4 Ways Text Messaging Can Improve Your Patron Communications

A recent Pew study revealed that 80 percent of American cell phone owners use text messaging as a means of communication, sending or receiving an average of 41.5 text messages per day. For the 18-24 age group, 97 percent of cell phone owners text, sending or receiving an average of 109.5 texts per day. One […]

Ideas for Improving Patron Service at Your Library, Regardless of Your Department

Self-Checkout Machines Improving patron service doesn’t always mean providing the human touch; in fact sometimes it can mean giving the patron the option to forgo the human touch. One example of this is self-checkout machines. There are many reasons why a patron might prefer to use a self-checkout machine. They may be in a real […]

5 Reasons You Should Have Ask-a-Librarian on Every Page of Your Website

To get the most value out of your library’s services and provide patrons with the highest level of service, it is important to make it as easy as possible for your patrons to connect with those services The best way to connect patrons with your Ask-a-Librarian service is to have Ask-a-Librarian tabs, links or buttons […]

Library News: Libraries look beyond the shelves, Why Libraries Are More Relevant Than Ever Before, New York Libraries 24 Hour Read In

Albertsons Library at Boise State gets some great publicity from the campus newspaper. The story talks about the various services the library provides that aid students in their research needs, and save them valuable time. The piece details how to get research assistance both in the library, and through the text and mobile options. Library […]

How to Create a Great FAQ Page for Your Library

A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page can be a useful tool that patrons, and even library staff, can refer to to get helpful answers to frequent questions. However, FAQs can often become outdated, and lackluster FAQs will give a poor impression of your library and its customer service. A well thought out and maintained FAQ […]

Library News Update: Libraries unite to increase size of catalog, Helping Seniors Learn New Technology, Library Appreciates Support – Offers Free Alerts

The Library of Congress has a wide array of historical collections. The latest to be digitized and made available to the public for viewing is a set of 400 early Twentieth Century panoramic postcards. The postcard collection took 4 years to digitize and represents 39 states. They can be viewed online. Additionally the Library of […]

Library NewsByte: The library is home to not only books, Library launches free mobile app, Vending machines latest library offering from Northland

Maureen Sullivan, President of the ALA, writes on the Huffington Post about the new Pew study showing that the vast majority of parents place a high value libraries. She discusses what libraries have to offer children and parents, from tangible resources to intangible experiences, such as instilling a love of reading and providing a safe […]

Virtual Reference – When to Collaborate

The spirit of sharing and cooperation is perfectly at home in the Library world. The most traditional form of collaboration is Interlibrary Loan, but libraries have also found some more unique ways to collaborate, including through shared virtual reference services. There are several things to keep in mind when establishing collaboration on virtual reference service. […]

Walking in Your Patron’s Shoes: A few exercises can improve your levels of service and empathy

Is your library open to input/changes   Does your library make it easy for patrons to provide input and suggestions from their perspective?  Comment boxes located strategically throughout your building can convey your openness to receiving input from patrons. It’s one thing for your patrons to comment on what they feel would be improvements or needed […]

Library News: America’s First Virtual Library Opens at Suburban Station, British Library sets out to archive the Web, Reach out and learn at the Library

America’s First Virtual Library Opens at Suburban Station Read More County library eBook use grows, new technology expected Read More Shelf Life: Library on board for digital literacy Read More Reach out and learn at the Library Read More British Library sets out to archive the Web Read More Technology hub helps Columbus library connect […]