Your Patrons Are Waiting. Did the Text Message Actually Get There?
Picture this: A patron has been waiting weeks for a popular title, and the hold finally becomes available. The library sends a text notification and places the item on the hold shelf, just as it has done thousands of times before. There’s only one problem: the patron never receives the text. A few days later, … Continue reading “Your Patrons Are Waiting. Did the Text Message Actually Get There?”
Patron Re-Engagement: How Libraries Bring Users Back
Libraries put a great deal of work into attracting new patrons. They promote library cards, plan community events, and introduce people to valuable services. Sometimes not a lot of effort is given to patron re-engagement for existing library users. Yet one of the best opportunities for growth may already exist in the patron database. Many … Continue reading “Patron Re-Engagement: How Libraries Bring Users Back”
Become Part of a Patron’s Routine: Building Habitual Library Users
Strong library patron engagement rarely happens because of a single visit. It develops over time through meaningful experiences, ongoing communication, and consistent awareness of the services libraries provide. The libraries that create habitual library users are often the ones that stay connected to patrons long after they leave the building. Libraries often focus on attracting … Continue reading “Become Part of a Patron’s Routine: Building Habitual Library Users”
Card Registration Tools: Where they Fall Short
In last month’s patron registration webinar survey, we asked attendees three simple questions: Does your library offer self-service library card registration? If yes, does your system offer real-time address verification? How many phone calls per week does your library receive regarding library card renewals? The results revealed a significant gap between offering online registration and … Continue reading “Card Registration Tools: Where they Fall Short”
Unique Announces New Library Service Launches for Q2
Over a dozen libraries have launched MessageBee, Automated Borrower Renewal (uRenew), Verified Borrower Registration (uRegister), and Patron Services in the second quarter of 2026 Verified Borrower Registration Elk Grove Village Public Library in Elk Grove Village, Illinois launched Automated Borrower Registration. This service allows patrons to register for library cards online, streamlining the process while … Continue reading “Unique Announces New Library Service Launches for Q2”
Is your library paying attention to the entire patron life cycle, or just parts of it?
Is your library paying attention to the entire patron life cycle, or just parts of it? Libraries spend significant time and resources on patrons. But where does that attention go? What happens if libraries ignore parts of the patron cycle? The patron experience does not begin and end with a library card. It is shaped … Continue reading “Is your library paying attention to the entire patron life cycle, or just parts of it?”
Introducing Two-Factor Authentication for MessageBee Security
Stronger security. Same seamless communication. MessageBee’s mission has always been clear: help libraries connect with patrons in the most reliable, flexible, and effective way possible across phone, email, and SMS. As communication evolves, so do expectations around security. That is why we are introducing optional Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for registered users, a powerful new layer … Continue reading “Introducing Two-Factor Authentication for MessageBee Security”
Smart Ways Libraries Are Using MessageBee for Targeted SMS and Email Engagement
When libraries say “We have an outreach problem,” they usually have an engagement problem. The programs are there. The services are there. The interest is often there. What makes the difference is whether the right people actually engage with the message at the moment it matters. That’s where MessageBee from Unique Library comes into play. … Continue reading “Smart Ways Libraries Are Using MessageBee for Targeted SMS and Email Engagement”
Every Message, Every Patron, One Place
Library communication can be complicated. Between email newsletters, SMS alerts, voice notifications, and reporting, staff often spend more time learning and switching between systems than actually connecting with a patron. MessageBee solves that by putting everything in one place. Alerts, marketing campaigns, and reporting all live in a single platform, synced with your ILS. Staff … Continue reading “Every Message, Every Patron, One Place”
Why Your Library Needs a Privacy Policy for SMS Messaging
As part of recent changes in SMS and text messaging regulations, we have observed that several libraries want to send text messages but are unable to do so due to the lack of a privacy policy. Without a comprehensive privacy policy, applications for text messaging services may be denied by carriers. To prevent delays and … Continue reading “Why Your Library Needs a Privacy Policy for SMS Messaging”
