Unique Showcase Section Has Launched!
We’re excited to announce that we have launched a new Showcase section on Uniquelibrary.com to highlight some of our fantastic clients around the country that we partner with to showcase what they’re doing for their patrons, and how they are impacting their communities. This new section of our website will be updated regularly, so keep … Continue reading “Unique Showcase Section Has Launched!”
Expanding Digital Access with CARES
With the signing of the recent CARES act that includes library services, Unique has seen a surge in interest about how our tools and services expand digital access and provide technical support services. Here is a quick menu of how Unique serves libraries to help meet their digital access and technical support service needs. Expanding … Continue reading “Expanding Digital Access with CARES”
Patron Phone Calls: The 8 Most Common
In Unique’s 10+ years of answering patron phone calls, we’ve identified the trends of why patrons are reaching out to contact their local library. While the answers will vary from library to library, the questions remain the same. These eight categories encompass 80% of patron phone calls. Patron Phone Calls: The 8 Most Common Circulation … Continue reading “Patron Phone Calls: The 8 Most Common”
Time to Reopen? Support for Libraries in Need
Time to Reopen? Patrons are hungry about reengaging with library services as soon and as safely as possible. With the prolonged pandemic, we are seeing staffing upended at libraries through a combination of unfilled retirements, furloughs, and layoffs. Budgets are tight at a time when it’s a time to reinvent and redeliver library service. Combine that with the ever-expanding reach of how libraries serve their … Continue reading “Time to Reopen? Support for Libraries in Need”
Live Chat Software – Staffing and Designing for Real Patron Needs
Who’s Staffing Your Live Chat Software? What type of service is live chat for your digital branch, and how do you decide who is going to be staffing your live chat software? Knowing what type of questions patrons will be asked is important to know who those questions should be directed toward. When we talk … Continue reading “Live Chat Software – Staffing and Designing for Real Patron Needs”
Blocked Patron Reengagement
Blocked Patrons? Now What? The slippery slope When a patron fails to return an item or a few, you’ll send overdues, reminders, and then finally a bill. What happens then? If you are not partnering with Unique for Material Recovery, likely nothing happens with those patrons and a once valuable library patron is totally disconnected … Continue reading “Blocked Patron Reengagement”
KCPL Showcase Introduction
Introduction to the KCPL Showcase Curbside Communicator has helped ease the process for patrons and staff at hundreds of library locations since the service launches in 2020. In our library showcase for Kansas City Public Library, we focus on the usage at the Plaza Branch. The reduction in patron phone calls has allowed staff to … Continue reading “KCPL Showcase Introduction”
E-Media Support From Unique
Assisting patrons with your digital resources when virtual support is the only option can be a challenge for many teams. We have found that there are four steps to successfully providing e-media support for patrons and these principles don’t only apply to remote support, but onsite support as well. Recognize and Organize Your Resources In … Continue reading “E-Media Support From Unique”
Email Service: The Unique Way
Our clients have found that most of their patrons prefer email over other standard methods, for example, phone calls, SMS & MMS messages and direct mail. Nationally, 62% of email service users prefer email as their main source of contact with a brand. Library patrons have the same preference. With this being the case, … Continue reading “Email Service: The Unique Way”
Maintaining an Accurate Patron Database
Maintaining an Accurate Patron Database How long are your library cards good for? Most libraries assume a patron will live at the same address for three years and use this as their default card expiration. Suddenly a patron goes to check out an item and must refresh their card assuming they are in the library. … Continue reading “Maintaining an Accurate Patron Database”