Fines Free, is it Right for Your Library?
Key Points Worth Considering when Exploring the Switch to Fines Free: Staff Friendly– Fines Free with Unique means fewer transactions that reduce time staff spends with each customer and expedites lines at the circulation desk. Unique’s automated process streamlines the process when accounts are overdue. This means increased efficiency and more flexibility. Staff can be … Continue reading “Fines Free, is it Right for Your Library?”
Full Channel Notifications from Unique
Full Channel Notifications Each patron has Unique preferences for how they want to be notified of hold notifications, overdue books, bills, newsletters, and any other communication from the library. Depending on the type of notice, patrons may have multiple communication preferences. Having flexibility to meet your patron expectations ensures they are going to utilize your … Continue reading “Full Channel Notifications from Unique”
Message BEE Reporting
Message BEE, Reporting for Duty Did you know Message BEE has reporting that both Marketing/Communications and Circulation Departments will be interested in? Circulation: When was the last time you heard “I didn’t receive it!” for a notification. With Message BEE, there’s no more guessing. In the Message BEE portal, click “Detailed Search” and search for the patron’s … Continue reading “Message BEE Reporting”
Fines Free and Recovering Material – Not Mutually Exclusive
“Why am I receiving a bill? I’m not supposed to have fines.” Heard this before? Maybe your library is already a fines free library or you are considering changing your policies. A serious concern by many in your circulation department is the return of materials by patrons without alienating them in the process. Unique works with the majority of fines free libraries and over 1800+ library systems worldwide to ensure … Continue reading “Fines Free and Recovering Material – Not Mutually Exclusive”
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”
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”