Staff Spotlight: Erik Surber
Graduating with an MLS from the University of Iowa in 1995, Erik began his library career over three decades ago as a college librarian in Tennessee, and he built upon that in various roles in libraries big and small – in California, Arizona, and Iowa. Erik started his position at Unique as Director of Library … Continue reading “Staff Spotlight: Erik Surber”
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”
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”
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!”