Library Thought Leaders Q&A: Mary-Carol Lindbloom (Executive Director South Central Regional Library Council)

Today’s library thought leader is Mary-Carol Lindbloom, the Executive Director for the South Central Regional Library Council in New York state. When did you get started in reference, and more specifically virtual reference? In the summer of 1999, when a group of us, including Tom Peters, Lori Bell, and Ginny McCoy, met in person at […]

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 […]

Library News Update: 3D Printing Arrives at the Library, a brief history of the Bookmobile, and more

Libraries are often on the forefront of technology. The Chicago Public Library brings new meaning to that trend with its new CPL Innovation Lab. The Innovation Lab is free to the public and features three 3D printers, 3D printing software and various related tools. The CPL is also offering workshops to introduce patrons to the […]

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 However, FAQs can often become outdated, and lackluster FAQs will give a poor impression of your library and its customer service.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 […]

25 Great Text Messaging Acronyms You May or May Not Need to Know for Your Text-a-Librarian Service

Do you speak text? Your patrons speak many languages, and you can’t learn them all. But one thing you can do to improve service to your patrons is familiarize yourself with some of the more common terms and phrases in their languages of preference. If your patron is text-savvy enough to be texting his or […]

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 […]

Library News: Digital public library with vast archive opens, ‘Libraries’ come in all shapes and sizes these days, US Presidential Libraries Contribute to Research, Education

Library director hope smart phone app will help slow declining circulation Read More Sacramento library adds 3-D copier to its bag of tricks Read More Digital public library with vast archive opens Read More Library Usage Increases Read More Holyoke to promote child literacy by creating ‘mini-libraries’ at police substations, stocking cruisers with books Read […]

Library News: Vast ‘Digital Public Library Of America’ Opens Today, Library System committed to humanities-based services, Libraries offer ‘Food for Fines’ amnesty

Book News: Vast ‘Digital Public Library Of America’ Opens Today Read More The Rosenbach Library and Museum Merges With Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation Read More Sneak peek: GVSU offers first glimpse of its new $65 million library Read More Free to read library kiosk arrives in Heidelberg Read More Music, book downloads free at […]

Library News: E-books on Loan, Libraries will collect “Food for Fines”, Tips for a Stress-Free Library Experience

Rochester Library Can Now Text You When Your Favorite Author’s Latest Book Hits Shelves Read More Libraries’ literacy program helps meet families’ needs Read More E-books on loan from Frackville, Orwigsburg libraries Read More Public libraries evolving with technology Read More Take your libraries seriously Read More Libraries across the world Read More Libraries will […]

Library News: Libraries See Opening as Bookstores Close, E-readers on the rise, SF Library: No Bedbug Risk From Books

Libraries See Opening as Bookstores Close Read More More Relevant Than Ever Read More At libraries, children find delight in reading to dogs Read More Libraries to get cheaper, faster book loan service Read More Kalamazoo Little Free Libraries promote literacy and community Read More E-readers on the rise, e-books checked out frequently at libraries […]