literally millions of long overdue patrons … Continue reading “Material Matters: Great To Be Back!”
Product Spotlight: MessageBee
Unique has been the preferred patron communication provider, both staffed and software service solutions, for public libraries for 25+ years with ~2000 library partners worldwide. Modern libraries, both public and academic, rely on modern communications. Many library systems rely on additional services for marketing driven emails, but transactional emails remain unchanged. Message BEE modernizes ILS … Continue reading “Product Spotlight: MessageBee”
Centralized Customer Service @ MidPointe Library
Unique Helps Solve Customer Service Challenges With five branches, and an annual circulation of 2.3 million items, the administration at MidPointe Library System in central Ohio needed to find a solution to deliver excellent service across the system. Doing this while adhering to a tight budget compelled them to consider new efficient modes of operation. … Continue reading “Centralized Customer Service @ MidPointe Library”
10 Reasons for Unique Library Material Recovery
Why should your library use Unique Management Services’ material recovery service instead of a traditional collection agency? Here are 10 reasons why Unique’s material recovery service is better than traditional collection agencies. Unique’s entire service is crafted to meet the special needs of libraries. Traditional agencies treat libraries (and patrons) like all other non-library clients. … Continue reading “10 Reasons for Unique Library Material Recovery”
Something Special for Online Patrons
You know those special patrons everyone knows by name? The regulars who come to the library for materials and resources, yes, but also for the human interaction? Every library has them. The desire to feel valued and attended to isn’t limited to your library’s “regulars.” ALL patrons – all people – are like that in … Continue reading “Something Special for Online Patrons”